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| What Is Flag Etiquette | The Flag Code | Respect for the Flag |
Nothing
evokes such strong emotion as seeing the flag, either a ceremony honoring a
great event or draped over a coffin as a sign of mourning for a hero or a loved
one.
Its
unfurled banner, which symbolizes the love and pride that we have as a nation,
is a poignant reminder of America’s greatness and our fortune to live in a
country which values freedom above all else.
It signifies the commitment made by our fallen comrades who battled
bravely to defend the honor of this sacred emblem - our American unity, our
power, and our purpose as a nation, and it exemplifies the devotion of our
leaders who continue to uphold its promise of liberty, justice and freedom for
all.
Our
nation reveres the flag, not out of a sense of unquestioning worship but out of
a deep sense of our national heritage. Strengthened
by our noble deeds, splendid accomplishments, and untold sacrifices, the flag
reflects America’s pledge to uphold democracy and work for peace throughout
the world. It is America’s
strength in honor, as dignified in the stars and stripes of the flag, which
helps to establish the moral character of our national foundation.
The
flag, endearingly referred to as “Old Glory,” represents all people of
America. We, the people, are
America. It is little wonder that
the people of America are moved when saluting the flag as it passes by,
reminding us that we are a part of this great land.
We are “one nation under God.”
We all
know what the flag of the United States is, but what is etiquette?
The
Webster’s New World Dictionary defines etiquette as, 1) the forms, manners,
and ceremonies established by convention as acceptable or required in social
relations, in a profession, or in official life 2) the rules for such forms, manners, and ceremonies - SYN.
DECORUM.
A part
of flag etiquette is respect for the flag, which is guided by the “Flag
Code,” which is part of the U.S. Code.
Previous
to Flag Day, June 14, 1923 there was no federal or state regulations governing
display of the United States Flag. It
was on this date that the National Flag Code was adopted by the National Flag
Conference which was attended by representatives of the Army and Navy which had
evolved their own procedures, and some 66 other national groups.
This purpose of providing guidance based on the Army and Navy procedures
relating to display and associated questions about the U. S. Flag was adopted by
all organizations in attendance.
A few
minor changes were made a year later during the Flag Day 1924 Conference.
It was not until June 22, 1942 that Congress passed a joint resolution
which was amended on December 22, 1942 to become Public Law 829; Chapter 806,
77th Congress, 2nd session. Exact
rules for use and display of the flag (36 U.S.C. 173-178) as well as associated
sections (36 U.S.C. 171) Conduct during Playing of the National Anthem,
(36 U.S.C. 172) the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, and Manner
of Delivery were included.
This
code is the guide for all handling and display of the Stars and Stripes.
It does not impose penalties for misuse of the United States Flag.
That is left to the states and to the federal government for the District
of Columbia. Each state has its own
flag law.
Criminal
penalties for certain acts of desecration to the flag were contained in Title 18
of the United States Code prior to 1989. The
Supreme Court decision in Texas v. Johnson; June 21, 1989, held the statute
unconstitutional. This statute was
amended when the Flag Protection Act of 1989 (Oct. 28, 1989) imposed a fine
and/or up to 1 year in prison for knowingly mutilating, defacing, physically
defiling, maintaining on the floor or trampling upon any flag of the United
States. The Flag Protection Act of
1989 was struck down by the Supreme Court decision, United States vs. Eichman,
decided on June 11, 1990.
While
the Code empowers the President of the United States to alter, modify, repeal or
prescribe additional rules regarding the Flag, no federal agency has the
authority to issue “official” rulings legally binding on civilians or
civilian groups. Consequently,
different interpretations of various provisions of the Code may continue to be
made. The Flag Code may be fairly
tested: “No disrespect should be shown to the Flag of the United States of
America.” Therefore, actions not
specifically included in the Code may be deemed acceptable as long as proper
respect is shown.
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.
(a)
The flag should never be displayed with the union down, except as a signal of
dire distress in instances of extreme danger to life or property.
(b)
The flag should never touch anything beneath it, such as the ground, the floor,
water, or merchandise.
(c)
The flag should never be carried flat or horizontally, but always aloft and
free.
(d)
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 free. 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.
(e)
The flag should never be fastened, displayed, used, or stored in such a manner
as to permit it to be easily torn, soiled or damaged in any way.
(f)
The flag should never be used as a covering for a ceiling.
(g)
The flag should never have placed upon it, nor on any part of it, nor attached
to it any mark, insignia, letter, word, figure, design, picture, or drawing of
any nature.
(h)
The flag should never be used as a receptacle for receiving, holding, carrying,
or delivering anything.
(i)
The flag should never be used for advertising purposes in any manner whatsoever.
It should not be embroidered on such articles as cushions or
handkerchiefs and the like, printed or otherwise impressed on paper napkins or
boxes or anything that is designed for temporary use and discard.
Advertising signs should not be fastened to a staff or halyard from which
the flag is flown.
(j) No
part of the flag should ever be used as a costume or athletic uniform.
However a flag patch may be affixed to the uniform of military personnel,
firemen, policemen, and members of patriotic organizations.
The flag represents a living country and is itself considered a living
thing. Therefore, the lapel flag
pin being a replica, should be worn on the left lapel near the heart.
(k)
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.