Thursday, December 20, 2012

Photo: United States/Israel Flags Lapel Pin


PROPER.

Flag Code Authority:  “No other flag or pennant should be placed above or, if on the same level, to the right of the flag of the United States of America….”  Section 7(c).  “The flag of the United States of America, when it is displayed with another flag against a wall from crossed staffs, should be on the right, the flag's own right, and its staff should be in front of the staff of the other flag.”  Section 7(d).   “When flags of two or more nations are displayed, they are to be flown from separate staffs of the same height. The flags should be of approximately equal size.  International usage forbids the display of the flag of one nation above that of another nation in time of peace.”  Section 7(g).  “The flag represents a living country and is itself considered a living thing.  Therefore, the lapel flag pin being a replica, should be worn on the left lapel near the heart.”  Section 8(j).

PLEASE NOTE that care should always be taken in displaying the flags of other nations in a manner “equal” to that of the United States:  “No person shall display the flag of the United Nations or any other national or international flag equal, above, or in a position of superior prominence or honor to, or in place of, the flag of the United States at any place within the United States or any Territory or possession thereof: Provided, That nothing in this section shall make unlawful the continuance of the practice heretofore followed of displaying the flag of the United Nations in a position of superior prominence or honor, and other national flags in positions of equal prominence or honor, with that of the flag of the United States at the headquarters of the United Nations.”  Section 7(c).  Photo (C) 2012 by N. Simmons.

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Photo: Flag Flown Upside-Down In Protest


NOT PROPER.

Flag Code violations:  “No disrespect should be shown to the flag of the United States of America….” Section 8.  “The flag should never be displayed with the union down, except as a signal of dire distress in instances of extreme danger to life or property."  Section 8(a).  Note, however, that the improper use or display of the United States Flag in protest is a form of expression protected by the First Amendment of the United States Constitution.  (See The Flag and the First Amendment.)  Photo (C) 2012 by P. Bober.

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Photo: Indoor Display From Staff With State Flag


PROPER.

Flag Code Authority:  "The flag should be displayed during school days in or near every schoolhouse."  Section 6(g).  "No other flag or pennant should be placed above or, if on the same level, to the right of the flag of the United States of America...."  Section 7(c).  "No [flags of States, cities, or localities, or pennants of societies] may be placed above the flag of the United States or to the United States flag's right." Section 7(f).  Photo by Ross G. Simmons.