Flag of the United States of America

The national flag of the United States of America consists of 50 white stars. The stars stand for the 50 states of the union. The stars are on a blue canton with a field of 7 red stripes and 6 white stripes. The 13 stripes stand for the original 13 states.

Proportion: 10:19
Adopted on: 4 July 1960

Here are some of the frequently asked questions.

Are you supposed to burn the American flag if it touches the ground?

No, you don’t need to burn the American flag if it touches the ground. Extra care should be taken when handling the flag. Make sure to protect the flag from getting soiled. If the flag continues to touch the ground, it may get severely damaged. The American flag should only be burned or retired when it has degraded to a condition that is no longer fit for display. If the flag is just soiled and not damaged, you can consider washing or dry-cleaning.

Are you supposed to take the flag down when it rains?

It depends. In general, flag should not be displayed on days when the weather is inclement. This is because the American flag flown in bad weather may sustain damage. However, if you have an all-weather flag that won’t be damaged by rain, you don’t need to take down the flag.

Can a civilian fly a POW flag?

Yes. Civilians are free to fly the POW/ MIA flag alongside their American flags throughout the year. They are usually flown in front of police stations, fire stations and veterans’ organizations.

Can I get a flag flown over the White House?

There are special flag poles where all US flags are flown. Once its is flown over the U.S. Capitol, the flag is issued a keepsake Certificate of Authenticity by the AOC. You will need to contact your representative/senator to obtain a flag flown over the Capitol.

You can order a flag flown over the capitol from American Flag Foundation website >> http://americanflagfoundation.org/all-about-the-flag/order-a-flag-flown-over-the-capitol/

Can I leave my American flag out at night?

Traditionally, according to the US Flag Code, the flag should be flown only from sunrise to sunset. Lowering the flag at night is a sign of respect for the flag. If you want to keep your flag flying 24-hours, it needs to be properly illuminated. Please also keep an eye on the weather.

Can the American flag be flown at night without a light?

No. If you want to keep your flag flying 24-hours, it needs to be properly illuminated. Please also keep an eye on the weather. Lowering the flag at night is a sign of respect for the flag. 

Can the Texas flag fly as high as the U.S. flag?

No.

Texas flag cannot fly higher than the US Flag. Nothing in federal law makes Texas’ flag special compared to any other state’s flag. If the flags are on the same pole, the U.S. flag must be on top.

Can you fly a 48 star flag?

Yes, you can fly a 48 star flag or any official flag of USA. Although it is preferable to fly the current Flag, it is not disrespectful or out of code to fly any of the older official flags use over the many years.

Can you unfold a military funeral flag?

There is no mention of the usage of funeral flags under the flag code. The flag code does not forbid unfolding and flying of the flag after the funeral service.

How do I dispose of an old US flag?

When the Flag is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, the flag should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning. There are other methods of disposing a flag as well.
– Drop it off in a community disposal box where they have flag disposal boxes.
– Burying a flag – Place a folded flag in a wooden box. Pause for a moment of silence after burying the box.
– Recycling a flag by sending it to the flag companies that accept old flags.

How do you display a flag on a house?

It depends on the section of the house.
– Keep the US flag above any others if you’re in the US.
– When a flag is displayed vertically in a window/against a wall, the union field should be uppermost and to the flag’s right.
– When a flag is displayed in the front of a building, the union filed should be at the peak of the staff. This is unless the flag is at half-staff.
– If you wish to fly the US flag at night, you will need to ensure that it is properly illuminated.
– Remember to choose a sturdy flag hardware to hang your flag outside your door. Make sure that the height of the pool is adjusted to ensure that the flag never touches the ground.
– Keep an eye on the weather. Use an all-weather flag so it can withstand inclement elements.
– Keep flags away from heat sources to ensure it does not accidentally catch fire.

How do you get an American flag for a deceased veteran?

You may apply for an American flag for a deceased veteran by completing VA Form 27-2008 (Application for United States Flag for Burial Purposes) – https://www.vba.va.gov/pubs/forms/VBA-27-2008-ARE.pdf

You may get a flag at any U.S. Post Office or VA regional office.

