What is Proper Flag Protocol?
In the United States, as in many other nations, there are a series of rules governing the display and disposal of the national flag. These rules are referred to as “flag protocol.” Although violation of flag protocol does not have legal repercussions, it is hoped that flag protocol will encourage respectful handling of the flag. More than simply a piece of fabric, a national flag represents the nation as a whole, and is an important symbol of national identity. The following flag protocol applies to the display of the American flag within the United States. Other nations have their own protocols involving the display of their national flag, along with the flags of other nations.
