Search results
Results from the WOW.Com Content Network
The flag should never touch anything physically beneath it. [9] An urban myth claimed that if the flag touched the ground, it had to be destroyed under the Flag Code; however, it has been affirmed by the American Legion and state governments that this is not the case. [10] [11] The flag should never be used as wearing apparel, bedding or drapery.
The national flag of the United States, often referred to as the American flag or the U.S. flag, consists of thirteen horizontal stripes, alternating red and white, with a blue rectangle in the canton bearing fifty small, white, five-pointed stars arranged in nine offset horizontal rows, where rows of six stars alternate with rows of five stars.
Reduced file size. Synced colors with File:Flag of the United States.svg. 23:11, 28 January 2006: 1,330 × 700 (2 KB) Dbenbenn: resynchronize with Image:Flag of the United States.svg: 04:20, 2 January 2006: 18,525 × 9,750 (3 KB) Dbenbenn: synchronize with Image:Flag of the United States.svg (more precision in star vertices) 23:23, 3 October 2005
Technically, flying the flag upside down is not desecration of Old Glory but, according to the U.S. Flag Code, a “signal of dire distress in instances of extreme danger to life or property.”
A ship flying no flags may also be understood to be in distress. [6] For one country, the Philippines, an inverted flag is a symbol of war rather than distress. [7] If any flag is available, distress may be indicated by tying a knot in it and then flying it upside-down, making it into a wheft. [8]
When a national flag is displayed together with another flag or flags in procession, the national flag must be on the marching right. If there is a row of flags, it should be in the position of honour. When a national flag, with some exceptions, is flown upside down it indicates distress. This however is merely tradition.
Distress Flying the flag upside-down, [note 2] or tying it into a wheft. [1] Half-mast. Main article: Half-mast. A style of flag display where the flag is flown at least the width of the flag between the top of the flag and the top of the pole. Typically used as a display of mourning or rememberence. Hoist The act or function of raising a flag ...
See also: Flags of the U.S. states and territories A 2.00 m × 1.70 m oil painting showing historical US flags. This is a list of flags in the United States describing the evolution of the flag of the United States of America, as well as other flags used within the United States, such as the flags of governmental agencies. There are also separate flags for embassies and ships. National flags ...