A Brief Guide to Flag Codes and How To Honor Them

The US flag and the 50 state flags are essential representations of American culture. They’re everywhere, and things would look a lot different if they didn’t exist—they’re flown on top of buildings, in front of landmarks, and on residential porches across America. Even still, there are certain guidelines regarding the use of flags. What are these flag codes, and how can we honor them? Check out this guide to find out.

The Flag Should Never Touch the Ground

An American flag should never touch the ground. Instead, it should always remain aloft. The ground is the site of all sorts of dirt, grime, and insects, and if you want to take care of your flag and show it the proper respect, it must remain in pristine condition.

Don’t Advertise With the Flag

Advertising with the American flag is a serious no-no, as it’s considered disrespectful to the flag. That means no flags on billboards or even on murals. Now, people break this rule all the time, but in general, you’re supposed to avoid using the flag as a form of advertisement. This is one of the most important parts of honoring flag codes.

Watch the Weather

Generally, your flag is meant to be flown from sunrise to sunset. You should avoid flying it at night unless you can light it properly, and you should also avoid flying it in inclement weather, which might tarnish it. This will prevent your flag from becoming worn in the long run.

In short, the American flag is a symbol of our country, and we should all honor this symbol. There are a ton of other flag codes to keep in mind, but this can offer you a glimpse of what you should expect when you’re trying to take care of your favorite flag.