Do's & Don'ts
Do's & Don'ts
UNITED STATE FLAG CODE
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As part of the mission of the the American Legion, education of the proper use and display of the American Flag is paramount to one of out core principles ... Americanism. We must do our best as Legionnaires to educate and emulate responsibility to adherence of the U.S. Flag Code.
§ 8. Respect for flag
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.
(b) The flag should never touch anything beneath it, such as the ground, the floor, water, or merchandise.
(c) The flag should never be carried flat or horizontally, but always aloft and free.
(d) The flag should never be used as wearing apparel, bedding, or drapery. It should never be festooned, drawn back, nor up, in folds, but always allowed to fall free.
Bunting of blue, white, and red always arranged with the blue above, the white in the middle, and the red below, should be used for covering a speaker's desk, draping the front of the platform, and for decoration in general.
(e) The flag should never be fastened, displayed, used, or stored in such a manner as to permit it to be easily torn, soiled, or damaged in any way.
(f) The flag should never be used as a covering for a ceiling.
(g) The flag should never have placed upon it, nor on any part of it, nor attached to it any mark, insignia, letter, word, figure, design, picture, or drawing of any nature.
(h) The flag should never be used as a receptacle for receiving, holding, carrying, or delivering anything.
(i) The flag should never be used for advertising purposes in any manner whatsoever. It should not be embroidered on such articles as cushions or handkerchiefs and the like, printed or otherwise impressed on paper napkin or boxes or anything that is designed for temporary use and discard. Advertising signs should not be fastened to a staff or halyard from which the flag is flown.
(j) No part of the flag should ever be used as a costume or athletic uniform. However, a flag patch may be affixed to the uniform of military personnel, firemen, policemen, and members of patriotic organizations. The flag represents a living country and is itself considered a living thing. Therefore, the lapel flag pin being a replica, should be worn on the left lapel near the heart.
(k) The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning. (Disposal of Unserviceable Flags Ceremony)
We've all have had some article in our homes or in our wardrobe where we have something that resembles the Star-Spangled Banner. We all are proud of our National Colors and have at one point in our lives displayed it in some form or fashion. However, we have unknowingly broken the provisions in the U.S. Flag Code. So what can we do?
The last thing we would ever mandate is that Americans should discard these items because they need to be properly retired just as a Flag would be retired. First, avoid purchasing any item that resembles Old Glory. You are no less patriotic nor are you any less of an American. Rather, keep yourself and others vigilant.
Listed below are such items you should avoid.
NO GO
Apparel - Swimwear
NO GO
Apparel - Neckties
NO GO
Apparel - Clothing Items
NO GO
Drapery
NO GO
Pillows
NO GO
Towels
NO GO
Blankets
NO GO
Ceiling Cover
ABSOLUTELY NOT
Protesting with intent to disgrace the American Flag.
NO GO
Writing on the American Flag
NOT PERMITTED
NO GO
Alteration of the American Flag
(Note: We support our Law Enforcement, however ... this is still unauthorized)
NO GO
Receptacle for receiving or storing
NO GO
Headwear
NO GO
Plates & Napkins
NO GO
Torn or Tattered
NO GO
Athletic Uniforms
NO GO
Handkerchief or Pocket Squares
NO GO
Dresses or Gowns
NO GO
Suits
NO GO
Costumes
Our National Colors are important to us and we want to wear them with patriotic pride. The Simple rule is... it can not resemble the American Flag in its entirety.
Listed below are such items you can wear or display.
GO
Flag Pin
GO
Bunting
GO
Cap with Flag Patch
GO
Uniforms with Flag Patch
GO
Patriotic Suits
GO
Flag Patch
GO
Panel Drape & Banners
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