10 Things You Can Never Do With The American Flags
10 Things You Can Never Do With The American Flags
In 1923, the U.S. National Flag Code was created and distributed nationwide. The code became Public Law in 1942 and became the U.S. Flag Code we know today. The U.S. Flag Code lays out the ways to display and respect the flag of the United States.
1. The flag should not be on display outdoors during bad weather.
The American flag should not be displayed outdoors during inclement weather unless it is an all-weather flag. The respect for the flag dictates that it should be protected from conditions that might damage it, such as rain, snow, and strong winds, to maintain its dignified appearance.
2. The flag should not be used for advertising.
The flag should never be used for advertising purposes, or embroidered on cushions, handkerchiefs, napkins or boxes. It is inappropriate to print or embroider the American flag on temporary and disposable items like cushions, handkerchiefs, napkins, or boxes. Such use is seen as a disrespect to the symbol of the nation.
3. The flag should never be used as Clothing
Using the American flag as clothing, bedding, or drapery is strictly prohibited by the Flag Code. This rule ensures the flag is always treated with the utmost respect and not trivialized or disrespected by being turned into everyday items.
4. It should never be displayed upside down.
Displaying the flag upside down is a signal of dire distress in instances of extreme danger to life or property. It should never be done as a form of protest or for any reason other than to signal a genuine emergency.
5. The flag should never touch anything beneath it.
The flag must always be displayed in such a way that it does not touch anything beneath it. This includes the ground, water, or any surface like tables or merchandise. This rule is in place to prevent the flag from getting dirty or damaged.
6. Clean and damage-free flags should always be used.
Flags that are dirty, ripped, wrinkled, or frayed should not be used for display. The Flag Code insists on the dignity of the flag being maintained at all times. When a flag is beyond repair, it should be destroyed in a dignified manner, preferably by burning.
7. displaying The U.S. flag Second.
In a display of multiple flags, the U.S. flag should be at the center and at the highest point if it’s among state or organizational flags. If other national flags are displayed, the U.S. flag should be at the same height but in a position of prominence.
8. Flying the Flag at Full Staff Before Noon on Memorial Day
On Memorial Day, the U.S. flag should be flown at half-staff until noon and then raised to full staff for the rest of the day. This unique practice honors the fallen until midday and then living veterans for the remainder of Memorial Day.
9. Adding Anything to the Flag
It is prohibited to attach, affix, or otherwise decorate the flag with any badge, insignia, letter, word, figure, design, picture, or drawing. The flag must always be displayed in its original form without any alterations or additions, maintaining its dignity and respect.
10. Flying The Flag At Night Without Proper Lighting
The American flag should only be displayed at night if it is illuminated properly. The Flag Code mandates that a flag flown at night must be visible and treated with respect, ensuring its presence is honored even in darkness. This requirement helps maintain the flag’s symbolic importance at all hours.
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We are Mary and Eric, the founders of Be Right Back, a blog dedicated to romance around the globe and at home.
We are Mary and Eric, the founders of Be Right Back, a blog dedicated to romance around the globe and at home. With over 10 years of experience in dating and traveling to romantic places, we share our favorite date ideas and romantic destinations to help couples level up their relationships. Having lived in and traveled through the USA, we also share our favourite things to do in the States.
With 70,000 monthly readers and 16,000 followers on social media, Be Right Back is your go-to resource for romantic trip ideas and couple activities at home and abroad.