Care and Respect for the United States Flag
Saluting the Flag in Procession
6-Pace Rule
When in uniform, salute the United States flag six paces before it passes in a procession or parade and hold the salute until it has passed six paces.
Dipping Standards
Dipping Rules
Regimental colors, state flags, and organizational or institutional flags are always dipped as a mark of respect to the United States flag.
USAF/Org May Dip
The USAF flag and organizational flags may be dipped as appropriate.
US Flag Never Dipped
The United States flag will NOT be dipped to any person or thing, and at no time will a foreign national flag be dipped.
Don'ts — Flag Treatment Rules
Union Down
The United States flag should NEVER be displayed with union down, except as a signal of dire distress in instances of extreme danger to life or property.
Touch Beneath
The United States flag should never touch anything beneath it, such as the ground, floor, water, or merchandise.
Cover Statue
The United States flag should never be used to cover for a statue or monument.
Flat or Horizontal
The United States flag should never be carried flat or horizontally, but always aloft and free.
Apparel/Bedding/Drapery
The United States flag should never be used as wearing apparel, bedding, or drapery.
Festoon
The United States flag should never be festooned, drawn back or up, or in folds, but always allowed to fall freely.
Easily Damaged
The United States flag should never be fastened, displayed, used, or stored in such a manner as to permit it to be easily torn, soiled, or damaged.
Ceiling
The United States flag should never be used as a covering for a ceiling.
Marks On It
The United States flag should never have placed upon it, nor on any part of it, nor attached to it, any:
- Mark, insignia, letter, word, figure, design, picture, or drawing of any nature
Receptacle
The United States flag should never be used as a receptacle for receiving, holding, carrying, or delivering anything.
Advertising
The United States flag should never be used for advertising purposes.
Advertising Signs
Advertising signs should NOT be fastened to a staff or halyard from which the United States flag is flown.
Temporary Articles
The United States flag should never be printed or embroidered on such articles as cushions, handkerchiefs, paper napkins, boxes, or anything that is designed for temporary use.
Float
The United States flag should NOT be displayed on a float in a parade, except from a staff.
Vehicle Drape
The United States flag should NOT be draped over the hood, top, sides, or back of a vehicle, railroad train, or boat.
Patches and Lapel Pins
Costume/Athletic Uniform
No part of the United States flag should be used as a costume or athletic uniform. However, a United States flag patch may be affixed to the uniform of:
- Military personnel
- Firemen
- Policemen
- Members of patriotic organizations
Lapel Pin Position
A United States flag lapel pin, being a replica of the flag, should be worn on the left lapel near the heart.
Other Flag Position Rules
Other Flag Higher
No other flag or pennant should be placed above or, if on the same level, to the right (observer's left) of the United States flag.
Naval Chaplain Exception
Except during church services conducted by naval chaplains at sea when the church pennant may be flown above the flag during church services for the personnel of the Navy.
Care and Disposition
Care for Soiled Flags
Exercise extreme care to ensure proper handling and cleaning of soiled flags.
Destroy Properly
When the United States flag is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, it should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.
Historical Preservation
Historic Preservation
There may be instances when a flag is retired from service and preserved because of its historical significance.
Disposition Authority
Disposition instructions should be obtained from the proper authority, such as the installation honor guard or protocol office.
Folded Flag
Folded Flag = Cased
A folded flag is considered cased; therefore, a salute is NOT necessary.