Omar Bennett
The Flag Code is a law that outlines the rules for handling and displaying the U.S. flag. It is not part of the U.S. Constitution but is a separate piece of legislation. The Flag Code was established on June 14, 1923, when the National Flag Code was constructed by representatives of 68 organizations under the National Americanism Commission of the American Legion. The code was distributed nationwide and became Public Law 77-623 on June 22, 1942. It has since undergone several amendments and is now largely codified in Title 36 of the U.S. Code. The Flag Code dictates how the flag should be displayed, including guidelines for its positioning, illumination, and the conduct of civilians when the flag is present. It also outlines how the flag should not be used, including for advertising or as wearing apparel.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of Creation | June 14, 1923 |
| Date of Becoming Public Law | June 22, 1942 |
| Purpose | To outline guidelines for displaying the U.S. flag and showing respect for it |
| Updates | The removal of the Bellamy salute; The Freedom to Display the American Flag Act of 2005; The Army Specialist Greg L. Chambers Federal Flag Code Amendment Act of 2007; The Duncan Hunter National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009 |
| Display Rules | The flag should be hoisted briskly and lowered ceremoniously; It should not be displayed during inclement weather unless it is an all-weather flag; It should be displayed on specific holidays and special days |
| Respectful Handling | The flag should never touch the ground, be carried flat, be used as wearing apparel, or for advertising; It should be carried aloft and free |
| Design | The flag shall have 13 horizontal stripes, alternate red and white, and the union shall have stars, white in a blue field, with the number of stars increasing with the admission of new States |
| Conduct During the National Anthem | Civilians should stand at attention with their hand over their heart |
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What You'll Learn
History of the Flag Code
The United States Flag Code is a federal law that establishes advisory rules for the display and care of the national flag of the United States of America. The code is not mandatory and does not prescribe any penalties for failure to follow the guidelines. It was established to "codify various existing rules and customs" and reflect the nation's collective respect for its symbol.
The history of the Flag Code can be traced back to the 19th century when Civil War veterans expressed displeasure over the use of the flag in advertisements and on products. These veterans felt a deep-seated need to protect the emblem that had flown over battlefields and inspired patriotism, marking the beginning of efforts to formally protect and respect the Stars and Stripes.
On June 14, 1923, known as Flag Day, representatives of over 68 organizations constructed the National Flag Code under the auspices of the National Americanism Commission of the American Legion. This code was printed and distributed nationwide by the American Legion. However, it was not until June 22, 1942, that the code became Public Law 77-623, with minor changes made since its inception, including the removal of the Bellamy salute due to its resemblance to the Hitler salute.
The Flag Code provided clear guidelines on honoring the flag, including instructions on displaying the flag on various occasions, handling it during ceremonies, and defining actions that constituted disrespect. The timing of its signing into law was significant, as the United States was deeply involved in World War II, and the flag served as a powerful symbol of unity and hope.
While the Flag Code established etiquette for the flag, it also sparked debates about freedom of expression. A landmark case in 1989, Texas v. Johnson, ruled that flag burning was protected free speech under the First Amendment, reversing many of the legal protections sought by the Flag Code. Despite this ruling, the Flag Code remains a crucial guide for properly displaying and handling the U.S. flag, with many continuing to follow its guidelines out of respect and tradition.
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Displaying the flag
The rules for handling and displaying the U.S. flag are defined by a law known as the U.S. Flag Code. The Flag Code is not part of the Constitution but is instead a public law. Prior to Flag Day on June 14, 1923, there were no official guidelines for displaying the flag. The National Flag Code was constructed by representatives of over 68 organisations under the auspices of the National Americanism Commission of the American Legion.
The U.S. Flag Code outlines specific instructions for displaying the flag. The flag should always be hoisted briskly and lowered ceremoniously. It should not be displayed on days with bad weather unless it is an all-weather flag. The flag should be displayed on significant days such as New Year's Day, Inauguration Day, and Independence Day. When a patriotic effect is desired, the flag may be displayed 24 hours a day if properly illuminated during the hours of darkness.
The Flag Code also specifies that the flag should never touch anything beneath it, such as the ground, floor, water, or merchandise. It should never be carried flat or horizontally but always aloft and free, except as may be necessary in limited circumstances and done respectfully as part of a military or patriotic observance. The flag should never be used as wearing apparel, bedding, or drapery, and it should never be festooned, drawn back, or up in folds but should always be allowed to fall free.
Additionally, the Flag Code prohibits the use of the flag for advertising or commercial purposes. No marks, insignia, letters, words, figures, designs, or pictures should be placed on the flag, and it should never be used as a receptacle for carrying or delivering anything. The code also includes guidelines for conduct when the U.S. National Anthem is being played in the presence of the flag, suggesting that civilians stand at attention with their hand over their heart.
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Flag handling
The rules for handling and displaying the U.S. flag are defined by a law known as the U.S. Flag Code. The Flag Code is not part of the Constitution, but it is a federal law that outlines the proper ways to respect and display the American flag. The Code was constructed by representatives of various organisations under the National Americanism Commission of the American Legion and became public law in 1942.