The funeral director can also help you obtain the flag.

How should the flag be displayed when hanging flat against a wall as viewed by the person hanging it?

– When a flag is displayed vertically in a window/against a wall, the union field should be uppermost and to the flag’s right ( to the observer’s left)
– When displayed in a window, the union or blue field should be to the left of the observer in the street.

Is a flag towel disrespectful?

According to sections 8d and 8i of the flag code, the flag should not be used “as wearing apparel, bedding or drapery”.

Is it disrespectful to fly the American flag on your truck?

Flying the American flag in your truck isn’t a violation. It could be a patriotic issue if proper care is not taken. Driving around at highway speeds with a flag flapping in the breeze can cause damage over time. The flag code says mentions not to display a flag in a way that would let it get easily damaged.

Is it disrespectful to put a flag on your car?

There are some acceptable and respectful ways of doing it. You could have a bumper sticker which displays the flag. You can also display a motor vehicle flag with a proper flag mount on the car.  Draping a real flag over your car in any other way is considered disrespectful to the flag and must not be done.

Is it disrespectful to throw away an American flag?

It is not disrespectful to throw away an American flag when it’s heavily soiled or damaged. When it is not damaged, you should keep it. The flag should not be displayed when it’s heavily soiled or damaged. All damaged flags should be retired.

Is it disrespectful to wash an American flag?

No, it is not disrespectful to wash the American flag. The flag code does not prohibit washing the national flag. Taking good care of the flag is a sign of respect. It’s a good idea to wash the flag when it is soiled.

Is it disrespectful to wear a flag as a cape?

According to U.S. flag code section 176 (d), the flag should never be used as wearing apparel, bedding, or drapery.

You are good to wear the flag clothing if it’s not made from the real American flag. You can wear a cape made with stars and stripes as the pattern. However, you are not allowed to drape an actual flag over your shoulders and wear it as a cape.

Is it disrespectful to wear American flag shorts?

According to U.S. flag code section 176 (d), the flag should never be used as wearing apparel, bedding, or drapery. Unless the shorts are made from an actual United States flag, you are not in violation of the flag etiquette. You can wear shorts made with stars and stripes as the pattern.

Is it disrespectful to wear an American flag bandana?

Wearing a physical flag as a cloth is a violation of the flag code. According to U.S. flag code section 176 (d), the flag should never be used as wearing apparel, bedding, or drapery. Wearing a bandana with a design of the US national flag is not a violation of the flag code.

Is the US Flag Code enforceable?

US Flag Code is not enforceable due to the Supreme Court of the United States finding it unconstitutional in United States v. Eichman. Eichman, 496 U.S. 310 (1990), is a United States Supreme Court case that invalidated a federal law against flag desecration as violating of free speech under the First Amendment.

Is there a flag that looks like the American flag?

The Liberian flag bears a close resemblance to the flag of the United States. The Liberian flag has similar red and white stripes, as well as a blue square with a white star in the canton.

Malaysia displays the red and white stripes that are so characteristic of the American flag.

Is there a presidential flag?

Yes, there is a presidential flag. The flag of the President of the United States consists of the presidential coat of arms on a dark blue background. It has the same design as the presidential seal since 1945.

What are some things you should never do to the flag?

• 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.
• 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.
• The flag should never be used for advertising purposes in any manner whatsoever.
• Don’t let the flag touch the ground, the floor, water, or merchandise.
• Don’t store the flag where it can get dirty.
• The flag should never be used as a receptacle for receiving, holding, carrying, or delivering anything.
• Don’t fasten it or tie it back.
• The flag should never be used as wearing apparel, bedding, or drapery.
• The flag should never be used as a covering for a ceiling.
• The flag should never be carried flat or horizontally, but always aloft and free.

What are 5 facts about the American flag?

