Isabella Carter
The addition of a gold fringe to the American flag has been the subject of much speculation and myth-making. The gold fringe is purely decorative and does not carry any legal implications, despite claims that it signifies the suspension of the U.S. Constitution or the imposition of martial law. The first recorded use of a gold-fringed flag was in 1835, and it became popular when the U.S. Army added it to the national flag in 1895. Today, gold-fringed flags are commonly used in ceremonies and displayed in offices, courtrooms, and government buildings to add a touch of formality and elegance.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| First recorded use | 1835 |
| Became popular | 1895, when the U.S. Army added it to the national flag |
| Use by civilians | Allowed |
| Use by veterans | Allowed |
| Use by private organizations | Allowed |
| Use by military branches | Allowed |
| Use on stationary flagpoles | Not customary |
| Use as burial flags | Not customary |
| Symbolism | None, purely decorative |
| Use in courts | Allowed |
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What You'll Learn
The gold fringe on the American flag is purely decorative
The gold fringe on the American flag is indeed purely decorative and does not carry any legal implications. The first recorded use of a gold-fringed flag was in 1835, but it wasn't until 1895 that the U.S. Army added the adornment to the national flag, making it popular. The gold fringe is often used on ceremonial flags in parades, churches, schools, government buildings, and other formal settings to enhance their dignified and elegant appearance. It is also customary to use gold-fringed flags indoors, as they add a distinguished touch to the surroundings.
The gold fringe has given rise to several myths over the years. One common misconception is that the gold fringe on the American flag signals martial law or maritime law. However, this is not true. Martial law refers to the temporary imposition of military control over normal civilian functions, while maritime law governs activities at sea under the Navy's jurisdiction. The use or non-use of fringe on a flag in a court has no connection to the jurisdiction of the court or martial law.
Another myth is that the gold fringe indicates the suspension of the U.S. Constitution and the loss of citizens' liberties. This claim has been widely circulated on social media platforms, such as Instagram, and has no basis in fact. The symbolic aspect of the flag lies in its colors and symbols, not in physical characteristics or additions like the gold fringe.
It is important to note that the Attorney General, in 1925, stated that the use of external fringe "cannot be said to constitute an unauthorized addition to the design prescribed by statute." This confirms that the gold fringe is an optional decorative element that does not alter the inherent meaning of the flag.
In conclusion, the gold fringe on the American flag serves no other purpose than to enhance the beauty and formality of the flag's display. It is a matter of personal preference and has no impact on the flag's symbolic value or the legal jurisdiction under which it is flown.
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The fringe doesn't violate the Flag Code
The addition of a gold fringe to the American flag is purely decorative and does not violate the Flag Code. The fringe is placed along the border and not on the flag's field, and therefore does not alter the flag's symbolism or break any Flag Code regulations. The Flag Code states that flags should not have any marks, insignia, letters, words, figures, designs, pictures, or drawings attached to them, and the gold fringe does not constitute any of these.
The use of gold fringe on the flag is considered an honorable enrichment, adding to the beauty of the ensign. It is commonly used on ceremonial flags in parades, churches, schools, and other formal settings to enhance their dignified appearance. Civilians are welcome to use gold-fringed flags, and they are often displayed in classrooms, formal buildings, and during ceremonies.
The first recorded use of a gold-fringed flag was in 1835, but it did not become popular until 1895 when the U.S. Army added the adornment to the national flag. There is no legal requirement or prohibition against the use of fringe on American flags, and the Attorney General has opined that the use of external fringe does not constitute an unauthorized addition to the flag's design.
There have been claims that the presence of a gold fringe on the American flag signifies that the Constitution has been suspended or that martial law is in effect. However, these claims are false and have been debunked by fact-checking organizations. The gold fringe does not carry any legal implications and does not change the flag's original symbolism or meaning.
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The fringe is used on ceremonial flags
The addition of gold fringe to the American flag is purely decorative and optional. It is a popular ceremonial choice, adding a distinguished touch to parades and a dignified appearance to indoor displays in offices, schools, churches, and government buildings. The fringe is placed along the border of the flag and does not alter the flag's field, thus adhering to Flag Code regulations.
The first recorded use of a gold-fringed flag was in 1835, but its popularity increased when the U.S. Army adopted it as part of the national flag in 1895. The Attorney General, in 1925, stated that the fringe "cannot be said to constitute an unauthorized addition to the design prescribed by statute." The use of gold fringe is not limited to the federal government; civilians, veterans, private organizations, and military branches such as the Army and Coast Guard also use it.
Gold fringe on the American flag has sparked various myths and misconceptions over the years. One common misconception is that the fringe indicates martial law or maritime law, which is not true. Another myth suggests that the fringe signifies the suspension of the U.S. Constitution and the loss of citizens' liberties, which is also baseless. These misconceptions have been perpetuated through various media, including social media posts, videos, and radio talk programs.
In conclusion, the gold fringe on the American flag is a ceremonial and decorative element that enhances the dignified appearance of the flag in formal settings. It holds no legal or symbolic implications regarding the jurisdiction of courts or the suspension of the Constitution.
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The fringe doesn't indicate martial law
The gold fringe on the American flag is purely decorative and does not indicate that the country is under martial law. While some people believe that the fringe has symbolic meaning, its primary purpose is ornamental, giving the flag a sense of distinction and honour. The fringe is frequently used on military flags and in formal settings, such as parades, public meetings, government offices, courts, and inauguration ceremonies. However, it is also commonly used in the private sector, with examples of private usage of fringe on flags in the United States extending back 200 years.
The nonpartisan Congressional Research Service states that gold fringe was used on the American flag as early as 1835 and was officially added for all regiments of the U.S. Army in 1895. According to the American Legion, "it is considered that fringe is used as an honorable enrichment only." There is no evidence to support the claim that the gold fringe on the American flag signifies that citizens have lost their liberties or that the Constitution has been suspended.
The Flag Research Center has investigated the claims made about the gold fringe on the American flag and found no evidence to support them. The Center states that the use or non-use of fringe on a United States flag has nothing to do with the jurisdiction of the court or with martial law. Furthermore, martial law is not mentioned in the United States Constitution, and it has never been proclaimed in the country.
In conclusion, the gold fringe on the American flag is simply a decorative element and does not indicate that the country is under martial law or that the Constitution has been suspended in any way.
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The fringe doesn't symbolise the end of the gold standard
The presence of a gold fringe on a flag does not indicate the end of the gold standard. The gold fringe is simply a decorative element that is added to the flag as a symbol of honour and distinction, with no hidden meaning or agenda.
The practice of adding a gold fringe to flags has been a
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Frequently asked questions
No, this is a common misconception. The gold fringe on the American flag is decorative and does not carry any legal implications. It does not signify the suspension of the U.S. Constitution or the loss of citizens' liberties.
No, the use of gold fringe on the American flag is not limited to the federal government. Civilians, veterans, private organizations, and military branches, including the Army and Coast Guard, can all use gold-fringed flags.
The first recorded use of a gold-fringed flag was in 1835, but it gained popularity when the U.S. Army added it to the national flag in 1895. Gold fringe is often used for ceremonial purposes and is commonly seen in parades, schools, churches, and formal events.
