It is the universal custom to display the american flag only from sunrise to sunset on buildings and on stationary flagstaffs in the open. The flag should be hoisted briskly and lowered cautiously. Most american legion posts regularly conduct a dignified flag burning ceremony, often on flag. Display the flag in bad weather, except using an allweather flag. The official special olympics sports rules for flag football shall govern all special olympics competitions. How to properly display the american flag event resources. Standing at attention and facing the flag with their right hand over the heart, they recite. Although the code is violated in many different ways each day, what matters most is the intent behind the use of the flag. The american flag code is a guideline for proper flag etiquette. 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 speakers desk, draping the front of. Whether youre looking for the historic details of how the u.
The flag of the united states should be at the center and at the highest point when grouped together. The size of the american flag, commonwealth flag and military flag to be. There are certain rules that pertain to flying the united states flag. The team with the most points at the end of regulation time is the winner.
Displaying the flag with other flags on american soil. The us flag should be at a point midway on the pole and the state flag should fly beneath it. No part of the flag should ever be used as a costume or athletic uniform. It should never be festooned, drawn back, nor up, in folds, but always allowed to fall free. A team may make multiple forvyard passes behind the neutral zone. According to the united states flag code, an american flag upside down means a sign of distress or great danger. The american flag is displayed even above church flags. Ever wonder how to properly care for a united states flag. Federal law relating to display and associated questions congressional research service 1 background public concern and confusion regarding the proper respect shown to the united states flag has given rise to many questions on the law relating to the flags handling, display, and use.
Rules for flying the american flag fall under several categories. This is so that the us flag is the first one seen by the audience, since americans view read left to right. The united states flag code establishes advisory rules for display and care of the national flag of the united states of america. In a procession, the american flag should be to the right the flag s own right of any other flag or, if in a line of other flags, in front of the center of that line. When displayed or carried in a procession with other flags, the flag should be positioned to its own right. But pair it with the american flag, and a few different rules must take effect. Public law 94344, known as the federal flag code, contains rules for handling and displaying the u. American flag facts, etiquette and history youtube. When a flag is so worn it is no longer fit to serve as a symbol of our country, it should be destroyed by burning in a dignified manner. Here is a list of rules and guidelines for displaying the american flag and treating it. Flag code formalizes and unifies the traditional ways in which we give respect to the flag, also contains specific instructions on how the flag is not to be used. The educational resource handbook the american flag. The american flag should be flown at halfstaff until noon on memorial day and by presidential or governor order only.
An association may adopt rules and regulations regarding the location, size and use of a flagpole but cannot prohibit the use of wall brackets to display the american flag, commonwealth flag and military flag. The flag represents a living country and is itself considered a living thing. The flag, when flown at halfstaff, should be first hoisted to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the halfstaff position. No such flag or pennant may be placed above the flag of the united states or to the right of the united states flag. Oct 01, 2019 flagpole guidelines regarding the height of a flagpole appropriate for various sized flags. It should not be flown lower than another flag nor should it be smaller than another flag. There are very specific rules guiding the proper american flag etiquette. Jul 03, 2014 ever wonder how to properly care for a united states flag.
Flag football is played with two teams of 5 8 players who attempt to score points by moving the ball down the field across the goal line. Since 1984, approximately th4,000 3rd, 4th and 5 graders from public, private and homestudy schools in baltimore city and the surrounding counties have formed a living american flag at fort mchenry, and elementary schools sites. Jul 01, 2019 there are very specific rules guiding the proper american flag etiquette. Contact your local american legion hall and inquire about the availability of this service. No other flag should ever be flown above the american flag. The flag code includes instruction and rules on such topics as the pledge of allegiance, display and use. The american flag must always be displayed in a position of prominence. Raise the flag to the peak momentarily and then lower it to halfstaff. Shoulder pads, helmets, and hip pads are not legal equipment. Displaying the flag outdoors when the flag is displayed from a staff projecting from a window, balcony, or a building, the union should be. Listed below are the flag etiquette rules, guidelines. American forces in the battle of lake erie in september of 18, the flag that withstood enemy bombardment at fort mchenry, maryland on september and 14, 1814, inspiring francis scott key to write the starspangled banner, and it was flown by general andrew jackson at the battle for new. On a stage, the american flag should be placed to the speakers right and all other flags placed to the left. The following codification of existing rules and customs pertaining to the display and use of the flag of the united states of america is established for the.
