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Flag Rules and Regulations
How to Fold the Flag
©2008 ushistory.org
Fold the
flag in half width-wise twice. If done by two, then the blue field should
be facing the bottom on the first fold. Fold up a triangle, starting at
the striped end ... and repeat ... until only the end of the union is
exposed. Then fold down the square into a triangle and tuck inside the
folds.
•
Step-by-step
instructions for cadets, boy scouts, etc.
• This animation
frame by frame
FAQ quick jump: Should I fly my flag at half-staff today?
On this page
How to Display the Flag Hide Section
1.
When the flag is displayed over the middle of the street, it should be
suspended vertically with the union to the north in an east and west
street or to the east in a north and south street.
2.
The flag of the United States of America, when it is displayed with
another flag against a wall from crossed staffs, should be on the right,
the flag's own right [that means the viewer's left --Webmaster], and its
staff should be in front of the staff of the other flag.
3.
The flag, when flown at half-staff, should be first hoisted to the peak
for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff position. The flag
should be again raised to the peak before it is lowered for the day. By
"half-staff" is meant lowering the flag to one-half the distance between
the top and bottom of the staff. Crepe streamers may be affixed to spear
heads or flagstaffs in a parade only by order of the President of the
United States.
4.
When flags of States, cities, or localities, or pennants of societies
are flown on the same halyard with the flag of the United States, the
latter should always be at the peak. When the flags are flown from
adjacent staffs, the flag of the United States should be hoisted first
and lowered last. No such flag or pennant may be placed above the flag
of the United States or to the right of the flag of the United States
(the viewer's left). When the flag is half-masted, both flags are half-masted,
with the US flag at the mid-point and the other flag below.
5.
When the flag is suspended over a sidewalk from a rope extending from a
house to a pole at the edge of the sidewalk, the flag should be hoisted
out, union first, from the building.
6.
When the flag of the United States is displayed from a staff projecting
horizontally or at an angle from the window sill, balcony, or front of a
building, the union of the flag should be placed at the peak of the
staff unless the flag is at half-staff.
7.
When the flag is used to cover a casket, it should be so placed that the
union is at the head and over the left shoulder. The flag should not be
lowered into the grave or allowed to touch the ground.
8.
When the flag is displayed in a manner other than by being flown from a
staff, it should be displayed flat, whether indoors or out. When
displayed either horizontally or vertically against a wall, the union
should be uppermost and to the flag's own right, that is, to the
observer's left. When displayed in a window it should be displayed in
the same way, that is with the union or blue field to the left of the
observer in the street. When festoons, rosettes or drapings are desired,
bunting of blue, white and red should be used, but never the flag.
9.
That the flag, when carried in a procession with another flag, or flags,
should be either on the marching right; that is, the flag's own right,
or, if there is a line of other flags, in front of the center of that
line.
10.
The flag of the United States of America should be at the center and at
the highest point of the group when a number of flags of States or
localities or pennants of societies are grouped and displayed from
staffs.
11.
When flags of two or more nations are displayed, they are to be flown
from separate staffs of the same height. The flags should be of
approximately equal size. International usage forbids the display of the
flag of one nation above that of another nation in time of peace. The
order of precedence for flags generally is National flags (US first,
then others in alphabetical order in English), State (host state first,
then others in the order of admission) and territories (Washington DC,
Puerto Rico, etc.), Military (in order of establishment: Army, Marine
Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard), then other.
12.
When displayed from a staff in a church or public auditorium on or off a
podium, the flag of the United States of America should hold the
position of superior prominence, in advance of the audience, and in the
position of honor at the clergyman's or speaker's right as he faces the
audience. Any other flag so displayed should be placed on the left of
the clergyman or speaker (to the right of the audience). Please note
that the old guidelines differed from this updated and simplified one.
13.
When the flag is displayed on a car, the staff shall be fixed firmly to
the chassis or clamped to the right fender.
14.
When hung in a window, place the blue union in the upper left, as viewed
from the street.
