Where does the time go? Another year half over and here we are again celebrating our country's Independence Day. Red, White and Blue dot the country as people use the U.S. Flag to decorate their homes and businesses for the holiday. We've all used the flag from time to time in our decorating projects, especially for the 4th.
But, did you know that using the flag for decorative purposes is actually regulated by Federal Law?
The United States Flag Code establishes advisory rules for display and care of the flag of the United States. There is no penalty for failure to comply with it and it is not widely enforced — indeed, the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that punitive enforcement would conflict with the First Amendment right to freedom of speech.
As a decorator, I found these particular rules interesting:
- 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.
- The flag should never touch anything beneath it, such as the ground, the floor, water, or merchandise.
- 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.
- The flag should never be used as a covering for a ceiling
- The flag should never be used as a receptacle for receiving, holding, carrying, or delivering anything
- 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.
- 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.
It's easy to forget the many freedoms we enjoy living in a country where the freedoms of speech and expression are among the most cherished. The ability to decorate our homes in any way we choose could actually be considered one such freedom (of expression). Maybe it's not too much to ask to show a little respect for "Old Glory" and those who've fought defending our freedoms when we decorate!
Happy Independence Day and Happy Decorating!
Jeffery Rice, PIR, PRS
Decor Designs, Inc.
Crystal Lake, IL
www.decordesignsinc.com
2 comments:
Jeff, I hope I followed the rules in my recent post. I tried to and asked my son, the Eagle Scout, if what I did was ok. It was the "place of Honor" as our centerpiece. The Cleveland Plain Dealer did a story with me on this subject printed Thurs June 25th I believe. I suggest to all of our friends to visit our Capital. The decorating inspiration can be huge as not only is it beautiful it can be an emotional journey as well. So today I salute all who were brave.
DesAnn, thanks for the comment. As I said, it's largely un-enforced due to First Amendment Rights but it's nice you took time to consider it. I actually saw a picture in the paper today of a local Boy Scout troup carrying a flag in the parade flat/horizontally like they do with the Olympic flag... apparently another NO NO! Guess even the Boy Scouts should be reading our blog! LOL