Should The American Flag Be On The Left Or Right?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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When flags are flown in a row, the American flag should always be on the observer’s far left . When displayed during a parade with other flags, the American flag should always be to the observer’s left. The flag carrier should hold the flag to his or her right side.

Does the American flag go on the right or left?

When flown with flags of states, communities or societies on separate flag poles which are of the same height and in a straight line, the Flag of the United States is always placed in the position of honor—to its own right (observer’s left) .

Why is the American flag always on the right?

What is meant by the flag’s own right? Answer: The “right” as the position of honor developed from the time when the “right hand” was the “weapon hand” or “point of danger .” The right hand raised without weapon was a sign of peace. The right hand, to any observer, is the observer’s left.

What is the Proper Way to Display the American flag?

display it with the union down , except as a signal of distress. let the flag touch anything beneath it: ground, floor, water, merchandise. carry it horizontally, but always aloft. fasten or display it in a way that will permit it to be damaged or soiled.

Why does the American flag go on the left?

When displayed with flags from other nations, the American flag is always raised first and lowered last . In a parade, the flag should be carried so it’s on the left for the viewer.

What side of the porch do you hang the American flag on?

The American flag can hang on either side of the porch unless there is a second flag (or multiple flags). If there are two or more flags hanging on the porch, the American flag should hang on the left side of the porch when viewed from the street.

How do you display an outdoor flag?

Hang flag vertically with the canton farthest from the building . The union, or star field, should always be at the top and should be on the flag’s own right (the viewer’s left). When being hung over a street, the union should ideally point north or east.

What are 3 things you should never do to the flag?

  1. Don’t dip the U.S. Flag for any person, flag, or vessel.
  2. Don’t let the flag touch the ground.
  3. Don’t fly flag upside down unless there is an emergency.
  4. Don’t carry the flag flat, or carry things in it.
  5. Don’t use the flag as clothing.
  6. Don’t store the flag where it can get dirty.

Can you leave American flag out at night?

The Flag Code states it is the universal custom to display the flag only from sunrise to sunset on buildings and on stationary flag staffs in the open. However, when a patriotic effect is desired, the flag may be displayed 24 hours a day if properly illuminated during the hours of darkness .

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

The first one is a bumper sticker which displays the flag. The second is displaying a small, motor vehicle flag with a proper flag mount on the car. Both options are considered acceptable and respectful, however, draping a real flag over your vehicle in any other way is considered disrespectful to the flag .

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

According to the US Flag Code, all American flags should be displayed from sunrise to sunset every day. Lowering the flag at night is an ultimate sign of respect for Old Glory. But like many rules, there is an exception. You can keep your flag flying 24-hours if it is properly illuminated during all hours of darkness .

Can you sit on American flag?

You can’t sit on a flag or blow your nose with it

In addition, seat cushions, napkins, boxes, or anything intended to be discarded after temporary use should never have the image of the flag on it.

Where should the flag be placed on the front of my house?

Ideally, an American flag on your house should hang from a staff that angles out from the front wall or a windowsill or balcony . It’s a good idea to screw a bracket made for holding the flagstaff to the trim. Fasten it securely and so the flag won’t become soiled or damaged.

What is disrespectful towards the American flag?

No disrespect should be shown to the flag of the United States of America; the flag should not be dipped to any person or thing. Regimental colors, State flags, and organization or institutional flags are to be dipped as a mark of honor.

What do you do if a flag touches the ground?

Instead, the code stipulates, “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 .” Unless hitting the ground once renders the flag unfit for display, there’s no need to burn it.

Is it illegal to fly a flag without a light?

In the case of the American flag, yes, it is illegal . The US Flag Code states that it is illegal to fly the US flag at night without adequate light. The American flag code is part of federal law. Each state using it as a foundation for its own specific flag codes regarding the handling and display of the American flag.

Can the American flag touch the floor?

The flag should never touch anything beneath it , such as the ground, the floor, water, or merchandise. The flag should never be carried flat or horizontally, but always aloft and free.