Flag Code Violations in the News Hide Section
Also visit the American Flag Wall of Shame and the Flag and Betsy Ross in the News
Click pictures for enlargements
Reno, Nevada, October 2, 2007, the flagpole at a local bar displayed the Mexican flag above the US flag on the same flagpole. Section 7g reads, "When flags of two or more nations are displayed, they are to be flown from separate staffs of the same height. The flags should be of approximately equal size. International usage forbids the display of the flag of one nation above that of another nation in time of peace." Photo source: KRNV News 4
Albania, June 10, 2007, the woman's flag is union out; the man is wearing flag shorts; his flag is touching the ground. Section 7h reads, "the union of the flag should be placed at the peak of the staff." Section 8d reads, "The flag should never be used as wearing apparel." Section 8b reads, "The flag should never touch anything beneath it, such as the ground." Of course, the Flag Code doesn't apply in Albania. Photo credit: Damir Sagolj/Reuters
September 11, 2006, President Bush and first lady Laura Bush stand on a carpet of the American flag at Ground Zero in Manhattan, the site of the September 11, 2001 attack. Section 8b of the Flag Code reads, " The flag should never touch anything beneath it, such as the ground..." Photo credit: Reuters/Jason Reed
April 2006, protesters hold a US flag union down to protest pending federal legislation, in Costa Mesa, California. Section 8a. "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." Photo credit: AFP/Getty Images/David McNew
Super Bowl 2004, Janet Jackson's "costume malfunction" made international news; that same half-time show featured the wearing of an American flag by performer Kid Rock. He later removed the flag poncho and hurled it over his head. Section 8d. reads, "The flag should never be used as wearing apparel." Photo credit: Reuters
In July 2003 President Bush autographed a small flag. This picture was circulated across the Internet noting its violation of 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." Photo credit: AP Photo/Charles Dharapak
What Is a Flag? Hide Section
The flag of the United States is any flag of the United States, or any part thereof, made of any substance, of any size, accurate or not, that is recognized as a flag by the reasonable observer. Some argue that flags are only those items made for display as flags. However the flag code makes clear that the image of the flag sewn into fabric (as on T-shirts) or printed on paper are still considered flags: "... It should not be embroidered on such articles as cushions or handkerchiefs and the like, printed or otherwise impressed on paper napkins or boxes or anything that is designed for temporary use and discard..." The pictures below are all recognized as flags.
References: HR1974 | Flag Desecration Timeline (see 1897) | Flag Code [see below], section 3
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Flagpoles, Flag Sizes, Flag Proportions Hide Section
The usual size of a flag used at home is 3'x5'. A casket flag is 9-1/2'x5'. The table below shows the appropriate size flag to fly on flagpoles of several heights.
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Home Use |
Public display (not home-use) |
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flagpole |
flag |
flagpole |
flag |
flagpole |
flag |
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15' |
3'x5' |
20' |
4'x6' |
50' |
8x12'-10x15' |
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20' |
3'x5' |
25' |
5'x8' |
60'-65' |
10'x15'-10'x19' |
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25' |
4'x6' |
30'-35' |
6'x10' |
70'-80' |
10'x19'-12'x18' |
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40'-45' |
6'x10-8'x12' |
90'-100' |
20'x38'-30'x50 |
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Flag Proportions
According to Executive Order 10834, official flags (not personal flags) must meet these standards.
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Frequently Asked Questions Hide Section
My flag touched the ground. Do I need to destroy it?
No. You should, of course, try to avoid having the flag touch the ground. But if it does, you should correct the situation immediately. If the flag has been dirtied, you should clean it by hand with a mild soap solution and dry it well before returning it to use.
My flag is old and ready to be retired. What should I do?
Section 8k of the Flag Code [see below] states, "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." We recommend that you contact your local VFW Chapter and ask them for help properly disposing of your flag. And be sure to consider providing a small donation to them for their assistance. Or you can contact your local Elks Lodge (who created the idea of Flag Day, established officially by President Truman, himself a member of the Elks), the American Legion, or the Knights of Columbus. Some Boy Scout and Girl Scout troups also can provide this service.
See Flag Burning Service and Ceremony.
A problem that has not been addressed yet involves nylon (all-weather) flags. In some states, it is illegal to burn nylon, so adhering to the Flag Code puts you in direct violation of the law.
American Flag Recycling: A group advocating recycling nylon flags
Are there recent changes to the Flag Code?
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Currently pending is a bill to amend title 4, United States Code, to prescribe that members of the Armed Forces and veterans out of uniform may render the military salute during hoisting, lowering, or passing of flag. The bill is currently referred to the Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties.
