The Federal
Flag Code contains rules for handling and
displaying the U.S. flag. While the federal code contains no penalties for
misusing the flag, states have their own flag codes and may impose penalties.
In 1989, Congress enacted the Flag Protection
Act, which states that anyone who knowingly
desecrates the flag may be fined and/or imprisoned for up
to one year.
Traditional guidelines call for displaying the flag in public only from
sunrise to sunset. However, the flag may be displayed at all times if it
is illuminated during darkness. The flag should not be displayed during
inclement weather unless it is an all-weather flag. It should especially
be displayed on national and state holidays, and special occasions.
The flag should be hoisted briskly and lowered ceremoniously. When carried
in procession with other flags, the U.S. flag should be either on the marching
right (the flag's right) or to the front and center of the flag line. When
displayed on a float in a parade, the flag should be hung from a staff or
suspended so it falls free. It should not be draped over a vehicle.
When displayed flat against the wall on a speaker's platform, the flag should
be above and behind the speaker with the union on the left side as the audience
looks at it (again, the flag's right). When the flag hangs from a staff
in a church or public place, it should appear to the audience on the left,
the speaker's right. Any other flags displayed should be placed on the opposite
side of the speaker.
During the hoisting or lowering of the flag
or when it passes in parade or review, Americans should stand at attention
facing the flag and place their right hand over the heart. Uniformed
military members render the military salute. Men not in uniform should
remove any headdress and hold it with their right hand at their left
shoulder, the hand resting over the heart. Those who are not U.S. citizens
should stand at attention.
When the flag is worn out or otherwise no longer a fitting emblem for display,
it should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.