• The flag can be displayed for all 24 hours.
• The current flag was designed by then 17-year-old high school student, Robert G. Heft, of Lancaster, Ohio who submitted the design in a contest in 1958.
• The Flag has a national day of recognition.
• Five American Flags have so far made it to the moon.
• There have been 27 versions of the American Flag so far.

What are the dimensions of the American flag?

• The U.S. flag has a proportion of 1:1.9.
• Each stripe is 1/13 the width of the hoist
• Each star is 4/5 the width of a stripe.
• The union is the width of seven stripes and 2/5 the length of the fly.

What are the do’s and don’ts of an American flag?

Do’s:

• The flag should be lowered ceremoniously.
• You can fly the American flag and the flag of another country on two separate staffs at the same height.
• Display the flag from sunrise to sunset. If you plan to display the flag at night, it must be properly illuminated.
• The union should be at the peak of the staff when displayed from a staff projecting from a window or building.
• Display on all days, but especially on special days.
• When not on the pole, the flag should be displayed either flat or suspended.
• The American flag should be at the center and highest point of a group of state flags.

Don’ts:

• Unless you are using an all-weather flag, do not display the flag during inclement weather.
• Do not carry the flag flat or horizontally. Do not place anything on the flag.
• The US flag should not be used for advertising.
• The flag should not be stored or displayed in a way that can damage the flag.
• Do not dip the flag to any person or thing.
• Don’t drape the flag
• No other flag must be placed above the American flag.
• Only display with the union down in a distress.

What are the official colors of the American flag?

According to the U.S. Department of State, the flag’s official colors are:

• Old Glory Red
• Old Glory Blue
• Basic “White”

What are the rules for flying the American flag at half mast?

The American flag flies at half-mast when the nation or a state is in mourning.

After the death of the president or a former president, the flag should fly at half-mast for 30 days at all federal buildings, and naval vessels throughout the United States and its territories.

What did the American flag look like in 1876?

The American flag was the 38-Star Flag. It became the official United States Flag on 4^th July 1877. After the admission of the state of Colorado on 1^st August 1876, a star was added.

What do the different colors of the American flag mean?

 Red represents the courage and valor of those who died for a nation based on freedom from oppression.
 The white represents innocence and purity, a nod to the fact that the country was still a young nation when the  flag was adopted.
 A nod to the early nation’s perseverance against the might of England, the blue represents justice and perseverance.

What is said when a flag is presented at a funeral?

The following words, mandated by the DOD, will be used when presenting the American flag during the funeral service:

“On behalf of the President of the United States, (the United States Army; the United States Marine Corps; the United States Navy; the United States Air Force or the United States Coast Guard), and a grateful nation, please accept this flag as a symbol of our appreciation for your loved one’s honorable and faithful service.”

What is the history behind the American flag?

Congress approved the first American flag design on June 14^th, 1777. The flag had 13 stripes, representing the 13 original colonies of the United States. According to some historians, the first American flag was designed by New Jersey Congressman Francis Hopkinson. Confederate states stopped flying the American flag during the Civil. Over a span of 200 years, Congress adopted several acts that amended the flag, including adding stars and stripes to reflect each state’s admission.

What was America’s first flag?

Besy Ross, a fabricator and flag maker who lived in early America, designed an early version of the American flag.
Proportion: 10:19
Design: It consisted of thirteen alternate red and white stripes and a blue canton with thirteen 5-pointed stars arranged in a circle.

What was the American flag in 1776?

Flags with “stars, white in a blue field” were not legally adopted until another year after the Declaration of Independence in July 1776.  A flag contemporaneously known as “the Continental Colors” has historically been called the first national flag.

What was the American flag made for?

Today, most flags are dyed using synthetic dyes and pigments manufactured primarily from petrochemicals. The main sources of blue dye were woad and indigo, which contain blue dye in their leaves.

What’s the meaning of American Flag?

Each stripe represents one of the original 13 Colonies and each star represents one of 50 states that make up the Union.

