Flag Code
Jun 20th, 2007 by Larry Hendrick
Title 4, Chapter 1 of the U.S. Code contains the United States Flag Code. The U.S. Flag Code governs the American Flag in size, style and use. For quick reference, Flags Bay presents the Flag Code, divided into the ten sections of the code for easy navigation.
This page has the following sub pages.
- Section 1. Flag, stripes and stars on
- Section 2. Same; additional stars
- Section 3. Use of flag for advertising purposes; mutilation of flag
- Section 4. Pledge of allegiance to the flag; manner of delivery
- Section 5. Display and use of flag by civilians; codification of rules and customs; definition
- Section 6. Time and occasions for display
- Section 7. Position and manner of display
- Section 8. Respect for flag
- Section 9. Conduct during hoisting, lowering or passing of flag
- Section 10. Modification of rules and customs by President
IF A CIVILIAN FLYS A FLAG ON THEIR PERSONAL PROPERTY. DO THEY HAVE TO HAVE A LIGHT ON IT?
Hello Mindy,
If the flag is flown after dark, then it should be lighted—that’s the rule for everyone, including civilians.
From Section 6 (a) It is the universal custom to display the flag only from sunrise
to sunset on buildings and on stationary flagstaffs in the open.
However, when a patriotic effect is desired, the flag may be displayed
24 hours a day if properly illuminated during the hours of darkness.
Best Wishes, Deborah
I discovered your site in search of protocol during the playing of the National Anthem, to see if there is any corelation between this and the July 25, 2007 revision to the flag code which now gives veterans not in uniform the right to salute. (I note that your copy of the US Code, Title 4, Chapter 1, Section 9 has not been updated.)
This code defines the process for raising the flag, at which the National Anthem may be played, but does not deal specifically with the event where the flag is not raised, such as at an indoor sporting event.
Any comments on how the July 25 2007 action might apply? I will add that I was at a Memorial Day event conducted by the VFW and they suggested that veterans would salute during the anthem.
Hello Mr. Hirt,
Thank you for writing. Because the salute change in the flag code includes many citations and other legal references, I must wait for the government’s official text to be up-loaded on the federal website (which I hope will be soon), so that I don’t make any mistakes in recording it on my website. I wrote about this change on The Daily Flag, found here: http://www.flagsbay.com/flag/2008/07/22/flag-code-change-veterans-can-hand-salute-the-flag/
Recall that there are four separate events wherein we salute the flag:
1. As the flag passes in review carried by a color guard
2. When the flag is being raised on the flag pole
3. When we face the flag and recite the Pledge of Allegiance
4. When we sing the National Anthem—which normally, but not always, includes facing the flag, which is already in place on the pole. Many people are surprised to learn that we are supposed to salute the flag during the National Anthem, but it is written the U.S. Code.
As a veteran, you now have a choice when you salute the flag. I know that military personnel—in uniform—salute the flag, but do not recite the Pledge or sing the sing the National Anthem during the salute. This well-established protocol seems applicable to veterans who want to render a military salute. If you want to recite the Pledge, or sing the National Anthem (as appropriate to the occasion), then you can still remove your cover and hold it in your right hand while you salute over your heart.
The next consideration would be the venue itself, and I think all veterans could easily determine what was an “indoor” venue or an “outdoor” venue. Some covered sporting stadiums are so huge as to be perceived as outdoors, and the protocol regarding wearing covers and saluting would be the same as for outdoors.
The protocol for the National Anthem is found in different place in the U.S. Code from where the Flag Code is located. The Daily Flag has written extensively about it here, with much additional Q & A: http://www.flagsbay.com/flag/2007/02/13/protocol-for-the-national-anthem-and-pledge-of-allegiance/
Please write again if you have more questions.
Best Wishes, Deborah Hendrick
I have been trying to locate the Code whereby the flag can be flown upside down to depict extreme duress. Please advise. Thank you.
Rhonda, the answer to your question is found in Section 8 (Respect for the Flag)
in the U.S. Flag Code.
“No disrespect should be shown to the flag of the United States of
America; the flag should not be dipped to any person or thing.
Regimental colors, State flags, and organization or institutional flags
are to be dipped as a mark of honor.
(a) The flag should never be displayed with the union down, except
as a signal of dire distress in instances of extreme danger to life or
property.”