[michelledomey@gmail.com]

A local historical tavern down the street from me recently nailed in a sign onto their flag pole mounted in the ground outside. It just doesn't seem right to me, however, I'm having a hard time finding documentation that it is against code. Can anyone help me?
Thanks!

[Robin Hickman]

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Hello, Michelle Domey !!!

Welcome to the USA-FLAG-SITE Forums !!!


QUOTE : "A local historical tavern down the street from me recently nailed in a sign onto their flag pole mounted in the ground outside. It just doesn't seem right to me, however, I'm having a hard time finding documentation that it is against code. Can anyone help me?"

What kind of sign?

If it's a sign "advertising" something, then it would be an "advertising sign". Finding documentation that it is against the "Flag Code" is pretty easy. Just go to the "Flag Code" and "read all about it" !!!

I wish we had a copy of the "Flag Code" here for you to read, but we don't. So I'll post a link here that will take you to one of my favorite Flag-related websites (after the USA-Flag-Site, of course!) where they have it posted.


http://www.ushistory.org/betsy/flagcode.htm


The applicable paragraph regarding "advertising signs" is reproduced below :


§8. Respect for flag

No disrespect should be shown to the flag of the United States of America; the flag should not be dipped to any person or thing. Regimental colors, State flags, and organization or institutional flags are to be dipped as a mark of honor.

1. 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.
2. The flag should never touch anything beneath it, such as the ground, the floor, water, or merchandise.
3. The flag should never be carried flat or horizontally, but always aloft and free.
4. The flag should never be used as wearing apparel, bedding, or drapery. It should never be festooned, drawn back, nor up, in folds, but always allowed to fall free. Bunting of blue, white, and red, always arranged with the blue above, the white in the middle, and the red below, should be used for covering a speaker's desk, draping the front of the platform, and for decoration in general.
5. The flag should never be fastened, displayed, used, or stored in such a manner as to permit it to be easily torn, soiled, or damaged in any way.
6. The flag should never be used as a covering for a ceiling.
7. 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.
8. The flag should never be used as a receptacle for receiving, holding, carrying, or delivering anything.
9. 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.
10. 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.
11. 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

If the tavern's sign attached to their flagpole (staff) is an "advertising sign", then that pretty much prohibits that, doesn't it? On the other hand, if it's NOT an "advertising sign", then I guess you might then say that it all comes down to whether or not it's "respecting" the Flag.


I hope that helps!


Thank you for bringing your Flag-related question to our forums !!!


HAPPY FLAG DAY, EVERYBODY !!!


Robin Hickman
Eugene, Oregon, USA
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[michelledomey@gmail.com]

Thanks Robin!
I would consider it "Advertising" as it has the name of the Historical Tavern on it. It's a nice, handmade, beautifully wood crafted sign that I'm sure someone local put a lot of time and thought into. However....it takes away from the respect and meaning of the flag. When I saw it up the other day, I was like !!!!
Thanks for your help! I'll let you know how I make out! I may not make a lot of friends in town, but It's the right thing to do!

[Peter Ansoff]

I would consider it "Advertising" as it has the name of the Historical Tavern on it.

It's just my opinion, but I think that this is stretching the intent of the flag code. A sign on a flag pole that says "BIG USED CAR SALE TODAY" is obviously tacky, but I can't see what would be wrong with well-crafted sign with the name of a historical property. How does this "take away from the respect and meaning of the flag"? It seems to me that it does just the opposite -- it says that this property is a proud to be a part of American history and heritage.

Peter Ansoff