Guidelines for display of the flag public law 94344, known as the federal flag code, contains rules for handling and displaying the u. I have a tac hat and routinely wear the american flag, the tough patch etc. It is appropriate for a pow mia patch to be worn on the upper right breast. The flag should be hoisted briskly and lowered ceremoniously. American flag etiquette care and display guidelines. Learn flag etiquette and other information about handling the american flag at. Here is a list of rules and guidelines for displaying the american flag and treating it with proper respect.
The second flag powmia, branch of service, state, etc. The flag should never have placed on it, or attached to it, any mark, insignia, letter, word, number, figure, or drawing of any kind. If the patch is worn on the right shoulder, the stars will be. The american flag code is a guideline for proper flag etiquette. The united states flag code establishes advisory rules for display and care of the flag of the united states. Additionally, no emblem, name or patch shall be worn above the flag patch on the same sleeve. The rule is that the blue field of stars should always be in the highest position of honor on the uniform. And to prove it, youve sewn an american flag patch onto your baseball uniform. Chapter 1, title 4 of the us code governs the use and display of the us flag while there are no laws that punish those who violate this code there used to be but it was later repealed as unconstitutional it is still important to know the proper etiquette of wear and use of the flag when placing it on your kit or uniform.
Therefore, the lapel flag pin being a replica, should be worn on the left lapel near the heart. It of course should be higher or the same height as other flags displayed but never lower. The decision as to the sleeve on which the patch is to be worn is left to the judgment of the individual, post or color guard involved. The first thing to keep in mind about how to wear american flag patches on clothing is the placement. While the federal code contains no penalties for misusing the flag, states have their own flag codes and may impose penalties.
Flag etiquette for the bike and vest american legion, fl. The united states flag manual from the military salute project shows the american flag patch displayed with the canton always facing the viewers left on vests, jackets and jacket sleeves. Just like with displaying the flag, there are rules of etiquette for the proper use of american flag patches. Army regulation 6701 outlines the proper placement of american flag patches on authorized uniforms. Although the code is violated in many different ways each day, what matters most is the intent behind the use of the flag. Heres the proper way to display us, georgia flags cumming, ga the american flag should not be flown at halfstaff all day on memorial day 2019. Choose between 24 us embroidered flag patch designs, rectangle american flag patches, shield us flag patches, and other popular us flag patch designs. Many of our readers ask about american flag etiquette and the u. The flag belongs to every american, and the goruck forward facing flag is a brand so the same there.
That position has always been the right shoulder with the flags blue stars facing forward. Therefore, the lapel flag pin being a replica should be worn on the left lapel near the heart. The us code does not address the positioning of the flag patch. So, im standing at the back of troop meeting last night, reading a flag etiquette guide i found in the scout closet. The american flag is not abackground to be used to display your pet group or project.
The flag code formalizes the way in which we should respect the flag. If the patch is placed on the left shoulder, the stars should be to the left with the stripes going to the right. It is appropriate to wear an american flag patch on the left or right sleeve. Us flag store ptusa american flag, standard patch, red. Nothing evokes such strong emotion as seeing the flag, either a ceremony honoring a great event or draped over a coffin as a sign of mourning for a hero or loved one. The first flags adopted by our colonial forebears were symbolic of their struggles with the wilderness of the new land. Always remember that the flag code was created as a guideline, intended to be followed voluntarily by civilians.
They set forth the existing rules, customs and etiquette pertaining to the display and use of the flag of the united states of america. The flag should be cleaned and mended when necessary. Proper wear of the us flag on the uniform re factor tactical. Dont be stolen valor patch guy, learn proper patch etiquette. Why is the flag patch backwards on military uniforms. Flag patches, us flag patches, american flag patches, us. The flag patch is usually affixed on either sleeve, just below the shoulder seam.
The care and display guidelines for the american flag can be quite confusing, creating situations that cause etiquette faux pas. When displayed or carried in a procession with other flags, the flag should be positioned to its own. Thank you for your inquiry about the proper placement of the american flag on the uniform of the u. When a flag is so worn it is no longer fit to serve as a symbol of our country, it should be destroyed by burning in a dignified manner. The flag represents a living country and is itself considered a living thing. American flag patches range in size up to the large embroidered 8 x 12 patch. Whether displaying the flag vertically or horizontally, make sure the canton of stars is visible on the upper lefthand side. The machine embroidering enables precise duplication of the fine details found in many flags. It is the regulation of the department of defense that the american flag patch on all fighting forces uniforms is to be displayed with the star field facing forward, or to the flags own right.
Most organizations face the flag with the union toward the. Note this patch should be in line with or below the american flag on the opposite side. Most american legion posts regularly conduct a dignified flag burning ceremony, often on flag day, june 14th. Patch looked into the history of the day, and has reminders on how to correctly display. The following flag laws and regulations are contained in the public law as amended july 7, 1976 by the 94th congress of the united states. The language of the federal code makes clear that the flag is a living symbol. Code does not address the positioning of the flag patch. However, a flag patch may be affixed to the uniform of military personnel, firemen, policemen, and members of patriotic organizations.
It is chapter 1 of title 4 of the united states code 4 u. Imagine my shock and embarrassment as i read the section on flag patch placement and orientation. Flag code states that it is acceptable to affix an american flag patch onto military, police, fire and other patriotic organizations uniforms. On june 22, 1942, congress passed a joint resolution, later amended on december 22, 1942, that encompassed what has come to be known as the u. By resolution, the flag patch, when placed on an american legion uniform, may be placed at the shoulder of either sleeve as long as the blue field is forward. American flag etiquette the american flag is an important symbol for our country and represents the unity of america, our common cause, and the hope for a better tomorrow. Army regulation 6701, wear and appearance of army uniforms and insignia, updated most recently september 5, 2003, addresses explicitly the proper and lawful placement of the u. The united states flag code establishes advisory rules for display and care of the national flag of the united states of america. If an american legion, american legion auxiliary or sons of the american legion patch is worn this is the recommended placement. The sniper patch shown violates the flag code 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. Flag code, passed by congress in 1942, provides guidelines regarding american flag etiquette. It is section 1 of title 4 of the united states code 4 u.
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