Welcome
Everything you've always wanted to know about the American Flag.

Previous to Flag Day, June 14, 1923 there were no federal or state regulations governing display of the United States Flag. It was on this date that the National Flag Code was adopted by the National Flag Conference which was attended by representatives of the Army and Navy which had evolved their own procedures, and some 66 other national groups. This purpose of providing guidance based on the Army and Navy procedures relating to display and associated questions about the U. S. Flag was adopted by all organizations in attendance.

A few minor changes were made a year later during the Flag Day 1924 Conference, It was not until June 22, 1942 that Congress passed a joint resolution which was amended on December 22, 1942 to become Public Law 829; Chapter 806, 77th Congress, 2nd session. Exact rules for use and display of the flag (36 U.S.C. 173-178) as well as associated sections (36 U.S.C. 171) Conduct during Playing of the National Anthem, (36 U.S.C. 172) the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, and Manner of Delivery were included.

This code is the guide for all handling and display of the Stars and Stripes. It does not impose penalties for misuse of the United States Flag. That is left to the states and to the federal government for the District of Columbia. Each state has its own flag law.

Criminal penalties for certain acts of desecration to the flag were contained in Title 18 of the United States Code prior to 1989. The Supreme Court decision in Texas v. Johnson; June 21, 1989, held the statute unconstitutional. This statute was amended when the Flag Protection Act of 1989 (Oct. 28, 1989) imposed a fine and/or up to I year in prison for knowingly mutilating, defacing, physically defiling, maintaining on the floor or trampling upon any flag of the United States. The Flag Protection Act of 1989 was struck down by the Supreme Court decision, United States vs. Eichman, decided on June 11, 1990.

While the Code empowers the President of the United States to alter, modify, repeal or prescribe additional rules regarding the Flag, no federal agency has the authority to issue 'official' rulings legally binding on civilians or civilian groups. Consequently, different interpretations of various provisions of the Code may continue to be made. The Flag Code may be fairly tested: 'No disrespect should be shown to the Flag of the United States of America.' Therefore, actions not specifically included in the Code may be deemed acceptable as long as proper respect is shown.

While the site is a work in progress, there are several areas ready for your eyes.

HISTORY
Where you can find the story of the American Flag and how it came to be.

DISPLAY
Provides general information about use of the Flag. More specific information can be found in other sections of the site.

HALF-STAFF
When warranted, the Flag is to be flown at half staff, or half mast as it is sometimes referred.

WEARING APPAREL & DRAPERY
The fashion do's and don'ts of the red, white and blue.

ADVERTISING
Next time you see a car dealer wrapping himself in the Flag, you'll know that he's not as wrapped up in it as he thought.

DISPOSAL
Comes a time when a well used Flag needs to find it's way to retirement.

HOLIDAYS
Which holidays are appropriate for Flag waving?

PARADES & CEREMONIES
How should the Flag be displayed when used in public forums?

VEHICLES
An extension of the Parades & Ceremonies section devoted specifically to motor vehicles.

CORRIDORS & LOBBIES
How is the Flag displayed properly at your place of business?

CHURCHES & AUDITORIUMS
In a place of gathering, the Flag is always welcome to be properly displayed.

CASKETS
When a loved one is laid to rest, how should the Flag honor them as they honor it?

THE STAR-SPANGLED BANNER
Our official national anthem. Complete with words, music and a brief story of how it came to be.

THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
If you need this one explained, you may be browsing the wrong website.

AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL
One of our most treasured "unofficial" anthems, with words and music.

AMERICA (MY COUNTRY, 'TIS OF THEE)
Another "unofficial" anthem which captures the American spirit.

FREE FORUMS/MESSAGE BOARD
What is America without freedom of speech? Keep it clean and friendly though. After all, we're not here to incite a riot.

LINKS
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