Flag Etiquette

[legend]

I have a neighbor who flyies the flag of Ireland over his garage alone. I thought you had to fly a U.S. flag along side. Where can I find the code for this? Thanks

[NAVA1974]

Hello Legend,
Welcome to the flag forum, and thank you for your question. The United States Flag Code says the US Flag should be flown every day, especially on holidays. It is silent about flying another national flag instead of the US flag, but the implication is that you can't fly the US flag if some other country's flag is already there.

And you can't fly two national flags from the same pole - that is a violation of international practice, and just plain discourteous to the country whose flag is underneath the US flag.

The short answer is: it isn't illegal under the US flag code, but it might violate state law (if it does, the Supreme Court would probably strike the law down as an infringement on Free Speech.)

Nick

[Bigg Kahuna]

it may not be illegal but its just wrong

[chuck127020]

I have seen Police Officers and Firefighters coffins draped with the Flag. Is it proper to do this if the deceased is not an honorably discharged veteran.

[csaanv]

I have seen Police Officers and Firefighters coffins draped with the Flag. Is it proper to do this if the deceased is not an honorably discharged veteran.

Hi Chuck,
I don't believe there are any stipulations that forbid anyone from placing a U.S. Flag on someone's coffin, especially if they have served their local community. I hope it never comes down to being enslaved by such rules, codes and such when we have the freedom to do what is right and good from our hearts. In my opinion that freedom is what America is about but I am afraid we are losing it.

[NAVA1974]

I have seen Police Officers and Firefighters coffins draped with the Flag. Is it proper to do this if the deceased is not an honorably discharged veteran.

The US Flag code does not address who deserves such an honor but merely states:

(n) When the flag is used to cover a casket, it should be so placed that the union is at the head and over the left shoulder. The flag should not be lowered into the grave or allowed to touch the ground.

I just discovered an excellent reference on US Flag Etiquette, by the Congressional Research Service:
http://www.senate.gov/reference/reso...df/RL30243.pdf

It could put the Forum out of business if folks found that site instead of us!

Nick A
Columbia Maryland
Flickr: nicka21045's Photostream

[Gary Martens]

Is there a set wind speed, i.e. >15 MPH, in which flags should not be flown, either out of respect or to minimize damage to the flag?

[NAVA1974]

No, there is no guidance on wind speed.

I suspect that if you ask some flag makers they would say fly it all the time.

The faster your flag wears out, the sooner you need to buy a new one.

Also the larger the flag, the more it is affected by wind speed.

Nick A