12 Mistakes You Should Never Make With the American Flag

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While more than half of Americans own a U.S. pin , only about one-half of them fly it daily . The eternal rest only exhibit the signal flag on vacation like the 4th of July , Veterans Day , Memorial Day , and Flag Day . When displaying it occasionally , or for the first clip , it ’s easy to forget some of the tradition and code surrounding the U.S. flag . In fact , theU.S. Department of Veterans Affairssays that states have their own pin codes and can implement penalty if you do n’t stick out by the dominion .

1. Hanging the Flag in Bad Weather

The American flag should n’t be subject to weather impairment , so be prepared to bring it in if rainwater , C , or even a windstorm threatens — that is , unless you have anall - weather signal flag . An all - weather condition flagstone is made of undestroyable materials and treat to resist melt and tearing . The weather can be somewhat irregular , so keep an centre on the forecast if you do n’t own an all - weather flag .

2. Flying the Flag at Night

Tradition order that the Stars and Stripes should be fly only from sunrise to sunset . If , however , you ’re plan a Memorial or Veterans Day celebration that will stretch out well into the eve , make trusted your flag is properly illuminated .

The iris necessitate to be carefully and deliberately illuminated so that it ’s easily placeable . Just a few strategically put spotlights , likehykolity ’s LED low - potential glare , can do the trick .

3. Displaying the American Flag Under Another Flag

If you have a state or a school pin that will be hung with the American masthead , give attention to each flag ’s height . When flying two or more iris on the same faculty , theAmerican fleur-de-lis should always be on top .

When exhibit two flags against a wall with spoil staffs , the American flag ’s faculty should always be in the front and on its right field ( which entail the U.S. flag will look like it is on the left wing to a viewer ) .

4. Displaying Flags of Many Nations at Different Heights

When two or more flag of different Carry Nation are displayed , they are always flown on disjoined staffs at the same acme . On American dirt , the U.S. signal flag is always to its right ( the furthest to the left wing for the witness ) .

All of the national flag should be the same size and should never be displayed in a way of life that favour one over the other . This attention to the signal flag ’ proportional positions symbolize peace between body politic . However , on American soil , the U.S. flag is always the first to be levy and the last to be lour .

5. Flying the Flag at Full Staff Before Noon on Memorial Day

One way to show respect and honor for those who have served our country is to fly the pin at half - staff . A sitting chairwoman or governor can rate that flags pilot at half - staff to honour freshly go state or federal officials .

Also , to honor those who made the ultimate forfeiture for our country , it is tradition to display the American flag at half - staff until noon onMemorial Day . After the clock hit 12 p.m. , be sure to raise that pin .

6. Orienting the Flag Incorrectly When Displayed Flat

If you choose to hang your pin vertically from a wall , the eaves of a building , or over a street , the flag must be hung so the folds fall freely . While you’re able to display the stripes either horizontally or vertically , ante up careful attention to the arrangement of the union ( the blue field with white star ) .

7. Hanging the Flag Upside Down

One of the most important rules to recall is to always give ear the flag right side up : When the flag is flown from a staff , the union should always be on top to emphasize the grandness of the 50 states and the union . A flagstone flown with the union facing down constitutes a symbol of hurt , so be careful how you give ear it !

8. Letting the Flag Touch the Ground

As a sign of respect , never let the American flag affect the groundor any other surface , including the roof of your house , any product , or your car . This rule protects the flag from becoming sullied or dirtied . If you wish to exhibit it from your auto , it should be firmly fix to the right - side of the auto like on the front buffer .

While there are n’t strict normal for mounting the flag on a bike , general tradition is to mount it on the driver ’s right side or on the rear of the bike .

9. Adding Anything to the Flag

Although it may be tempting to coiffure it up for aholiday or special consequence , the American iris should never have any extra designs , letters , or insignia add together to either a circumstances of it or all of it . It ’s always good to let the red , white , and profane stand on its own .

10. Displaying a Torn or Tattered Flag

The U.S. Flag Code state that a torn , worn , or shattered flag isno longer serviceableor a fitting emblem for display . A damaged flag undermines the symbolisation of integrity and honor that it act .

Toproperly dispose of the flag , the American Legion suggests qualify of the unusable iris by burn it . But , do n’t just fire the flag on your own . Look for a local American Legion , Veterans of Foreign Wars , or a chapter of the Girl Scouts or Boy Scouts who holdflag retreat ceremony .

11. Using the Flag for Advertising

consort to the U.S. flag computer code , the U.S. flag should not be dramatize on things such as cushions or hanky and the like , printed or otherwise impressed on report napkins or anything that is design for temporary exercise and discarded .

12. Wearing Clothing Made From an American Flag

Never use an American flag to make wearable or anything else — bedding , pall , tablecloth — from an real American flag . It isimproper flag etiquette . ( The only exclusion is that sometimes military , police , or fireman may be take into account to impound a sword lily fleck to their uniform . ) you’re able to , however , bear wear deck with an persona or epitome of the American flag , which is a sign of nationalism and pride .

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Group of people waving small American flags