[EmailPoster]

Would you be able to direct me to any rules or regulations pertaining to the placement of embroidered or silk...

Originally Posted by Jim.Dougherty

Would you be able to direct me to any rules or regulations pertaining to
the placement of embroidered or silk screened replicas of the American
Flag on clothing. Specifically, we are trying to determine the correct
placement of the flag on a "ball cap" style hat that is worn by
correctional officers in the States correctional facilities.
Should it be on the right side of the wearer's head or the left. Please
confirm that regardless of which side its placed, the union or blue
field should always be to the left of the observer.

Thank you for your help.

[jproffitt10]

Jim,

There are two portions of the United States Flag Code which address your question. They are Sections 8(i) and 8(j) respectively:


(i) The flag should never be used for advertising purposes in any manner whatsoever. It should not be embroidered on such articles as cushions or handkerchiefs and the like, printed or otherwise impressed on paper napkins or boxes or anything that is designed for temporary use and discard. Advertising signs should not be fastened to a staff or halyard from which the flag is flown. (j) 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. 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.

It is appropriate to place the flag on a hat and you are correct, the union should always be to its own right (the viewers' left). Whether the flag is on the left or right side of the cap does not matter. Just like law enforcement and fire agencies around the nation--some place patches on the left shoulder and some on the right, so it's up to you. Thanks.

[figmo124]

Is there any distinction between a flag and a replica? My friend says the only "real" flag is embroidered stars and stitched stripes. Printed flags are replicas and not subject to US Flag code for handling.

[Peter Ansoff]

My friend says the only "real" flag is embroidered stars and stitched stripes. Printed flags are replicas and not subject to US Flag code for handling.

I'm afraid that your friend is wrong. The flag is defined by what it looks like, not what it's made of. An American flag is an American flag, whether it's printed, sewn or painted.

There is an interesting issue concerning representations of the flag on materials other than cloth. For example, the flag code refers to flag lapel pins as "replicas." It seems to me that, in general, common sense should prevail. Both actual flags and "replicas" should be treated with respect because they are symbols of our nation. The flag code is a set of guidelines, not some kind of holy writ.

Peter Ansoff

[Marc Leepson]

You all might be interested in the article I wrote on this topic for the Washington Post Outlook section. It's in today's (Sunday, July 6) paper.

You can read it online at
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/03/AR2008070303248.html

Marc Leepson
Author of Flag: An American Biography