Flag Etiquette

Flag Etiquette

San Carlos Proud

Flag Code - 4 U.S.C ch.5

Displaying the Flag Properly

On a Wall: The U.S. flag should be displayed with the union uppermost and to the observer’s left.

Multi-National Flag Displays: The U.S. flag is to be displayed first - to its “own right” - followed by the flags of all other countries to the left.

Among Subordinate Flags: The U.S. flag should be at the center and highest point.

From a Staff: The U.S. flag should hold the position of superior prominence, in advance of the audience, and to the speaker’s right. Other flags should be on the speaker’s left.

On a Pole: The U.S. flag should always be at the top, if flown with other flags.

Night-Time: If the U.S. flag is flown for 24hrs a day, it must be properly illuminated during the hours of darkness.

On a Lapel: When worn as a lapel pin, the U.S. flag should be worn on the last lapel - near the heart.

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Etiquette

The U.S. flag should never be used for advertising in any manner whatsoever.

The U.S. flag should never be displayed with union down, except as a signal of dire distress; danger to life/property.

The U.S. flag should never touch anything beneath it; floor, water, etc.

The U.S. flag should never be used for wearing apparel, drapery or bedding.

The U.S. flag should not be draped over the hood, top, sides, or back of a vehicle or boat.

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Flag Retirement (Disposal)

According to the US Flag Code: 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.

When an American flag is worn beyond repair, it

should be retired in a respectful manner. Always remember

that our flag represents a living country, and is itself

considered a living thing.

If you have a flag in need of retirement, please contact one

of your following local organizations such as: American

Legions, VFWs and the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, as they

collect flags and hold proper flag retirement ceremonies.

“The Flag Stands For All That We Hold Dear -- Freedom, Democracy, Government Of The People, By The People, And For The People.”

- Henry Cabot Lodge, 1915