American flag etiquette isn't just a suggestion, it is official United States code. Title 36 of the United States Code dictates how and when the flag can be flown, under what conditions, and makes specifics as to where. Schools, for instance, must display the United States flag, as do all military bases and government offices and institutions. We will highlight several of the more important aspects of American flag etiquette on this page.

Dos And Don'ts of American Flag Etiquette

The first rule of flag etiquette is that it should never be dipped to any person or thing. The flag is never flown upside down except as a distress signal. It is not be used as a drapery of any kind, as an adornment on a podium or platform, or for any other kind of decoration. The flag should never be used for any kind of advertising, and no advertising should ever be hung from the flag's pole. It is not to be recreated on anything that will be discarded after using it temporarily. The flag should never be featured on a costume or athletic uniform. However exceptions are generally made to allow a flag patch to be used on military and other uniformed services such as police and fire personnel. The flag should never be altered or added to in any way.

When the flag is lowered, it should never touch the ground or anything else. The person or persons who are lowering it should immediately receive it. The flag should be folded ceremoniously for storage, and in a prescribed shape. When folding the flag it should be checked for any necessary cleaning or mending. If it is not repairable or worn so badly that it doesn't represent the country in a fitting manner, it should be destroyed by burning or some other dignified way. The flag is never tossed into the garbage!

The Unites States of America flag is the symbol of the country for which it stands. The proud tradition of the United States of America demands that American flag etiquette be respected and honored as would befit the symbol of the country. While there are far more detailed and specific applications of American flag etiquette, they will be discussed on another page of this website. For a complete and unedited description of all aspects of flag etiquette visit a site that features the United States Code, Title 36 of American flag etiquette.