Folded edge is then folded over to meet the open edge. Powmia appears above the silhouette and the words you are not forgotten appear below in white on the black field. While the federal code contains no penalties for misusing the flag, states have their own flag codes and may impose penalties. A triangular fold is then started by bringing the striped corner of the folded edge to the open edge. It even describes in great detail how to retire an american flag respectfully. The playing field is a rectangle usually around 6080 yards long and 2030 yards. Flag how to display the powmia flag of the national league of families the powmia flag features a silhouette of a pow before a guard tower and barbed wire in white on a black field. The flag of the united states of america is a symbol of freedom and liberty to which americans pledge their allegiance. Flag manual the starspangled banner the national anthem of the united states by act of congress, march 3, 1931 oh, say, can you see, by. Member clubs of the league may amend the rules from time to time, pursuant to the applicable voting procedures of the nfl constitution and bylaws. The flag of the united states of america is a symbol of. The following codification of existing rules and customs pertaining to the display and use of the flag of the united states of america is established for the use of such civilians or civilian groups or organizations as may not be required to conform with regulations promulgated by one or more executive departments of the government of the. Rules for the american flag that you should always follow.
As adopted by the national flag conference, washington, d. Jun 14, 2018 in 1923, a group of organizations headed by the american legion outlined the national flag code as a set of rules on how to correctly display the flag, which were then turned into law during world. Outer point is then turned inward parallel with the open edge to form a second triangle. It is to be flown from the flag pole with proper respect and honor following the rules and regulations set by the u. However, a flag patch may be affixed to the uniform of military personnel, firemen, policemen, and members of patriotic organizations. When in uniform, a cadet reporting to an officer in his office, will make his presence at the door. Official etiquette for the use and display of the american flag was first set down by the national flag code, which was adopted june 14, 1923. These principles of good flag design distill the wisdom of many people. The language of the federal code makes clear that the flag is a living symbol. Federal law relating to display and associated questions congressional research service 1 background public concern and confusion regarding the proper respect shown to the united states flag has given rise to many questions on the law relating to the flag s handling, display, and use. Good flag, bad flag how to design a great flag this guide was compiled by ted kaye, editor of raven, a journal of vexillology published annually by nava. The flag code, which formalizes and unifies the traditional ways in which we give respect to the flag, also contains specific instructions on how the flag is not to be used. Many of our readers ask about american flag etiquette and the u. The flag should never be dipped to any person or thing.
Show your national pride on memorial day by displaying the flag but be sure to consult the flag. Any rule or custom pertaining to the display of the flag of the united states of america, set forth herein, may be altered, modified, or repealed, or additional rules with respect thereto may be prescribed, by the commander in chief of the armed forces of the united states, whenever he deems it to be appropriate or desirable. When outdoors in uniform and when the american flag is being raised or lowered. Federal law relating to display and associated questions summary this report presents, verbatim, the unite d states flag code as found in title 4 of the united states code and the section of title 36 which designates the starspangled banner as the national anthem a nd provides instructions on how to display. Flag etiquette and rules how to display flags american. This edition of the official playing rules of the national football league contains all current rules governing the playing of professional football that are in effect for the 2019 nfl season. Prior to flag day, june 14, 1923, neither the federal government nor the states had official guidelines governing the display of the united states flag.
Flag manual the starspangled banner the national anthem of the united states by act of congress, march 3, 1931 oh, say, can you see, by the dawns early light, whose broad stripes and bright. The flag should never be used as wearing apparel, bedding, or drapery. When displaying the flag, it is important to remember to use the guidelines laid out by the u. To contemporary americans, the armistead familys treatment of the starspangled bannermarking up the stars and stripes with signatures, cutting off pieces to give away as souvenirsmight seem strange or inappropriate, even though it was customary at the time. Flag code has outlined proper flag etiquette on everything from when, where, and how you should fly an american flag. Shop online on your ipad or smartphone check online for more details about american flag etiquette.