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The most recent change was Public Law 110-41 which, most importantly, authorizes Governors to order proclamations to half-staff the flag upon the death of a member (from that state) of the Armed Forces who dies while serving on active duty.
Are there penalties for violating the Flag Code?
No. The Flag Code [see below] serves as a guide to be followed on a purely voluntary basis to insure proper respect for the flag. The Supreme Court has ruled that politically motivated violations of the Flag Code are protected by the First Amendment.
The Flag Code has no provision for enforcement. No fines, no penalties. There is nothing law enforcement can do when the Flag Code is broken.
Are flags on T-shirts, ties, etc., really flags?
Yes. According to the Flag Code, a flag is anything "by which the average person seeing the same without deliberation may believe the same to represent the flag."
The words "flag, standard, colors, or ensign", as used herein, shall include any flag, standard, colors, ensign, or any picture or representation of either, or of any part or parts of either, made of any substance or represented on any substance, of any size evidently purporting to be either of said flag, standard, colors, or ensign of the United States of America or a picture or a representation of either, upon which shall be shown the colors, the stars and the stripes, in any number of either thereof, or of any part or parts of either, by which the average person seeing the same without deliberation may believe the same to represent the flag, colors, standard, or ensign of the United States of America.
Source: Flag Code [see below], Section 3
Therefore, a flag includes any representation of it of any substance, with stars and stripes of any number. This would include T-shirts and ties.
The Flag Code states that the flag should never be worn. (Section 8d): "The flag should never be used as wearing apparel."
How should I dispose of T-shirts with pictures of the flag on them?
Because the T-shirt is, according to the Flag Code, indeed a flag, it leads to the somewhat absurd conclusion that it needs to be retired in a dignified way.
See My flag is old and ready to be retired. What should I do?
Where do you wear a flag lapel pin?
Flag lapel pins have been in the news, including a recent story tracing the timeline of Barack Obama's wearing of a lapel pin.
The Flag Code is quite specific about where to wear it. Section 8j of the Flag Code [see below] reads:
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.
Should the American flag be taken down during a rain storm?
Most flags sold nowadays are all-weather flags (refer to the packaging). These are permitted to fly during inclement weather, according to the Flag Code [see below].
Is it proper to wash a soiled flag? May I mend a torn flag?
Yes. If a flag is torn, it can be repaired, preferably by a professional or someone skilled in mending. If it is dirty, it can be washed, preferably by hand with a mild soap. If it is faded or tattered beyond repair, or dirty beyond cleaning, then it is time to replace the flag.
Many dry cleaners will clean your flag at no cost. Ask your local cleaner their policy on cleaning flags.
I fly my flag at home 24 hours a day. What does "properly
illuminated" mean?
Section 6a: "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 twenty-four hours a day if properly illuminated during the hours of darkness."
The Flag Rules offer no additional guidance on this question. We interpret this to mean that there should be either a light directly upon the flag or that there be sufficient local lighting to make the flag easily visible at night.
If you cannot "properly illuminate" your flag, we recommend that you retire it at sunset, as the Flag Rules specify.
Have the "properly illuminated" rules been relaxed since 9/11 or for
energy conservation?
No. There has been no revision of the Flag Code [see below] and there has been no Presidential Proclamation changing the guidelines for respectful display of the flag at night. Section 6a: "when a patriotic effect is desired, the flag may be displayed twenty-four hours a day if properly illuminated during the hours of darkness."
Is it appropriate to fly a flag that has fewer than 50 stars?
Yes. Official United States flags are always considered living, active flags. From the Betsy Ross flag to the present 50-star flag, any flag that at some time was the currently active flag is still considered a living flag to be accorded all due respect.
Should I fly my flag today?
Section 6d of the Flag Code [see below] states:
"The flag should be displayed on all days, especially on:
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New Year's Day, January 1
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Inauguration Day, January 20
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Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday, third Monday in January
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Lincoln's Birthday, February 12
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Washington's Birthday, third Monday in February
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Easter Sunday (variable)
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Mother's Day, second Sunday in May
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Armed Forces Day, third Saturday in May
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Memorial Day (half-staff until noon), the last Monday in May
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Flag Day, June 14
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Independence Day, July 4
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Labor Day, first Monday in September
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Constitution Day, September 17
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Columbus Day, second Monday in October
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Navy Day, October 27
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Veterans Day, November 11
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Thanksgiving Day, fourth Thursday in November
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Christmas Day, December 25
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and such other days as may be proclaimed by the President of the United States
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the birthdays of States (date of admission)
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and on State holidays"
What music is played raising and lowering the flag?
