Field Problem: Flag Etiquette

Dear, Field Problems:

Something I wanted to address and have you answer for me is “flag etiquette.” I see so many times that our citizens are flying our flag. As proud as I am to see this, I see them tattered and torn, flown at all times and in all types of weather. Are there any rules on how to properly care for them or restrictions on their use? If there is, I thought this would be great advice to share around Flag Day or Independence Day to your readers.

Judy; parent of a service member

Dear, Judy:

What a great question! We, too, are very proud to see our flag being flown so prevalently. It is a time for patriotism. As a military spouse, I am thrilled to see pride in our country. Everywhere you turn you see bumper stickers, yellow ribbons, and most importantly the U.S. Flag. We know what you are referring to when you say they are flown at all times, in all types or weather, or so damaged you wonder if they have gotten any attention lately.

The “etiquette” relating to the flag of the United States of America is found in detail in the United States Code. It’s often called Flag Code. You can find more about it here.

Title 4, Chapter 1 pertains to the flag; Title 18, Chapter 33, Section 700 regards criminal penalties for flag desecration; Title 36, Chapter 3 pertains to patriotic customs and observances. These laws were supplemented by executive orders and presidential proclamations. These orders govern the proper use, display, care, and many other issues regarding the flag.

There are no penalties for improper use or display of the flag. The Flag Code is intended as a guide to be followed on a purely voluntary basis to ensure proper respect for the flag. However, especially in times of showing patriotism, one might want to know the code in order to not violate it in their display of their pride.

There is an extensive list of flag etiquette, but most doesn’tt apply to the average citizen’s every day use of the flag. Below you’ll find some reminders and tips to use for your flag presentation and recognition.

• When saying the Pledge of Allegiance, individuals should stand at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart. Civilian men should remove any non-religious headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart. Persons in uniform should remain silent, face the flag, and render the military salute. Veterans, not in uniform, may render the military salute as well.
• It is the universal custom to display the flag only from sunrise to sunset on buildings and on stationary flagstaffs in the open. However, when a patriotic effect is desired, the flag may be displayed 24 hours a day if properly illuminated during the hours of darkness.
• The flag should not be displayed during inclement weather, except when an all-weather flag is displayed.
• When displaying your flag from your car, the staff shall be fixed firmly to the chassis or clamped to the right fender.
• When a flag is hung in a window, place the blue union in the upper left, as viewed from the street.
• No disrespect should be shown to the flag of the United States of America; the flag should not be dipped to any person or thing. Regimental colors, state flags, and organization or institutional flags are to be dipped as a mark of honor.

Unfortunately, it is very common to find flag respect violations. Below are a few gentle reminders.

• The flag should never touch anything beneath it, such as the ground, the floor, water, or merchandise.
• The flag should never be used as wearing apparel, bedding, or drapery. It should never be festooned, drawn back, nor up, in folds, but always allowed to fall freely. Bunting of blue, white, and red—always arranged with the blue above, the white in the middle, and the red below—should be used for covering a speaker’s desk, draping the front of the platform, and for decoration in general.
• The flag should never have any mark, insignia, letter, word, figure, design, picture, or drawing of any nature attached to it.

Most flags sold today are all-weather flags (refer to the packaging). These are permitted to fly during inclement weather, according to the Flag Code.

Care of your flag is also important. If the flag is dirty, you should clean it by hand with a mild soap solution and dry it well before returning it to use. If a flag is torn, it can be repaired, preferably by a professional or someone skilled in mending. If it is faded or tattered beyond repair, or dirty beyond cleaning, then it is time to replace the flag. The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning. Contact the local VFW or Boy Scouts of America for options.

To see the complete flag code, go here.