Understanding the US Flag Code & Specialty Flags

The flag of the United States of America is considered a living object, and its treatment reflects on the nation itself. To clarify how this symbol is meant to be respected, the federal government established a list of recommendations for handling and displaying the American flag, which we call the US Flag Code. But do these rules apply to flags that aren’t the official red, white, and blue yet are clearly based on the US flag’s design?

What is the US Flag Code?

In 1923, the American Legion and several other patriotic organizations constructed a set of customs concerning the use and display of the American flag. Flag traditions had been used in the previous decades but were not standardized and varied from region to region. The United States Flag Code was signed into federal law in 1942 to provide citizens nationwide with the best practices for displaying their American flags.

Who Does the Flag Code Apply to?

The United States Flag Code applies to everyone under the jurisdiction of US federal law. That being said, though the code is federal law, breaking it is not a prosecutable offense. This right is protected by the First Amendment.

What are Flag Code Violations?

The Flag Code discourages burning, defacing, and mutilating the flag. Whether something constitutes a Flag Code violation depends on the circumstances, as it is permissible to burn an old American flag once it cannot be used anymore.

Defacing the American flag is a common Flag Code violation, though it is often done unintentionally. Drawing, writing, or adding logos all count as defacement. This includes adding your company’s name to a stick flag’s fabric instead of the base!

What Happens If You Violate the Flag Code?

From 1968 to 1989, burning or defacing the American flag was a criminal offense, but it was struck for violating the First Amendment. There are no longer any legal penalties for Flag Code violations.

Following the Flag Code is your decision, but adhering to its recommendations is the best way to ensure you treat the American flag with respect and honor.

Is the Thin Blue Line Flag Disrespectful?

The thin blue and thin red flag designs have become very popular in recent years, but do they violate the US Flag Code? Most thin-line flags don’t, but there are a few to watch out for.

The most common thin-line flag uses a black-and-white version of the American flag as its base. Since this design does not use the official colors of the US flag, it is not considered a ‘real’ American flag. The black-and-white flag isn’t considered a genuine version of the American flag, so the Flag Code does not cover it.

A few vendors have created their own variant, which uses the regular-colored American flag with the addition of the blue or red line. This violates the Flag Code since what otherwise would have been any standard American flag has been defaced.

How to Identify What Is and Isn't Covered by the Flag Code

The US Flag Code applies to the American flag only, not any derivatives or inspired designs. If your flag follows the same design and color scheme as the American flag, it falls under the Flag Code.

Flags that significantly alter the American flag’s design, such as changing the color palette to black and white, are no longer considered authentic versions of the national flag. These flags, plus patriotic bunting and decorative flags that only depict parts of the flag, are not subject to the Code.

The United States flag is an important symbol and should be handled respectfully. While it is no longer illegal to desecrate the flag, burning, mutilating, or defacing it damages the values and freedoms it is meant to represent. Following the US Flag Code recommendations is a great way to show your appreciation for your flag and share it with fellow citizens through unified traditions and customs.