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 Pledge of Allegiance
Understanding Its Role Under the U.S. Flag Code
Title 4- US Code § 4
Old Glory or The Stars and Stripes — is known throughout the world as the symbol of freedom.
The Pledge of Allegiance
Text of the Pledge of Allegiance
"I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
U.S. Flag Code Guidelines
The U.S. Flag Code (4 U.S.C. § 4) provides specific guidance on how the Pledge should be recited in the presence of the flag:
- Position and Posture: Stand at attention, facing the flag.
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Hand Placement:
- Civilians: Right hand over the heart. Men remove hats and hold them at the left shoulder.
- Military in Uniform: Render a military salute.
- Non-Citizens: Stand respectfully without reciting.
- Facing the Flag: Direct the Pledge toward the flag. If no flag is present, face forward.
- Recitation: Speak clearly and solemnly. Participation is voluntary.
- Respect for the Flag: Maintain dignified posture, reflecting the flag's role as a symbol of unity.
Context and Purpose
The Pledge, written in 1892 by Francis Bellamy and adopted in 1942, symbolizes loyalty to the nation. The phrase "under God" was added in 1954. The Flag Code ensures its recitation honors the flag's values of liberty, justice, and unity.
Note: The Flag Code is advisory, not legally enforceable, but sets a standard for respectful conduct.
Additional Details
- Voluntary Nature: Forcing recitation may violate First Amendment rights (see West Virginia State Board of Education v. Barnette, 1943).
- Modifications: Some omit "under God" for personal reasons.
- Flag Display: The flag should be properly displayed during the Pledge (e.g., not upside down, unless signaling distress).
- 4 U.S.C. § 4: Governs Pledge recitation and conduct.
- 4 U.S.C. § 8: Outlines general respect for the flag.
- 4 U.S.C. § 9: Covers conduct during flag ceremonies.
- Schools: Students may recite daily but can opt out for personal reasons.
- Public Events: Recited with the flag displayed, following Flag Code etiquette.
- Consequences: Violations are not prosecuted but may lead to social or institutional repercussions.