United States Flag Code

The United States Flag Code (title 4, chapter 1 of the United States Code) describes the official appearance of the Flag of the United States as well as how it should be handled, both on formal occasions and in general. The US Flag Code is purely descriptive, and does not include any provisions for enforcement.

In addition, the US Flag Code codifies the Pledge of Allegiance.

The Code's rules and standards

Appearance of the flag

Section one and two describe the official appearance of the US flag. Section one of the Code describes the flag as "thirteen horizontal stripes, alternate red and white," with a union of "forty-eight stars, white in a blue field." The code, which was passed before the 1959 incorporation of Alaska and Hawaii as the 49th and 50th states, also makes provisions for updating the flag in section two, adding new stars for new states on the following fourth of July.

Handling the flag

Section three describes how not to handle the flag, and sections five through nine describe how to handle, display, store, and respect the flag.

Pledge of Allegiance

Section four describes the Pledge of Allegiance, both codifying its text and describing proper conduct during the Pledge of Allegiance. People in military uniform should silently salute the flag, while other people should remove any non-religious headgear, and face the flag with their right hand over their heart.

External links

• The text of Title 4 of the United States Code, Chapter 1 at law.cornell.edu
• USHistory.org on handling and treatment of the US Flag