The American Flag The Starry Banner

"The flag represents a living country and is itself considered a living thing. Section 8

American Flag Etiquette (Flag code) The Flag Code does not prescribe any penalties for non-compliance nor does it include enforcement provisions. It functions simply as a guide to be voluntarily followed by civilians and civilian group. The American flag code was developed to ensure that "No disrespect should be shown to the Flag of the United States of America."

Fly Your Flag Regularly Fly Your Flag Regularly Respect It. Display It Correctly. Treat It With Care. The flag should be lighted at all times, either by sunlight or by an appropriate light source. The flag should be flown in fair weather, unless the flag is designed for inclement weather use. The flag should be cleaned and mended when necessary. When a flag is so worn it is no longer fit to serve as a symbol of the country, it should be destroyed by burning

The U.S. flag should be at the center and at the highest point of the group when a number of flags of States or localities or pennants of societies are grouped and displayed. The U.S. flag, when displayed with another flag against a wall from crossed staffs, should be on the U.S. flag's own right, and its staff should be in front of the staff of the other flag.

Important Don'ts The flag should never be used for any advertising purpose. It should not be embroidered, printed or otherwise impressed on such articles as cushions, handkerchiefs, napkins, boxes, or anything intended to be discarded after temporary use. The flag should not be used as part of a costume or athletic uniform, except that a flag patch may be used on the uniform of military personnel, fireman, policeman and members of patriotic organizations. The flag should never have any mark, insignia, letter, word, number, figure, or drawing of any kind placed on it, or attached to it.

When the flag is lowered, no part of it should touch the ground or any other object The U.S. flag should never be fastened, displayed, used or stored in a manner which will permit it to be easily torn, soiled or damaged in any way. The flag should never be used as a receptacle for receiving, holding, carrying, or delivering anything The flag should never be used as a covering for a ceiling.

Serious mistakes "Advertising signs should not be fastened to a staff or halyard from which the flag is flown." (Flag Code, Section 8i) "The flag should never be used as wearing apparel, bedding, or drapery." (Flag Code, Section 8d)

"Advertising signs should not be fastened to a staff or halyard from which the flag is flown." (Flag Code, Section 8i) "It should not... printed or otherwise impressed on... anything that is designed for temporary use and discard." (Flag Code, Section 8i)

"Flag of Honor and Heroes" contains in small type the names of the victims of September 11. It seems patriotic, but nobody should write on the flag.

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