The American flag is a symbol of freedom and pride for many, and it's important to know the rules and regulations that govern its daily flight. Whether you're looking for the historical details of how the United States flag was created or the rules and regulations that govern its daily flight, this comprehensive guide will provide you with all the information you need. When you wave flags of states, cities or localities, or corporate flags, on the same halyard as the flag of the United States, the latter must always be at the tip. When flags fly from adjacent batons, the United States flag must be raised first and lowered last.
Such a flag or pennant cannot be placed above the United States flag or to the right of the United States flag. The flags of other nations fly at the same height. On a street, the stars face north or east, depending on the direction of the street. When displayed next to a speaker platform, it must be above and behind the speaker. If it is mounted on a cane, it is to the right of the speaker. When it comes to saluting and decorating with flags, there are certain rules that must be followed.
All people present in uniform must give the military salute. Members of the armed forces and veterans who are present but are not wearing uniforms can give the military salute. All other people present should face the flag and remain fixed with their right hand over their heart or, if appropriate, take off their headdress with their right hand and hold it on their left shoulder, with their hand over their heart. It is important to remember that flags should never be used as decorations. The colors should always be blue on top, then white and then red.
The flag should never touch the ground and should never be waved upside down unless there is an emergency. It should also never be worn flat or used as clothing or as a cover. It should also not be stored where it could get dirty or fastened or tied back. According to paragraph (a) of Section 2 of the Federal Flag Code, it is universal custom to display the flag only from dawn to dusk in buildings and on fixed outdoor poles. However, if a patriotic effect is desired, the flag can be displayed around the clock if it is properly illuminated during hours of darkness. On special days, such as Memorial Day, flags can fly at half mast until noon and then rise again.
When folding a flag for storage, begin by folding in half lengthwise with stripes facing up. The striped lower section should then be folded over the blue field. The folded edge should then be folded to match up with open edge before beginning a triangular fold that brings striped corner from folded edge to open edge. The outer point should then be rotated inwardly in parallel with open edge to form second triangle before continuing triangular folding until entire length of flag is folded into triangular shape with only blue field visible. Public Law 94-344, known as Federal Flag Code, contains rules for handling and display in United States while federal code does not contain penalties for misuse of flag, states have their own flag codes and can impose sanctions.
