Flag Etiquette

What's a symbol?

When we say the Pledge of Allegiance, we say, "I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands …" 
The flag stands for our nation.  People cannot carry around our country.  But they can carry the flag.  That is why we pledge to the flag … as a symbol of our country. 

Soldiers and sailors, airmen and marines, everyone who has promised to protect our nation with their lives … they all hold the greatest respect for our flag because it stands for the United States of America.

Symbolism

Because it is so important to so many people, we say the red and white stripes represent the original 13 colonies that fought for independence from the king of England.

We say the 50 stars represent the states that unite to form our country.

We say the color white stands for purity and innocence, the color red for valor and hardiness, and the color blue stands for justice.

Respect

It is important to display the flag with respect and dignity. Here are some guidelines for flag display etiquette:

• The flag should never touch the ground.
• The flag should never be displayed upside down.
• The flag should never be displayed in a dirty or torn condition.
• The flag should never be displayed in a disrespectful way, such as being used as a decoration or being flown on a pole that is not in good condition.
• The flag should be displayed from sunrise to sunset, unless it is being illuminated at night.
• When the flag is passing by, or the "Star Spangled Banner" is playing, it is important to stand at attention and remove any headgear.

• Never add anything to an American flag.  The American flag is great enough as it is. That’s why 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.”
• 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, like the BSA.

The flag patch worn on Scout uniforms and the flag patch worn on military uniforms face different ways.

• The flag occupies a position of honor.  When carried in a parade, the American flag is to the marching right of other flags, or In front of other flags.
• When it’s time to retire a flag, do so in a dignified way.  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.
• Fold the American flag properly.  In the USA, we have special way we fold our flag. The American flag — and only the American flag — is folded into a triangle to symbolize the tricorn hats worn by Patriots during the Revolutionary War.

When to Display your Flag