When the U.S. flag is displayed other than from a staff, it should be displayed flat, or suspended so that its folds fall free. When displayed over a street, place the union so it faces north or east, depending upon the direction of the street.
What does it mean when the American flag is facing the other way?
Traditionally, the meaning of an upside-down American flag has always been that the person displaying the flag in this manner is in grave danger or distress, be it life danger or the danger to their property. Ultimately, the upside-down American flag is typically seen as a signal of dire distress.
What direction should the flag fly?
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 on the leftmost pole, and the state flag over the company flag on the right pole (check your state Flag Code to be sure this is acceptable).
Which way should flag face on right shoulder?
forward
The rule is that the blue field of stars should always be in the highest position of honor on the uniform. That position has always been the right shoulder with the flag’s blue stars facing forward.
Is it disrespectful to have the flag backwards?
It should never be displayed upside down unless trying to convey a sign of distress or great danger. The flag should never touch anything beneath it; this includes water, merchandise and even the floor.
Is a backwards flag disrespectful?
While some may mistakenly think that a backward or reverse flag is show of disrespect, it is actually a sign of respect to display it this way on a military uniform. The American flag is a symbol of freedom and a certain set of values we hold dear as a nation.
What are 3 things one should never do out of respect to the flag?
Quick list of Flag Etiquette Don’ts:
- Don’t dip the U.S. Flag for any person, flag, or vessel.
- Don’t let the flag touch the ground.
- Don’t fly flag upside down unless there is an emergency.
- Don’t carry the flag flat, or carry things in it.
- Don’t use the flag as clothing.
- Don’t store the flag where it can get dirty.
Why are flags backwards on police uniforms?
The idea behind it is to always be moving forward and not retreating.
Should American flag be left out in rain?
The United States Flag Code states:
“The flag should not be displayed on days when the weather is inclement, except when an all weather flag is displayed.”
Why is the flag backwards on the right arm?
The Army, which is primarily a ground assault organization, chose to have its personnel wear their flag on the right shoulder sleeve. As the soldier moves forward the flag appears to be moving forward with him or her, like days of old in the Civil War when flags were carried into battle.
What does a flag facing backwards mean?
The American Flag in Battle
Back in the days of the Civil War, flag bearers were common military positions within the greater infantry and cavalry units. As the flag bearers stormed into battle, the American flag would sway behind them with the momentum, making it look like the flag was backwards as it flew.
Why is flag on right shoulder?
Since the Stars and Stripes are mounted with the canton closest to the pole, that section of the flag stayed to the right, while the stripes flew to the left. Therefore, the flag is worn on the right shoulder, and wearing it backward gives the effect of the flag flying in the breeze as the wearer moves forward.
Who wears the US flag backwards?
Civilians often wonder why the US Army Flag Patch is reversed. The answer is: not all Army Flag Patches are reversed, but only those worn on the right shoulder. The reason has to do with proper display of the flag. The blue field of stars should always be in the highest position of honor.
To recap: the American flag appears backward on military uniforms because the canton or field of blue stars must be “assaulting forward” or facing forward to mirror the image of historical standard bearers bringing the flag into battle.
What is the only flag that can be flipped?
On this case, the Philippine flag is the only official country flag in the world that can be flipped when the country is at war.
Is the backwards flag only for military?
The “backwards” flag is actually part of the US Flag Code, which applies to spacecraft, aircraft, and even service members’ uniform insignia.
Is it OK to leave a flag out overnight?
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 a flag on a truck?
Decals and fabric flags (flown) are acceptable; however, draping a real flag flat over the hood, trunk, or truck bed is considered disrespectful to the flag. Q: Is it OK to fly a flag on a truck? A: As long as it doesn’t interfere with the driver’s field of view or obstruct the vehicle operation in any other way.
Is it disrespectful to put a flag on 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. The flag should never be used as wearing apparel, bedding, or drapery.
What do you do if a flag touches the ground?
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.
What does a black and white American flag mean?
The black and white American flag originated during the American Civil War between 1861 and 1865. It was created as an opposing symbol to the white flag, which symbolizes surrender. Confederate army soldiers flew the black flag to demonstrate they would not give in or surrender to the enemy.