Flag etiquette

American Flag Etiquette

— If a flag is flown from a vehicle it should be firmly attached to the chassis or flown from the right front fender;

— If a flag touches the ground, it does not have to be retired or destroyed but should be cleaned by hand with mild soap and dried before flying;

— When flown from a motorcycle with another flag, the U.S. flag should always be on the right;

— When a flag patch is worn on a shoulder or the chest, the field should be closest to the heart;

— The flag should never be used as a covering for the ceiling;

— The flag should not be used for advertising purposes of any manner;

— It should not be printed or embossed on paper napkins boxes or anything that is designed for temporary use and discarded;

— A flag pin being a replica of the flag should be worn on the left lapel nearest the heart;

— The flag should be a distinctive feature at a ceremony or unveiling but should never be used as the covering for the statue or monument;

— When the flag is not displayed during the plying of the national anthem, those present should face the music acting as if the flag is displayed there;

— When displayed in a church or public auditorium, the U.S. flag should have the position of prominence to the clergyman’s or speaker’s right. Any other flag should be placed to the left;

— The flag should hang so that it never touches anything beneath it;

— The flag should not be displayed on a float in parades except from a staff;

— The flag should be near or at every polling place on election day;

— When hung behind a speaker’s platform, the flag should be displayed flat, above and behind the speaker;

— Active service members and veterans may salute the flag in presentation or passing by saluting showing the American public a privilege they earned;

— All others should stand with their right hand over their heart.