Revised 12/27/2024

 

A representation of the flag – like one of our commemorative or patriotic flags, is still considered the flag, even if it is a wooden flag, and it should be treated as such.

 

Public Law 94-344, known as the Federal Flag Code, contains rules for handling and displaying the U.S. flag. While the federal code contains no penalties for misusing the flag, individual states have their own flag codes and may impose penalties. The language of the federal code makes clear that the U.S. flag is a “living symbol”.

 

Here are some tips for displaying a wooden flag and other general flag etiquette:

• PLACEMENT: The Union (blue field with stars) should be at the top and to the right when displayed vertically in a window or against a wall. When displayed from the front of a building, the union should be at the top of the staff.

• ILLUMINATION: When outdoors, the flag can be displayed 24 hours a day if it's properly illuminated at night.

• OTHER FLAGS: The U.S. flag should be centered and higher than other flags, unless other national flags are present.

• DAMAGE: Always use clean, damage-free flags. Damaged flags should be destroyed in a dignified manner.

• STAFFS: Staffs and finials should be upright and not leaning.

• CARRYING: Don’t carry the flag flat or carry things in it or on it.

• TOUCHING: Don’t let the flag touch the ground, water, merchandise, or anything else beneath it.

• MARKING: Don’t draw on or mark a cloth type flag.

• STORING: Don’t store the flag where it can get dirty.

• USING AS CLOTHING: Don’t use the flag as clothing.

• FASTENING: Don’t fasten or tie the flag back.

• FOLDING: To fold a flag, straighten it out, fold it lengthwise once, and then fold it lengthwise again to meet the open edge. Then fold it as a triangle and tuck the end of the flag into itself.

 

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COMMON MYTHS SURROUNDING THE AMERICAN FLAG

 

Myth #1 – It is illegal to burn the American Flag.

 

FALSE. Burning the American Flag is a type of flag desecration (the act of publicly and intentionally destroying, damaging, or mutilating the American flag), but it is not illegal.

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For many years, it was considered illegal to burn or desecrate the American flag, but on June 11, 1990, the Supreme Court declared that laws against desecrating the flag were unconstitutional and went against the 1st Amendment which allows “free speech”. The First Amendment states that it is unconstitutional for a government (whether federal, state, or local) to prohibit the desecration of a flag because it is seen as “symbolic speech”.

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In addition, when a flag is so worn it is no longer fit to serve as a symbol of our country, it should be destroyed by burning in a dignified manner. Most American Legion Posts regularly conduct a dignified flag burning ceremony, often on Flag Day, June 14th.

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Myth #2. Betsy Ross made the first American Flag.

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Today, most Americans believe that Betsy Ross made the first American flag in her home in Philadelphia. However, most are not aware of the lack of historical evidence for the classic story they know so well.

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According to family legend, General George Washington visited Betsy Ross in her upholstery shop in 1776 to discuss the flag's design. Ross suggested changing the number of points on the stars from six to five and then demonstrated her design.

 

The story was first told to the public by Ross's grandson, William Canby, in 1870. Canby and other family members signed affidavits stating that Ross told them the story. But historians generally dismiss the family story as more fiction than fact. There’s just no credible historical evidence to support the claim that Ross made the first American flag.

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The Continental Congress adopted the Stars and Stripes as the official flag of the United States on June 14, 1777.

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Myth #3. The Pledge of Allegiance has always been recited in Congress.

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FALSE. Congress has only been reciting the Pledge of Allegiance in the House for 25 years. They only began reciting it sparsely for political reasons, during the Bush-Dukakis presidential campaign in 1988.

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The Pledge was originally written by Colonel George Balch in 1887 and revised by ordained Baptist minister, Francis Bellamy in 1892. On October 21, 1892, Bellamy heard the Pledge for the first time during the Columbus Day ceremony when “4,000 high school boys in Boston roared it out together.” Congress formally adopted the Pledge in 1942, but it wasn’t until 1995 when Congress started opening its daily session with the Pledge. And the Senate has only been reciting it since 1999.

 

Myth #4. An interment flag can never be flown.

 

FALSE. An “interment” flag, also known as a burial flag, is a United States flag that is used to honor the memory of a deceased veteran. The American Flag Code does not suggest that the flag should be discarded. In fact, it would be a very honorable tribute to the memory of a deceased veteran and his or her military service if the casket flag is proudly displayed – whether flown or placed in a flag case.

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However, typically the burial flag is not suitable for outside display because of its unique size and fabric. It is made of cotton and can easily be damaged by weather. So more often than not, an “interment” flag is not flown because of practical reasons, not legal.

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According to the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, a United States flag is provided, at no cost, to drape the casket or accompany the urn of a deceased Veteran who served honorably in the U. S. Armed Forces. This includes veterans who served during wartime, died while on active duty, or served after January 31, 1955. It is furnished to honor the memory of a Veteran’s military service to his or her country. After the ceremony, the flag is typically given to the next-of-kin, as a keepsake, after its use during the funeral service. For those VA national cemeteries with an Avenue of Flags, families of Veterans buried in these national cemeteries may donate the burial flags of their loved ones to be flown on patriotic holidays.

 

Myth #5. You must destroy the flag when it touches the ground.

 

FALSE. The Flag Code states that “…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.” As long as the flag remains suitable for display, the flag may continue to be displayed as a symbol of our great country.

 

The American Legion dismisses the myth in this way: “Care should be exercised in the handling of the flag, to protect it from becoming soiled or damaged. However, you are not required to destroy the flag if it touches the ground. As long as the flag remains suitable for display, even if washing or dry-cleaning is required (which is an acceptable practice), the flag may continue to be displayed.

 

So, display your patriotic spirit!

 

Show your support of our great nation every day – not just on Veteran’s Day, Flag Day or the 4th of July. At Commemorative Flags by Precision Studios, we pay homage to those who continue to serve and those who made the ultimate sacrifice. We craft each hand-made wooden flag with reverence, precision and honor. We do our part in carrying on the legacy of our nation by designing and building these commemorative and patriotic flags and accessories. Now you can do your part by displaying one of these flags in your home or business.

 

Whether you hang it on a wall, mount it on a stand, or sit it on a shelf, this flag will instantly become the centerpiece of any room. Truly a work of art, the flag is the perfect size to make a bold statement. It will serve as a constant reminder of the sacrifices made by brave men and women throughout history to protect and preserve the freedom we hold dear.

 

Browse our growing selection of American, commemorative and patriotic flag wall art. It is truly our pleasure to provide you a patriotic keepsake that can be treasured for years to come.

 

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Crafting American Patriotic & Commemorative Flags

For Military Veterans, First Responders & Other Patriots

Made by American Veterans

Using Strictly American Materials

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