The traditional bugle call for raising the flag is Reveille. On the first note, you begin to briskly raise the flag, which should take about 20 seconds. The traditional bugle call for U.S. civilians lowering the flag is "Taps." In the military, they play "To the Color" or "Retreat." The Army plays "Taps" at funerals and as the last call of the night.
"Taps" was composed by the Union Army's Brigadier General Daniel Butterfield while in camp at Harrison's Landing, Virginia, in 1862, to replace the more formal "Tattoo" (lights out). It is called "Taps" because it was often tapped out on a drum in the absence of a bugler. It was used by both Northern and Southern camps. The call was officially adopted by the U.S. Army in 1874.
Sources: U.S. Army Bands | Military Analysis Network | Army Study Guide
What does the Flag Code say about displaying the flag horizontally,
as before a football game?
Section 8c. reads, "The flag should never be carried flat or horizontally, but always aloft and free."
Can the American flag be used as the background for a bulletin board
display with notices tacked on it?
No. According to the Flag Code [see below], Section 8g: "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." Section 8: "No disrespect should be shown to the flag of the United States of America." Section 8j: "The flag represents a living country and is itself considered a living thing."
We recently received a notice from our home owners association that
no flags — including the American flag — may be flown in any way
from our homes.
There is now a law protecting your right to fly the US flag.
A condominium association, cooperative association, or residential real estate management association may not adopt or enforce any policy, or enter into any agreement, that would restrict or prevent a member of the association from displaying the flag of the United States on residential property within the association with respect to which such member has a separate ownership interest or a right to exclusive possession or use. Read HR42.
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In the News:: Homeowner at odds with homeowners association [October 26, 2006]
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In the News:: National Flag Law Mirrors Community Associations Institute Public Policy [July 24, 2006]
Is it okay to use flag napkins or flag paper plates?
No. Section 8i of the Flag Code reads: "It should not be ... printed or otherwise impressed on paper napkins or boxes or anything that is designed for temporary use and discard."
This picture posted by Kraftfoods as a Fourth of July recommendation. They also provide a recipe for a flag cake.
Is a cake decorated with a flag drawn with icing a violation of the
Flag Code?
There is nothing specific in the Flag Code [see below] regarding the use of the US flag as food. It does say
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"No disrespect should be shown to the flag of the United States of America."
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"... It should not be ... printed or otherwise impressed on ... anything that is designed for temporary use and discard."
The icing on a cake would generally be eaten, digested, and "discarded" in a most disrespectful way. We suggest that it is an inappropriate display of the flag.
Is it okay for an advertisement to use the flag?
No. Section 8i of the Flag Code reads, "The flag should never be used for advertising purposes in any manner whatsoever." The earliest drafts of the Flag Code were in response to the use of the flag in advertisements and on packaging.
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Where should the flag be mounted as it relates to the front of a
house?
It is traditionally flown either to the right or the left of the front door. It can be on either side. When there is a choice, find a position of prominence. Sometimes that is the left of the door, sometimes the right, sometimes away from the door, but centered on the house (when you have a porch, for example). Use your best judgment to find a nice position for the flag. However, if you fly a second flag, then the US flag must be on the viewer's left of the other flag, as you approach the house.
What does the gold fringe on the flag represent?
Gold fringe can be found on ceremonial flags used indoors and for outdoor ceremonies. The fringe is considered completely within the guidelines of proper flag etiquette. There is nothing in the Flag Code [see below] about the fringe being for federal government flags only. The Internet contains many sites that claim that the fringe indicates martial law or that the Constitution does not apply in that area. These are entirely unfounded (usually citing Executive Order 10834 and inventing text that is not part of the order) and should be dismissed as urban legends. Others ascribe meanings of spiritual authority. Gold fringes on flags goes back long before the United States. Flags in ancient India had gold fringe, as did those in France, England, and throughout Europe.
We are flying the US flag, our state flag, and our company flag on
side-to-side poles. What order should they be in?
Facing the display, from left to right: US flag, state flag, company flag. If you are flying them on two poles, place the US flag over the state flag on the leftmost pole, and the company flag on the right pole. You may not fly a company flag on the same pole as the US flag.
