Every June 14th is Flag Day.
On this day, the U.S. flag is supposed to be flown proudly.
Why is Flag Day on June 14th?
Is there a proper way to display the flag?
Over forty different nations have a day known as Flag Day.
In the United States, this day is celebrated on June 14th.
This date was selected because it was on June 14th, 1777 that the United States flag was
officially adopted.
On this day, homes and businesses are supposed to display the American flag.
However, the flag cannot just be displayed in any manner.
There are certain rules of etiquette that must be followed regarding the flag.
These rules are stated in the Federal Flag Code which became public law on June 22nd,
1942.
The following represents a sample, but not all, of the United States Flag Code.
When raising and lowering the flag, it should be hoisted briskly, but lowered ceremoniously.
The flag should only be displayed from sunrise to sunset on buildings and stationary flagpoles.
It may be displayed throughout the night, if illuminated during the hours of darkness.
The flag should not be displayed on days when the weather is inclement, unless the flag
in use is an “all-weather” flag.
The flag should be displayed daily on or near any main administration building of any public
institution.
It should also be displayed in or near every polling place on election days.
Every school should display a flag on or near the school house building.
If the flag is being carried in a procession with other flags, it should either be to the
far right of this group, or at the center and out in front of the other flags.
No other flag should be placed above the American flag.
Flags from other nations may be flown at the same height as the American flag, but the
American flag should be to the extreme right of this group.
The flag of one nation is never to be flown over that of another.
The flag should not be displayed on a float in a parade, except from a staff.
The flag should not be draped over the hood, top, sides, or back of a vehicle.
If a flag is being displayed on a moving vehicle, that flag should be on a staff which is fixed
firmly to the right side of the vehicle (specifically, the right fender).
If the flag is being displayed on a wall, crossing staffs with another flag, the flag
should be on the right (the flag’s right), and the American flag’s staff should be
in front of the other staff.
If a flag is being displayed flat against a wall, the star field (known as “the union”)
should be to the flag’s own right (the observer’s left).
When used on a speaker’s platform, if the flag is being displayed flat, it should be
displayed above and behind the speaker.
If the flag is being displayed from a staff, then it should be in a position of prominence,
to the speaker’s right.
Any other flags should be displayed on the speakers left.
The flag will be flown at half-staff for thirty days following the death of a president or
former president.
After the death of a vice-president, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, or the Speaker
of the House, the flag will be flown at half-staff for ten days.
The flag will also be flown at half-staff for associate justices of the Supreme Court,
the death of a Cabinet member, a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the governor of
a state, or a member of Congress.
If the flag is being flown at half-staff, it should first be raised to the top of the
staff, and then lowered to the half-staff position.
Additionally, when the flag is lowered for the day, it should be returned to the top
of the staff, and then lowered completely.
If a flag is draped over a casket, it should be done so that the union should be at the
head of the casket and over the left shoulder.
The flag should not be lowered into the grave, or allowed to touch the ground at any time.
The flag should never be displayed with the union down.
This applies regardless of whether the flag is being displayed on a staff, or on a wall.
The only exception is if it is being used as a signal of distress or extreme danger
to life and property.
The flag should never touch anything beneath it, including the ground, floor, water, or
merchandise.
The flag should never be worn as clothing, used as bedding, or as curtains.
It should never be drawn back, but always allowed to fall freely.
Nor should it ever be used as a receptacle for receiving, holding, carrying, or delivering
anything.
The flag should never be displayed, used, or stored in a manner which would allow it
to be easily torn, soiled, or damaged.
The flag should never be used for advertising purposes in any manner whatsoever.
It should not be embroidered on articles such as cushions or handkerchiefs, or printed on
paper napkins, plates, or anything else that is designed for temporary use and discarded.
Nor should it ever have additional markings, insignias, letters, words, figures, designs,
pictures, or drawings of any nature.
When facing the flag during the national anthem, or the pledge of allegiance, all those present
should stand at attention, with their right hand over their heart.
Men should remove their hats.
Military personnel, both those in uniform or out, should salute the flag.