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June 29, 2017

The Flag Code: What to Know for Social Media

Tori Garrett – Associate

With the Fourth of July coming up next week, every public relations firm in America is scheduling their patriotic posts. However, businesses could face serious backlash from their audience if the American flag is disrespected on social media. In order to treat the flag appropriately and avoid a potential crisis, it’s important to be aware of proper flag etiquette before clicking ‘publish.’

Below are guidelines for posing with the flag; read the whole Flag Code here.

Display:
• In a group display, the American flag should be in the center and at the highest point of the group.
• The flag should never be dipped (lowered to 45 degrees) to any person or anything.
• It shouldn’t be displayed or stored in any way that would allow it to be easily damaged.
• With the exception of traditional window bunting, the flag shouldn’t be drawn back up or in folds, but should always fall free.
• The flag should never be displayed with the union (the blue background with white stars) except as a signal of dire distress.
• If the flag is displayed against the wall with crossed staffs, the flag should be on the right with its staff in front of the other flag’s staff.
• The flag should never be used for advertising purposes “in any manner whatsoever.”
• It shouldn’t be displayed on cushions, napkins, boxes or any other temporary items that are quickly discarded.
• Don’t display the flag in a parade except from a staff.
• The flag shouldn’t be draped over the hood, top, sides or back of a vehicle of a railroad train or boat. If it is displayed on a vehicle, it should be fixed firmly to the chassis or clamped to the right fender.

Posing:
• When saluting the flag, one should face the flag with his or her right hand over his or her heart. Men not in uniform should remove any non-religious headdress and hold it with their right hand at the left shoulder with hand over heart. Persons in uniform should silently face the flag and render the military salute.
• The flag shouldn’t touch anything beneath it, whether it’s ground, floor, water or other items.
• It should never be carried flat or horizontally, but always aloft and free.
• The flag should never be used to receive, hold, carry or deliver anything.

Clothing:
• The flag should never be used as wearing apparel, bedding or drapery.
• With the exception of patches worn on the left lapel near the heart, no part of the flag should ever be used as a costume or athletic uniform.
• The flag should never have any sort of insignia or design placed or attached to it.

Keep in mind that the Flag Code is not law, but instead, guidelines established by the federal government for interacting with the American flag in an appropriate and respectful manner.

If following the Flag Code seems overwhelming and difficult, consider the hassle of spending your holiday dealing with a potential crisis for disrespecting the American Flag.

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