The american flag code states the american flag should be lit when flown at night. Standards of respect parading and saluting the flag the salute. Flag etiquette and flagpole etiquette morgan francis. She is the stars and stripes, the star spangled banner, old. Crs5 the union of the flag should be placed at the peak of the staff unless the flag is at halfstaff. Guidelines for display of the flag public law 94344, known as the federal flag code, contains rules for handling and displaying the u. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the united states of america. American flag etiquette rules on displaying, folding. To show respect, be sure to follow flag etiquette and properly hang the american flag. Here is a list of rules and guidelines for displaying the american flag and treating it with proper respect. When and how to retire an american flag respectfully.
The united states flag code outlines proper flag etiquette for everything from properly folding a flag to flying a flag correctly. The flag is typically flown from sunrise to sundown. The flag code modification of rules and customs by president. North american vexillological association the flag experts of the united states and canada compiled by ted kaye good flag, bad flag how to design a great flag. When the us flag is at halfstaff, do other foreign flags fly at fullstaff. A flag should first be folded in half twice, widthwise, then folded into triangles, starting on the striped end. How to properly retire an american flag us flag etiquette. Flag rules and rituals national museum of american history.
On a stage, the american flag should be placed to the. When displayed from a staff projecting from a building, the union should be at the peak of the staff. It is chapter 1 of title 4 of the united states code 4 u. However, when a patriotic effect is desired, the flag may be displayed twentyfour hours a day if properly illuminated during the hours of darkness. The american flag has a long history, and the members of our organization have spent nearly as long defending and honoring our nations most iconic symbol of freedom. This educational handbook has been prepared by the american flag foundation, inc. Two veterans from babylon post 94 talk about their efforts to collect and dispose of flags that are no longer up to military standards. The flag should be cleaned and mended when necessary.
American forces in the battle of lake erie in september of 18, the flag that withstood enemy bombardment at fort mchenry, maryland on september and 14, 1814, inspiring francis scott key to write the starspangled banner, and it was flown by. Flag code, passed by congress in 1942, provides guidelines regarding american flag etiquette. Special olympics has created these rules based upon rules from a national flag football organization. Flag code illustrates and describes the correct way to display the american flag. The american flag, when it is displayed with another flag against a wall from crossed staffs, should be on the right, the flags own right, and its staff should be in front of the staff of the other flag. Players must wear two usffa approved same length flags attached to a belt at the waist. Basic flag football rules object playing area equipment. When the flag is susp ended over a sidewalk from a rope extending from a house to a pole at the edge of the sidewalk, the flag should be hoisted out, union first, from the building. Special olympics north america official flag football rules.
The flag of the united states shall have thirteen horizontal stripes, alternate red and white, and a union consisting of white stars on a field of blue. Do not allow the flag to touch the ground any time during the raising and lowering process. When displayed from a staff projecting horizontally from a windowsill, balcony, or building, the stars of the flag should be placed at the peak of the staff unless the flag is at halfstaff. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the united states of america, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under god.
Honor the flag how to properly display the american flag. The constitution was signed on september 17, 1787 by 40 men from 12 states in geographical order from the north to the south. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the united states of america, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under god, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. American flag etiquette rules on displaying, folding, and. Here, were looking at how to properly display, fold, and care for your american flag. Most american legion posts regularly conduct a dignified flag burning ceremony, often on flag day, june 14th. Flag retirement options how to properly dispose of a tattered american flag disposal locations displaying a flag outside for all to see, where it will experience different temperatures and everchanging weather, will result in a worn flag eventually even the best flags. Etiquette, rules, and guidelines regarding the display and care of the american flag, as advised by u. The united states flag is a symbol of our nation and its ideals. Display the flag with the union down, except in an emergency. If there are going to be other flags present besides the us flag, then they should be to the right of the us flag either at the podium or on the floor by the podium as viewed by the audience. When suspended from a rope extending from the building on a pole, the flag should be hoisted out, union first from the building. If a flag cannot be properly displayed in relation to the previous rule, then that flag should be grounded and removed from the pole or display.
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