US Flag Code
- § 1 Stars and Stripes
- § 2 Additional Stars
- § 3 Use of the Flag for advertising; mutilation
- § 4 Pledge of Allegiance
- § 5 Display and use of Flag by civilians; codifications of rules and customs
- § 6 Time and occasions for display
- § 7 Position and manner of display
- § 8 Respect for flag
- § 9 Conduct during hoisting, lowering or passing of flag
- § 10 Modification of rules and customs by President
The US Flag
The United States Flag Code
Title 4- US Code
Old Glory or The Stars and Stripes — is known throughout the world as the symbol of freedom.
Understanding the U.S. Flag Code
Guidelines for Respecting and Displaying the American Flag
U.S. Flag Code Overview
The United States Flag Code (4 U.S.C. § 5-10) provides guidelines for the proper handling, display, and disposal of the U.S. flag. It is advisory, not legally enforceable, and promotes respect for the flag as a symbol of national unity and values.
The Flag Code outlines how individuals, organizations, and government entities should handle and display the U.S. flag to honor its significance. It applies to any flag with the stars and stripes in its standard form.
- No disrespect: The flag should not be dipped to any person or thing (except in specific ceremonial cases).
- Avoid ground contact: The flag should not touch the ground, floor, or water.
- No utilitarian use: Avoid using the flag as clothing, bedding, or for carrying items.
- No advertising: The flag should not be used for promotional purposes.
- Condition: Do not fly a damaged or soiled flag; repair or destroy it respectfully if unserviceable.
- Time: Fly the flag on holidays or any day, illuminated if flown at night.
- Position: The union (stars) should be at the top and to the flag's right (observer's left).
- With other flags: The U.S. flag should be highest or to the right of state/organizational flags.
- Half-staff: Hoist to the peak, then lower halfway for mourning; raise to peak before lowering.
- Other nations: Display at equal height with other national flags.
- Parades: Carry to the right or center of other flags; do not drape over vehicles.
- Pledge/Anthem: Civilians face the flag, hand over heart; military salute.
- Folding: Fold into a triangle, union visible, symbolizing the tricorn hat.
- Hoisting/Lowering: Raise quickly, lower slowly, avoid ground contact.
Destroy unserviceable flags in a dignified manner, preferably by burning. Organizations like the American Legion hold retirement ceremonies. If burning isn't feasible, cut the flag and dispose respectfully.
- Uniforms: Flag patches on shoulders have the union forward.
- Caskets: Union over the deceased's head and left shoulder; do not lower into grave.
- Memorial Day: Half-staff until noon, then full staff.
The Flag Code is advisory, not enforceable for private citizens. Flag burning as protest is protected speech (Texas v. Johnson, 1989). Federal law (18 U.S.C. § 700) limits desecration inciting violence, but is rarely enforced.
- Ground contact: No requirement to burn a flag that touches the ground; clean or repair it.
- Flag clothing: Flag-inspired apparel is not a violation if not an actual flag.
- Upside-down: Signals distress or emergency; protest use is protected but controversial.
Government, military, and patriotic groups follow the Code closely, while civilians often adhere to simplified rules (e.g., flying on holidays, avoiding tattered flags). Resources are available from the American Legion and Veterans Affairs.