National Flag Code On Day

Group of diverse people dressed in patriotic clothing, holding flags, in a park with a scenic backdrop. — National flag code on day illustration

Hey there, flag enthusiasts! Get ready to hoist those colors high because National Flag Code Day is here. This special day celebrates the etiquette and guidelines that govern how we treat and display our beloved flags. Let's dive into the exciting world of flag code!

When is Flag Code On Day?

It's national flag code on day on the 16th August.

The Birth of National Flag Code Day

Every year on June 14th, we celebrate National Flag Code Day to honor the flag etiquette guidelines that were established by the National Flag Conference in 1923. The conference, attended by representatives from patriotic societies, military organizations, and government agencies, aimed to establish standardized rules for proper flag display and care.

The result of their discussions was the creation of the United States Flag Code – a set of principles outlining the respectful treatment of the national flag. The code was officially adopted by Congress in 1942, during World War II.

Respecting the Symbol of Freedom

The National Flag Code sets out the do's and don'ts when it comes to the American flag. Some of the key rules include:

Always display the flag with the stars facing up (except when used in a funeral procession).
When the flag is flown at night, it must be illuminated.
Never let the flag touch the ground or any objects below it.
When displaying the flag vertically against a wall or window, the stars should be at the top left corner.
During parades, the flag should be carried to the right of any other flags or banners.

Remember, these guidelines are not legally enforceable, but they reflect the principles of good citizenship and respect for our national symbol.

Did You Know?

In 2017, on August 16th, the online world took notice of National Flag Code Day with a whopping 106 mentions. It's no wonder, as patriotic folks were busy sharing their love for our flag and spreading awareness about flag etiquette.

History behind the term 'Flag Code On'

1777

Birth of the Stars and Stripes

In 1777, the Continental Congress passed a resolution declaring the stars and stripes as the official flag of the United States. The flag, consisting of 13 alternating red and white stripes representing the original 13 colonies and a blue field with 13 white stars representing the unity of the states, became a symbol of the nation's independence and freedom.

1885

The First Flag Code

In 1885, the National Flag Conference was held in Washington, D.C., where the newly formed American Flag Association proposed the first flag code. The code aimed to establish guidelines for the use and display of the flag, promoting respect and reverence for the national symbol. This marked the beginning of efforts to standardize flag etiquette.

1942

Official Adoption of the Flag Code

During World War II, on June 22, 1942, Congress passed a joint resolution officially adopting the U.S. Flag Code. This code laid out detailed instructions regarding the proper handling, display, and disposal of the flag. It aimed to provide a unified set of guidelines for all citizens to follow, ensuring the flag's dignity and honor.

1976

Bicentennial Celebration and Revised Flag Code

As part of the nation's Bicentennial Celebration in 1976, a revised version of the Flag Code was enacted. This version clarified certain provisions and added new guidelines, including a provision prohibiting the use of the flag for advertising purposes. The revised code aimed to instill a sense of pride and reverence for the flag during this significant milestone in American history.

1990

Court Ruling Protecting Flag Desecration as Free Speech

In 1990, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in the case of Texas v. Johnson that flag desecration is protected under the First Amendment as symbolic speech. This ruling sparked debates about the balance between freedom of expression and the respect for the flag, leading to discussions on potential amendments to the Flag Code to address this issue.