No, at least according to the U.S. Code . (2) when the flag is not displayed, all present should face toward the music and act in the same manner they would if the flag were displayed. The passage is part of the larger U.S Flag Code, which prescribes American flag and National Anthem etiquette.
Can you refuse to salute the flag?
Refusing to salute the flag or recite the Pledge of Allegiance may be a form of political protest , the Court pointed out, or it may reflect a conscientious decision made by a person of devout religious belief. In either case, the Court concluded, such symbolic expression is protected by the First Amendment.
Do you have to salute the flag?
During the ceremony of hoisting or lowering the flag or when the flag is passing in a parade or in review, all persons present in uniform should render the military salute . Members of the Armed Forces and veterans who are present but not in uniform may render the military salute.
Is it mandatory to stand for the US national anthem?
Since 1998, federal law (viz., the United States Code 36 U.S.C. § 301) states that during a rendition of the national anthem, when the flag is displayed, all present including those in uniform should stand at attention; non-military service individuals should face the flag with the right hand over the heart; members of ...
Is it illegal to stand on the flag?
18 U.S. Code § 700 – Desecration of the flag of the United States; penalties. Whoever knowingly mutilates, defaces, physically defiles, burns, maintains on the floor or ground, or tramples upon any flag of the United States shall be fined under this title or imprisoned for not more than one year, or both.
Is it disrespectful to salute if you're not in the military?
“The President of the United States, as the commander in chief, will be saluted by Army personnel in uniform. ... “ Salutes are not required to be rendered or returned when the senior or subordinate , or both are in civilian attire.”
Can veterans salute without a hat?
Members of the armed forces and veterans who are present but not in uniform may render the military salute. ... In layman's terms that means veterans like Tyler do not have to remove their hats . They can salute and they can place their hand over their heart, but they are not required to.
Can you salute in civilian clothes?
You don't have to salute indoors , except when you report to a superior officer. If either person is wearing civilian clothes and you do not recognize the other person as a superior officer, salutes are unnecessary. ... Soldiers reporting to an NCO do not salute.
Do police salute the flag?
During flag-rising and flag-lowering armed parades all officers and senior NCOs hand salute the flag , while other ranks present arms, and the whole unit sings the national anthem.
Do veterans salute during taps at a funeral?
During a military funeral, members of the Armed Forces are expected to wear their service dress uniform and be prepared to salute when: the hearse passes in front of them, anytime the flag-draped casket is moved, during the formal gun salute , during the playing of Taps and when the casket is lowered into the ground.
Is it illegal to sing the national anthem wrong?
According to state law , if a person “plays, sings or renders the ”Star Spangled Banner” in any public place, theatre, motion picture hall, restaurant or cafe, or at any public entertainment, other than as a whole and separate composition or number, without embellishment or addition in the way of national or other ...
Is flying the flag upside down illegal?
Displaying a U.S. flag upside down is “a signal of dire distress in instances of extreme danger to life or property.” Flying the flag upside down may also be viewed as an act of disrespect or protest ; though not mentioned in the United States Flag Code, some have expressed anger over this.
Are you supposed to burn the flag if it touches the ground?
Answer: Care should be exercised in the handling of the flag, to protect it from becoming soiled or damaged. However, you are not required to destroy the flag if it touches the ground .
Why is my neighbors flag upside down?
Flying the American flag upside down is considered by many, including those who have served our country in uniform, to be disrespectful. The U.S. Defense Department says the flag should only be flown upside down “to convey a sign of distress or great danger .”
Is a left handed salute disrespectful?
Saluting with the left or right hand has nothing to do with being disrespectful . The salute, in and of itself, no matter which hand is used, is respectful. The US military uses the right hand for a reason and that reason is utilitarian, not an issue of respect.
Do Special Forces wear blue cord?
For example, Special Forces, Rangers and paratroopers have their own berets, infantry soldiers have blue cords they wear on their service uniforms , and cavalry soldiers have the Stetson and spurs.