We are flying the US flag, our state flag, and the POW/MIA flag on
side-to-side poles. What order should they be in?
Facing the display, from left to right: US flag, POW/MIA, state flag. If you are flying them on two poles, place the US flag over the POW/MIA flag on the leftmost pole, and the state flag on the right pole. [Source: Home of Heroes]
Doesn't the US flag fly on the tall center pole?
Yes. When the three poles are the same height, the priority is left to right. When the center pole is taller, then the position of prominence is the center pole, then the left, then the right.
We have the US flag, a Canadian flag, and our state flag.
The correct order is US, then other nationality (always flown at the same height as the US flag), and then state flag.
How do we display the US flag with the Christian Flag?
To be consistent with both the US Flag Code and the Christian Flag Code, the US flag is placed at the far left and the Christian flag placed to the right, front, of the congregation and outside of the communion railing. Both flags should be at the same height and of approximately the same size.
The Christan flag may fly above the US flag only "during church services conducted by naval chaplains at sea, when the church pennant may be flown above the flag during church services for the personnel of the Navy" (Flag Code [see below], Section 7c).
The following is from the Christian Flag Code [Source]
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When the Christian flag is on the floor level, the Christian flag is placed to the right, front, of the congregation and outside of the communion railing.
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When the Christian flag is placed within the chancel, communion railing or choir loft, the Christian flag is placed to the right side of the altar, of the clergymen, and of the choir as they face the congregation.
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When the Christian flag is displayed with the American flag and/or other flags:
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The American flag and/or other flags may be placed symmetrically on the opposite side of the sanctuary and on the same level as the Christian flag.
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If desired, it is also proper to place the Christian and national flags side-by-side wherever stationed in the church, thus symbolizing both the spiritual and patriotic loyalties of the congregation.
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When the flags are placed side-by-side, the Christian flag is always stationed on the right of all other flags.
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The Christian flag never dips to any other flag. It may properly dip to the altar Cross.
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Can a foreign flag fly above the US flag?
KRNV News 4
A situation arose in Reno, where a Mexican Flag was flown above the US flag on a single pole. This was a violation of the Flag Code and was apparently done to make a political statement.
Let's start by looking at the Flag Code. You will find there is a contradiction. First it says that all foreign flags should fly at the same height as the US flag. But later, it says that no foreign flag should fly at the same height as the US flag.
7g. reads, "When flags of two or more nations are displayed, they are to be flown from separate staffs of the same height. The flags should be of approximately equal size. International usage forbids the display of the flag of one nation above that of another nation in time of peace."
7c. starts, "No other flag or pennant should be placed above or, if on the same level, to the right of the flag of the United States of America..."
7c. later on reads (emphasis ours), "No person shall display the flag of the United Nations or any other national or international flag equal, above, or in a position of superior prominence or honor to, or in place of, the flag of the United States at any place within the United States or any Territory or possession thereof..."
Notwithstanding the confusion here, it is always recommended to fly foreign flags from separate poles, and that the flags should be flown at the same height and be of same or similar size.
The complete order of precedence of flags in the US
The following is the order of precedence of flags, according to Army regulations, with the addition of the POW/MIA and the "others" at the end.
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The flag of the United States.
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Foreign national flags. (Normally, these are displayed in alphabetical order using the English alphabet.)
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Flag of the President of the United States of America.
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POW/MIA flag
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State and territorial flags. Normally, state flags are displayed in order of admittance of the State to the Union. However, they may also be displayed in alphabetical order using the English alphabet. Territorial flags are displayed after the State flags either in the order they were recognized by the United States or alphabetically.
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Military organizational flags of the Services in order of precedence
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Cadets, United States Military Academy
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Midshipmen, United States Naval Academy
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Cadets, United States Air Force Academy
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Cadets, United States Coast Guard Academy
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Midshipmen, United States Merchant Marine Academy
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United States Army
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United States Marine Corps
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United States Navy
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United States Air Force
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United States Coast Guard
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Army National Guard of the United States
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Army Reserve
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Marine Corps Reserve
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Naval Reserve
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Air National Guard of the United States
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Air Force Reserve
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Coast Guard Reserve
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Other training organizations of the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard, in that order, respectively.
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Military organizational flags within a Service by echelon. The flag for the regimental corps will have precedence immediately before the regimental proponent’s command flag. The regimental corps flag will never have precedence above a MACOM flag.
