CARD 27 - US Flag

The Flag Code formalizes the way citizens should show respect to the flag. Among some of the standards are that the flag should:

- never be dipped to any person or thing
- only be flown upside down as a distress signal
- not be used as a drapery or decoration
- never be used for any advertising purpose
- not be impressed on such articles as cushions, napkins, boxes, or anything intended to be discarded after temporary use
- not be used as part of a costume or athletic uniform
- never have placed on it any mark, insignia, letter, word, number, figure, or drawing
- never be used as a receptacle for receiving, holding, carrying, or delivering anything
- not touch the ground or any other object when it is being lowered
- be received by waiting hands and arms when lowered
- be folded neatly and ceremoniously when stored
- be cleaned and mended when necessary.
- be destroyed by burning in a dignified manner when it is so worn and no longer fit to serve as a symbol
(Most American Legion Posts regularly conduct a dignified flag burning ceremony, often on Flag Day)