The Flag Code includes specific instructions for the design of the flag, such as the number of stripes and stars, and the proportions and sizes of the flag's constituent parts. It also dictates that the flag should be treated with respect and provides guidelines for its display and use. For example, the flag should never touch the ground, be used for advertising, or be defaced with any marks or drawings. It should be hoisted briskly and lowered ceremoniously, and it should be displayed on significant days such as Memorial Day and Independence Day.
The Code also addresses the conduct expected when the U.S. National Anthem is played in the presence of the flag. Civilians are expected to stand at attention with their hand over their heart. In addition, the Code allows for the flag to be flown at half-staff upon the death of a member of the Armed Forces.
There are also specific guidelines for how to salute the flag. Non-uniformed service members, military retirees, and veterans may render a salute, and it is specified that the flag should be carried aloft and free, rather than flat or horizontally. An exception is made for limited circumstances, such as during patriotic observances, where it may be necessary to carry the flag horizontally in a respectful manner.
The Flag Code is a detailed set of instructions that ensures the proper treatment and display of the American flag, and it is followed by Americans across the nation who wish to show respect for the flag and the values it represents.
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Flag design
History and Symbolism:
When designing a flag, it is essential to consider the history and symbolism associated with the subject. For example, the colours and symbols used in a flag may represent historical events, cultural values, or the natural characteristics of a nation. Understanding the significance of these elements will help create a meaningful and representative design.
Colour Selection:
Colour plays a vital role in flag design. Different colours can evoke various emotions and symbolize specific concepts. For instance, red often represents courage or strength, while blue can signify peace or serenity. Contrasting colours can make the flag more visually appealing and ensure that the design is distinguishable from a distance.
Simplicity and Recognisability:
A successful flag design should be simple and easily recognizable, even from a distance. Complex designs with intricate details may lose their impact when viewed from far away or in low-light conditions. Aim for a design that is distinctive and can be reproduced at various sizes while retaining its visual impact.
Proportions and Sizes:
Flags come in various sizes, and the design should consider the proportions and dimensions to ensure the flag looks aesthetically pleasing. A well-proportioned flag will have a balanced composition, with the elements spaced harmoniously. Additionally, certain flag shapes may be more suitable for specific purposes, such as rectangular flags for organizations or pennants for athletic teams.
Usage and Display:
Consider the intended use and display of the flag. For example, if the flag is to be flown outdoors, choose durable materials that can withstand different weather conditions. If the flag is for indoor decorative purposes, consider the hanging or mounting options, such as grommets or pole sleeves.
Online Tools and Customization:
Various online tools and platforms offer flag design services and customization options. These websites provide templates, shapes, emblems, and design tools to create unique flag designs. Some platforms even allow users to upload their images or search for free-to-use assets, making the design process more accessible and collaborative.
By following these guidelines and considering the purpose, symbolism, and display of the flag, individuals or organizations can create meaningful and visually appealing flag designs that effectively represent their nation, team, or idea.
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Flag and the National Anthem
The Flag Code is not part of the US Constitution. It is a set of guidelines for the handling and display of the US flag. Prior to Flag Day, June 14, 1923, there were no official guidelines for displaying the flag. On that date, the National Flag Code was established by representatives of 68 organisations, under the National Americanism Commission of the American Legion. The code was printed and distributed nationwide by the American Legion, and on June 22, 1942, it became Public Law 77-623, chapter 435.
The Flag Code outlines how to show respect for the flag, including how it should be carried, flown, and used. For example, the flag should always be flown aloft and free, and it should not touch anything beneath it, such as the ground or water. It should not be used for advertising or as wearing apparel, bedding, or drapery. The code also specifies the design of the flag, including the positions of the stars and stripes.
The Flag Code has been amended over the years to include provisions such as allowing governors or the mayor of the District of Columbia to fly the flag at half-staff upon the death of a member of the Armed Forces. It also addresses conduct when the US National Anthem is being played in the presence of the flag. Civilians are expected to stand "at attention" with their hand over their heart.
The Flag Code is a way for Americans to show respect for the flag and the values it represents. It is followed by individuals and organisations, especially on patriotic holidays such as Independence Day, Memorial Day, and Flag Day.
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Frequently asked questions
The flag code is a set of rules and guidelines for handling and displaying the U.S. flag. It includes instructions on how to display the flag, how to behave when the national anthem is being played, and how to show respect for the flag.
The flag code was constructed on June 14, 1923, by representatives of over 68 organizations, under the National Americanism Commission of the American Legion. It became Public Law 77-623 on June 22, 1942.
No, the flag code is not part of the U.S. Constitution. It is a separate law, known as the U.S. Flag Code, and is largely codified in Title 36 of the U.S. Code.
Some key guidelines from the flag code include:
- The flag should never touch the ground or anything beneath it.
- It should always be carried aloft and free, except during military or patriotic observances.
- The flag should never be used for advertising or as wearing apparel.
- No marks, insignia, or words should be placed on the flag.
- It should be displayed on specific days, such as New Year's Day, Memorial Day, and Independence Day.
