American Flag Rules

1
American Flag Rules

• American flag rules were established in 1942.
  Congress enacted this Code to provide guidelines
  and rules to ensure the American flag continues
  to receive the respect it deserves. Many of the
  regulations provided in the Code are well known,
  however some of the American flag rules are more
  obscure. The American flag rules cover everything
  from folding, placement, and lighting.
  Understanding the Code will ensure that you give
  this national treasure proper attention.

2

• Most people are aware that the American flag
  should never be allowed to touch the ground,
  however some rules are much more obscure. In fact
  some of the restrictions are violated on a daily
  basis by well meaning citizens. Because American
  flag rules are meant as a guideline an individual
  cannot be fined or punished by violating them. Of
  course the majority of us want to abide by the
  American Flag Code and the rules it sets forth.

3

• You might be surprised to discover that items,
  such as paper napkins, mint wrappers, and other
  disposable items, which have this national emblem
  on them, are in violation of the Code. Another
  rule that shocks people is the inability to use
  the symbol on clothing. It is also not allowed
  for use in advertisement. Obviously, this part of
  the Code is overlooked on a daily basis. Many
  companies use the symbol within their logo, which
  is a direct violation. The rules state that
  anything, which is perceived as an American flag
  by one or more individuals is indeed Old Glory.
  Based on the code, a red, white, and blue
  Christmas tree could be viewed as an American
  Flag.

4

• There are also rules in place for displaying this
  symbol of freedom. If you have a pole in your
  yard, the proper placement would be for the
  American flag to be above any other banners. The
  only exception is for ensigns of another country.
  During peacetime, all countries should be at the
  same level and be of equal size. After the tragic
  events of September 11th, a surge in patriotism
  occurred. Many individuals choose to display Old
  Glory 24 hours a day. Unfortunately, few are
  aware that the United States Colors should be
  properly illuminated, when left up overnight.

5

• Residential Landscape Lighting and Design offers
  illumination fixtures that are specifically
  designed for this purpose. Proper flagpole
  lighting will ensure that you are respecting the
  Code enacted by Congress. Residential Landscape
  Lighting and Design offers 175W metal halide
  flagpole lighting kits that will provide the
  required amount of illumination without being
  offensive to neighbors. The use of lighting is
  not the only area, which has escaped the general
  publics knowledge. There are many scenarios that
  result in confusion.

6

• One such scenario is when the President or Govern
  declares a proclamation that the American flag be
  lowered to half-staff. Naturally you want to show
  respect. The problem arises, when the flagpole
  will not allow you to lower the Colors. In this
  scenario, the appropriate response would be to
  use black crepe paper, which is 7 feet long and 1
  foot wide. It should be placed directly below the
  spearhead. You can also use this technique as a
  sign of mourning, when a friend or loved one has
  passed away. This simple technique allows you to
  maintain the rules, while you honor the loss of
  someone important to you.

7

• Residential Landscape Lighting and Design
  understands that you want to show off your
  patriotism, while maintaining the Code set forth
  by Congress. It is for this reason that they
  offer lighting kits specifically designed for
  illuminating the American flag based on Congress
  rules. We are all proud to be citizens of the
  United States, and our pride is shared in the
  patriotic holiday displays that are cropping up
  all over this great land.