NorthStar Flags

When displaying the US flag, it should be raised quickly and lowered in a respectable manner.

• The flag should not be in contact with the ground or floor.

• When raising it over a sidewalk by extending a rope from a structure to a pole, the union stars should be kept away from the structure.

• When positioned in a vertical manner above the middle of a road, the union stars should be to the north if the street is east-west and to the east if the street is north-south.

• The American flag should be placed in the middle and must be above other flags when bunched together with other banners. This kind of display is generally present at sporting events and other international meets.

• The flag should not be drawn up or back. It must not be festooned. The flag must be allowed to wave and fall freely.

• The flag must be shown at half-staff until noon. During Memorial Day, let the flag rise to the highest point of the pole.

• The flag should not be flown upside down. This should only be done during emergency situations when life and property are at risk.

• The banner should not be flown in bad weather. If so, the materials should be weatherproof.

• The flag may be displayed daily from morning until evening. If flown at night, provide proper lighting.

When printing designs and images on the flags, invest in a good and reliable printing group that has worked on various materials and presentations. People can also get durable flagpoles.

The US flag must be raised and lowered in a brief and respectful way every time.

• The flag must not touch the floor at any time.

• When placed over a sidewalk via a rope originating from a building to a pole, the union stars should be away from the structure.

• When placed above the road in a vertical fashion, the flag should have the union stars to the north on an east-west road and to the east on a north-south road.

• When placed together with other flags in a group, the US flag should be positioned in the middle and at the highest part.

• The flag must not be vandalized or torn. It should not be drawn up or back. The banner must be allowed to fall freely.

• The flag must be shown at half-staff until noon. On Memorial Day, it should be positioned to the highest part of the staff.

• The flag should never be positioned upside down except when sending a message of emergency or danger to life and property.

• The flag should not be featured out in bad weather. If so, the materials should be durable.

• The flag can be displayed every day of the week from morning till night. At night, provide proper illumination.

For prints and images on the flags, look for a reliable and experienced group that can handle different materials and events. Aside from feather flag prints, you can also get flagpoles. Remember these tips when showcasing the US flag and always treat it with utmost pride and respect.

• The American flag can be positioned in various ways. On a speaker’s podium, it should be at the back of the speaker or over the speaker, facing the audience.

• The flag can be positioned in a horizontal or vertical manner. The blue field or union side should be at the top or at the right of the flag.

• When placing flags in corridors and windows, it should hang with the union field to the left side of the viewer.

• The flag must be flown everyday at the central administration area in public schools and places.

• During voting on election days, flags should also be showcased in polling places.

• When school is in session, school structures must display the banner.

• Flags shown during the deaths of politicians and government officers should be at half-staff.

• A flag placed in a crossed staff or against a wall should be higher than all the others while facing the audience, considering it is a US flag.

• In processions and parades, the flags should be positioned on the right among other flags. It can also be put in the middle.

• Flags shown on flags must be on a pole or staff.

• The flag should never be draped over a car or train. You can, however, place it on the right fender or chassis of your car.

• Always hold the US flag upright. It should not be dipped to anyone or anything. Other kinds of flags may be stooped like organizational, regimental or state flags. Follow the rules on flag raising and positioning to treat it with respect always.

The American flag should not be used for making drapes, curtains, clothes or bedding’s. During celebrations and parties, red, blue and white buntings may be installed. The blue can be positioned at the top, the red at the bottom and white at the center.

The flag should not also be used for uniforms. Instead, police forces and other government employees can use a flag lapel or patch to complement their clothes.

The flag must not be used to cover a structure or statue.

The flag must not be used to cover ceilings.

Advertising banners must not be placed from a similar pole as a flag.

The flag should not also be used to decorate disposable things like tissues, boxes and napkins. It should not be embroidered on handkerchiefs, cushions and other related objects. The flag should not also be lifted in a horizontal manner. It should stay free and high. The flag must not be tattered, torn or muddied. The flag must be free from any marks, vandals and letters. The symbols must be perfect and the material always in good condition.

Before Flag Day on June 14, 1923, there were no rules and statutes in the United States regarding the proper handling of the US flag. On June 14, the National Flag Code was used by the National Flag Conference. There were many delegates from military groups. These individuals also came up with their own approaches with other national organizations. The rules of properly displaying the flag were established for the raising of the U.S. Flag.

There were a number of adjustments made one year after the Flag Day Conference in 1924. It was only on June 22, 1942 that Congress came up with a joint resolution. Amendments were made on December 22, 1942 and made it Public Law 829, Chapter 806 of the 77th Congress second session.

There were specific guidelines provided for the proper presentation of the American flag namely 36 U.S.C. 173-178. There were also a number of related sections like 36 U.S.C. 171 which discusses the conduct whenever the national anthem was being played. The Pledge of Allegiance to the US flag as well as the conduct of delivery was also featured in 36 U.S.C. 172. The code became the proper guide for managing and raising the national banner. There are no general punishments but the federal government of the District of Columbia as well as the United States have their own laws which will render sufficient penalties to violators.

There are criminal punishments for specific acts of disrespect towards the flag. These are cited in Title 18 of the United States Code before 1989. The decision of the Supreme Court in Texas vs. Johnson on June 21, 1989 found the law unconstitutional. The law was later changed in lieu of the Flag Protection Act of 1989 which provided a fine and even imprisonment for up to a whole year if anyone should deface, destroy, mutilate or trample the United States flag. The code also provides privileges to the President of America to change and provide other laws to protect the flag further.

After the 1924 Flag Day Conference, there were a number of changes and amendments made. On June 22, 1942, Congress had a joint resolution. It was amended on December 22, 1942. The result is Public Law 829, Chapter 806 during the second session of the 77th Congress.

There were several specific rules for the right way of displaying the flag like 36 U.S.C. 173-178, 36 U.S.C. 171 and 36 U.S.C. 172. These covered the proper conduct whenever the national anthem was playing, the best manner of delivering the flag and the pledge of alliance to the flag. The Code became a staple guide for people who would keep and display the American flag. There are no imposed penalties but specific statutes in various states can lead to fines and imprisonment among people who break the laws. The District of Columbia and other states all over America have different rules and penalties when dealing with flags .

Criminal penalties are also imposed on individuals who disrespect the flag. Title 18 of the United States Code before 1989 provided for fines and imprisonment to violators. The Flag Protection Act of 1989 also had people paying fines or being put to prison for destroying or desecrating the US banner. The Code further provides powers to the President to repeal or modify the rules to maintain the sanctity of the United States Flag. The intent is to keep the flag safe from vandals and other untoward acts. Other government bodies cannot readily modify or amend the rules regarding the US flag except through the President.