Federal law
stipulates many aspects of flag etiquette. The section of law
dealing with American Flag etiquette is
generally referred to as the Flag Code. Some general guidelines
from the Flag Code answer many of the most common questions:
* The flag should be lighted at all times, either by sunlight or
by an appropriate light source.
* The flag should be flown in fair weather, unless the flag is
designed for inclement weather use.
* The flag should never be dipped to any person or thing. It is
flown upside down only as a distress signal.
* The flag should not be used for any decoration in general.
Bunting of blue, white and red stripes is available for these
purposes. The blue stripe of the bunting should be on the top.
* The flag should never be used for any advertising purpose. It should
not be embroidered, printed or otherwise impressed on such articles as
cushions, handkerchiefs, napkins, boxes, or anything intended to be
discarded after temporary use. Advertising signs should not be attached
to the staff or halyard.
* The flag should not be used as part of a costume or athletic uniform,
except that a flag patch may be used on the uniform of military
personnel, fireman, policeman and members of patriotic organizations.
* The flag should never have any mark, insignia, letter, word, number,
figure, or drawing of any kind placed on it, or attached to it.
* The flag should never be used for receiving, holding, carrying, or
delivering anything.
* When the flag is lowered, no part of it should touch the ground or any
other object; it should be received by waiting hands and arms. To store
the flag it should be folded neatly and ceremoniously.
* The flag should be cleaned and mended when necessary.
* 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.