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Individual flags in order of rank. For the purpose of order of precedence, the term “individual flags” includes the Department of the Army Senior Executive Service flag.
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Other
Sources:Army Regulation 840-10 [PDF] | Home of Heroes for POW/MIA flag
I have three flags and one pole. What order should they be in?
The order, generally, is as follows, seen top to bottom:
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US flag
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POW/MIA
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state flags (host state first, then others in the order of admission)
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US territories (Washington DC, Puerto Rico, etc.)
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Military (in order of establishment: Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard)
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other
However, the "other" cannot be a national flag (the Canadian, for example) as they must be at the same height and the approximate same size. Nor can it be a company banner. Section 8i of the Flag Code [see below] reads:
"Advertising signs should not be fastened to a staff or halyard from which the flag is flown."
The American flag is on top. But, can a company flag fly beneath it
on the same pole?
No. Corporate banners are a form of branding, and, as such, a form of advertising. Section 8i of the Flag Code [see below] reads:
"Advertising signs should not be fastened to a staff or halyard from which the flag is flown."
On my motorcycle, I have two flags, the US flag and a POW/MIA flag.
How should they be positioned?
The US flag should always be on its right, as shown in this picture. The POW/MIA or other flag flies on its left, which is the viewer's right, facing the motorcycle.
I have a neighbor flying a Mexican flag and no US flag. Is this a
violation of the flag code?
The Flag Code [see below] requires that the US flag be flown on federal institutions, including public schools. It does not require you to fly the US flag and it does not forbid you from displaying a foreign flag. For example, someone with Irish heritage may proudly fly an Irish flag and is not required to fly the US flag. In the early 1900s there was hostility when the German flag was flown in the US, prompting Theodore Roosevelt to state that we had one flag, and one language. We are again revisiting tensions, this time it is the Mexican flag. We understand the emotional tensions of the situation, however, the Flag Code [see below] does not support those who wish to forbid the flying of the Mexican flag within our borders without also flying the US flag.
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In the News:: US town bars foreign flags in swipe at immigrants [November 16, 2006]
Is it okay to display the flag upside down to protest the war?
The Flag Code [see below] states, "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." It is an unreasonable stretch to argue that the political purposes constitute "dire distress." We recommend that people who wish to express their political views find a way to do so that is respectful of the flag. Remember that to some the flag represents the government of the US and its policies; but it also represents the promise as yet unfulfilled of the Declaration, it represents our freedom of speech, our freedom to practice or not practice religion as we choose, it represents American values, it represents one nation in its glory, it represents hope for a better future, and importantly it represents the sacrifices made in all generations to protect our freedoms.
How can I get a flag that has flown over the Capitol?
Constituents may arrange to purchase flags that have been flown over the Capitol by getting in touch with their Senators or Representative. A certificate signed by the Architect of the Capitol accompanies each flag. Flags are available for purchase in sizes of 3'x5' or 5'x8' in fabrics of cotton and nylon.
Can I have people sign my flag?
No, you should never sign the flag directly on it. If your flag has a canvas strip that holds the grommets, it is acceptable to have everyone sign along that canvas strip. Or, you can have everyone sign a separate document that can then be framed and displayed with the flag.
I am thinking of getting a flag tattoo. Is it okay?
There is nothing in the Flag Code [see below] about tattoos. The question is one of respect for the flag. In this case one person's respect is another's disrespect, and we advise against a flag tattoo. Perhaps an American eagle would look good?
Is Texas's the only state flag allowed to fly at the same height as
the US flag?
No, this is an urban legend. All state flags may fly at the same height as the U.S. flag. The U.S. flag must be on its right (the viewer's left), however. Texas's laws are consistent with those of the other states.
See Texas flag code.
Does the ball ornament atop a flagpole contain a razor, lighter, and
flare?
No. This is just an urban legend. One explanation is that the myth started during the Cold War and that the objects were to be used to destroy the flag in the event of a Soviet invasion. Of course, the ball ornament predates the Cold War by many years.
Where does the flag fly 24 hours a day?
South Pole and the moon
It flies 24 hours a day at thousands and thousands of locations. The flag code states:
Section 6a: "when a patriotic effect is desired, the flag may be displayed twenty-four hours a day if properly illuminated during the hours of d