What does it mean when a flag is hung upside down?

What does an upside down flag mean? Traditionally, the American flag should never be hung upside down “ except as a signal of dire distress in instances of extreme danger to life or property ” according to the U.S Flag Code.

Is it OK to fly flag in rain?

The U.S. Flag Code addresses the rules for flying flags, rain or shine. ... The United States Code, Title 36, Chapter 10, states: “ The flag should not be displayed on days when the weather is inclement, except when an all-weather flag is displayed.”

Are flags illegal on cars?

There is no specific law against flying a flag from your vehicle . However, as many outlets note, you can risk a fine for flying them. ... The Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations Act 1986 is cited across the board, particularly Regulation 30, which advises motorists to avoid impairing their vision of the road.

Does the flag get lowered for Veterans Day?

Veterans Day (formerly Armistice Day), November 11th : This is a day to honor our nation’s veterans. It is not a day of mourning, but a day of celebration and honor. Therefore, it is not a day of half-staff.

What size flag should I put on my house?

We recommend a 5 ft flagpole for a 2×3 ft flag, and a 6 ft pole for a 3×5 ft flag . Flags larger than 3×5 ft are generally too large for pole and bracket display. 3×5 ft flags are attractive on medium to large size homes and 2×3 ft or 2.5×4 ft are more proportionate for smaller homes.

What angle should a flag be hung?

Mount the flagpole off the building so it makes a 90-degree angle with the side of the building. The flagpole needs to be parallel with the ground so the flag hangs vertically on it. Make sure the flagpole you use is long enough to keep the edge of the flag from brushing against the side of the building.

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

Does the flag have to be destroyed if it touches the ground? Answer: ... However, you are not required to destroy the flag if it touches the ground . As long as the flag remains suitable for display, even if washing or dry-cleaning (which is an acceptable practice) is required, the flag may continue to be displayed.

Why can’t you let the American flag touch the ground?

According to the U.S. Flag Code, the American flag should never touch the ground or anything else below it. ... If the American flag hangs so low on a flagpole that it touches the ground, it will likely accumulate dirt . And if it continues to touch the ground, it may sustain more severe damage in the form of torn fabric.

What time should the flag be taken down?

It shall be flown from sunrise to sunset irrespective of weather conditions. The flag may be flown on such a building at night also, but this should be only on very special occasions. The National flag shall always be hoisted briskly and lowered slowly and ceremoniously.

Is it a felony to burn the American flag?

RULING Yes . REASONING (5-4) The majority of the Court, according to Justice William Brennan, agreed with Johnson and held that flag burning constitutes a form of “symbolic speech” that is protected by the First Amendment.

Is sitting during the pledge disrespectful?

Barnette (1943), the Supreme Court ruled that students cannot face punishment from abstaining or be mandated to recite the Pledge of Allegiance. It may also be useful to point out that in the past, any form of peaceful protesting; kneeling, staying seated or marching has all faced the same magnitude of retaliation.

What does the US flag code say about kneeling?

Kneeling during the National Anthem is not mentioned in the U.S. Flag Code, but under “Patriotic Customs,” Title 36 of Chapter 10, “all present except those in uniform should stand at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart”.

What are five things not allowed under 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. The flag should never be used as a receptacle for receiving, holding, carrying, or delivering anything.

Why is the flag taken down at night?

According to the US Flag Code, all American flags should be displayed from sunrise to sunset every day. Lowering the flag at night is an ultimate sign of respect for Old Glory .

Is The Thin Blue Line flag illegal?

In the United States

In May 2020, officers of the SFPD were forbidden from wearing non-medical face masks with “Thin Blue Line” symbols on the job.

Maria Kunar
Author
Maria Kunar
Maria is a cultural enthusiast and expert on holiday traditions. With a focus on the cultural significance of celebrations, Maria has written several blogs on the history of holidays and has been featured in various cultural publications. Maria's knowledge of traditions will help you appreciate the meaning behind celebrations.