Respect for the Flag

• American Flag
• Displaying the Flag
• Flying our Flag
• National Anthem
• Pledge to the Flag
• Respect for the Flag
• Tribute to Veterans
• Veteran Authorization Form
• Veteran Organizations

The Flag Code, a national guideline on ways in which the flag is to be respected, states that no disrespect should be shown to the flag of the United States of America.  Specific ways in which the flag should not be used, according to the code, are:

• The flag should not be dipped to any person or thing, and can be flown upside down only as a distress signal.
• The flag should never be used as wearing apparel, bedding, or drapery.  Bunting of the blue, white, and red can be used for covering a speaker's desk, draping the front of a platform, or for decoration in general.
• The flag should never be fastened, displayed, used  or stored in such a way that would allow it to be easily torn, soiled, or damaged.
• The flag should never have any mark, insignia, letter, work, or other designs of any kind placed upon it.
• The flag should never be used as a receptacle for receiving, holding, carrying, or delivering anything.
• The flag should never be used for advertising purposes.  It should not be embroidered, printed or otherwise impressed on such articles as cushions, handkerchiefs, paper napkins, boxes, or anything that is designed for temporary use.  Advertising signs should not be fastened to a flag's staff or halyard.
• No part of the flag should be used as an element of a costume or athletic uniform.  However, a flag patch may be worn on the uniform of military personnel, firemen, and members of patriotic or other national organizations, such as the uniforms of veterans' service organizations or Scout uniforms.
• When lowering the flag, make certain that no part of it touches the ground.  It should be received by waiting hands and arms.

• To store the flag, ceremoniously fold it length wise in half, then repeat with the blue field on the outside.  Finally, while one person holds it by the blue field, another then makes a triangular fold in the appropriate end, continuing to fold it in triangles until only the blue shield shows.
• When a flag is in such a condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, it should be destroyed in a dignified manner, preferably by burning.