The colors:

– Red represents the courage and valor of those who died for a nation based on freedom from oppression.
– The white represents innocence and purity, a nod to the fact that the country was still a young nation when the flag was adopted.
– A nod to the early nation’s perseverance against the might of England, the blue represents justice and perseverance.

Who can dispose of an American flag?

Flag disposal ceremonies can be held by anyone. Retiring a flag should only be done in a respectful and dignified way. As per the U.S. Flag Code, a flag should be destroyed in a dignified manner if it is no longer suitable for display.

A flag can be disposed of in three ways:

First, by having a private flag burning ceremony in your home. Dropping off a flag disposal box is another option for disposing of an American flag. The last option for disposing of a flag is to recycle it. Flag companies often reuse the material from old flags to make new ones.

Who is entitled to a 21 gun salute at a funeral?

The 21-gun salute military honor is generally only performed at high-level funerals, but also:

• In honor of presidents and former presidents.
• Memorial Day.
• Heads of state.
• The 4th of July.
• George Washington’s birthday.

Why are there 7 red stripes and 6 white stripes on the flag?

Seven red and six white horizontal stripes represent the original 13 states or British colonies. Red symbolizes hardiness and valor, white symbolizes purity and innocence.

Why are US flag patches backwards on uniforms?

US flag patches backwards on uniforms to make it look as though the flag is flying in the breeze whenever the person wearing it moves forward.

Why do they put 3 bullets in the flag?

Three fired cartridges are placed into the folded flag before handing it to the next of kin. The cartridges signify duty, honor, and sacrifice.

Why do we think there are 52 states?

People probably get confused with a deck of cards. There are only 50 US states. Washington D.C isn’t counted because it is the nation’s capital.

Why is a flag folded 13 times?

Here’s the meaning of each of fold of the US flag:
Fold 1: Symbol of life.
Fold 2: Signifies our belief in eternal life.
Fold 3: Honor and tribute of the veteran departing our ranks.
Fold 4: Exemplifies our weaker nature as citizens trusting in God and it is to him, we turn for His divine guidance.
Fold 5: Acknowledgement to our country.
Fold 6: Where our hearts lie (pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America).
Fold 7: Tribute to our armed forces.
Fold 8: Tribute to the one who entered the valley of the shadow of death.
Fold 9: Honor to womanhood.
Fold 10: Tribute to father.
Fold 11: In the eyes of Hebrew citizens, represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon and glorifies, in their eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
Fold 12: In the eyes of a Christian citizen, represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in their eyes, God the Father, the Son, and Holy Ghost.
Fold 13: When the flag is completely folded – Reminding us of our national motto, “In God We Trust.”

Why is Texas the only state that can fly its flag?

This is not true. All states can fly their flags at the same height as the flag of the United States, with some stipulations.

Why is the American flag a symbol of patriotism?

The American flag is a symbol of patriotism for all Americans. The flag during the war, gave Americans hope.  Since then, the flag has been a symbol of that hope and unity. It has also been a symbol of our founder’s values: Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness

Why is the flag folded in a triangle?

The US flag is folded in a triangle to resemble a tri-cornered hat (Ones worn by George Washington and other soldiers who served in the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War). The retreat ceremony signals the end of the official duty day and serves as a ceremony for paying respect to the flag. At the ceremony of retreat the flag is lowered and folded in a triangle fold. It is kept under watch throughout the night as a tribute to our nation’s honored dead.

Why is there 52 stars on the flag?

There are only 50 stars on the flag – one for each state. USA has had 50 states since 1959. Many include District of Columbia and Puerto Rico which makes for 52 “states and other jurisdictions”.

Why is US flag red white and blue?

The flag colors have different significance.

White – Signifies purity and innocence.

Red – Signifies hardiness (ability to endure difficult conditions) and valor (great courage in the face of danger, especially in battle).

Blue – Signifies vigilance, perseverance, and justice.

Why the American flag is important?

The flag tells the story of America itself. The flag represents the freedom, dignity, and true meaning of being an American. The American flag is used around the world used to display nationalism, rebellion, and everything else.