Can you alter the US flag?

Displaying support for first responders is fine but changing the colors or design of the flag us a violation of U.S. Code Section 700 which states, “The flag of the United States shall be thirteen horizontal stripes, alternate red and white; and the union of the flag shall be fifty stars, white in a blue field.” ...

Is altering an American flag illegal?

Separately, Congress passed the Flag Protection Act of 1968 (amended in 1989) (18 U.S.C. § 700), a since struck-down criminal statute, which prohibits mutilating, defacing, defiling or burning the flag.

What violates the US Flag Code?

People commonly violate the Flag Code when displaying the Stars and Stripes on apparel, athletic uniforms or bedding. The only exception is made for military personnel, firemen, policemen and members of patriotic organizations who are allowed to wear a flag patch that is customized for their uniform.

How many times has the US flag been modified?

Since the United States' independence, the national flag has been revised twenty-seven different times. Each time a state (or states) was added to the union, another star had to be added to the top left corner of the flag. The most recent version of the flag was recognized in 1960 when Hawaii became a state.

What does a black American flag mean?

What does a black American Flag mean? Black flags have historically been used to signify that no quarter will be given. When translated into modern language, this means that captured enemy combatants will be killed rather than taken prisoner.

The Surprising Number of Legal Rules Pertaining to Displaying a United States Flag

What does a GREY American flag mean?

The thin gray line is a symbol that is used to show support for correctional officers.

What does an upside down flag mean?

The U.S. Flag Code states that the flag should never be displayed upside down, except to signal “dire distress in instances of extreme danger to life or property.”

Does the US have a war flag?

Some have said that the idea of two flags for the United States of America is just a myth. But in fact every country has a “War” flag and a “Peace” flag.

Who was the only president to serve under the 13 flag?

Thirteen Star U.S. Flag, 1777 ~ 1795

The only President to serve under this flag was George Washington (1789-1797). This Flag was to last for a period of 18 years, until April 30th, 1795.

What year is a 48 star flag?

To mark the additions of New Mexico and Arizona as states, the American flag grew to 48 stars on July 4, 1912. The design, which includes six horizontal rows of eight stars, was replaced on July 4, 1959, with the addition of Alaska's star, and it is the second-longest used version of the flag in the nation's history.

Is it disrespectful to wear a flag as a cape?

The wearing of the flag is listed as unacceptable according to U.S. flag code section 176 (d) which states, "The flag should never be used as wearing apparel, bedding, or drapery." While many people think the flag code states that you can't wear any type of flag apparel, including a cape, the truth is that you can wear ...

Is desecration of the flag illegal?

The federal law made it illegal to "knowingly" cast "contempt" upon "any flag of the United States by publicly mutilating, defacing, defiling, burning or trampling upon it." The law defined flag in an expansive manner similar to most States.

Is writing on a flag illegal?

The flag should never have placed upon it, nor on any part of it, nor attached to it any mark, insignia, letter, word, figure, design, picture, or drawing of any nature. The flag should never be used as a receptacle for receiving, holding, carrying, or delivering anything.

Is Thin Blue Line flag desecration?

The current amended U.S. Flag Code has no penalty provision and is considered advisory flag etiquette. Supporters of the Blue Line flag are not insensitive to the Flag Code's standards. They argue that it's not a desecration of the American flag, because it's a completely different flag.

Can you go to jail for burning the American flag?

No. The Court has recognized that the First Amendment protects certain forms of symbolic speech. Flag burning is such a form of symbolic speech.

Is a backwards flag disrespectful?

While some may mistakenly think that a backward or reverse flag is show of disrespect, it is actually a sign of respect to display it this way on a military uniform. The American flag is a symbol of freedom and a certain set of values we hold dear as a nation.

Was there ever a 49 star U.S. flag?

49-star American Flag

On January 3rd, 1959, the 49 star flag became the official flag of the United States. Alaska was the 49th state formally granted statehood under an Executive order by President Eisenhower (January 3rd, 1959).

What year did the flag get 50 stars?

On August 21, 1959, President Eisenhower issued Executive Order 10834 establishing the design of the 50-star flag. This flag was first officially raised over Fort McHenry National Historic Site on July 4, 1960, with Secretary of the Interior Fred A.

Does the U.S. have two flags?

Since the founding of the United States in 1776, there have been 27 different versions of the flag featuring the stars and stripes.

Why does the military wear a backwards flag?

Basically, the idea behind the backward American flag on Army uniforms is to make it look as though the flag is flying in the breeze as the person wearing it moves forward. During the Civil War, both mounted cavalry and infantry units would designate a standard bearer, who carried the flag into battle.

Is there a space force flag?

The flag of the United States Space Force is the flag used to represent the United States Space Force, as well as its subsidiary units and formations. It was officially unveiled on 15 May 2020.

Why is flag folded 13 times?

This is what the 13 folds mean:

The first fold of our flag is a symbol of life. The second fold signifies our belief in eternal life. The third fold is made in honor and tribute of the veteran departing our ranks, and who gave a portion of his or her life for the defense of our country to attain peace.

What does a black and white American flag symbolize?

While, a complete black and white flag of the American flag is viewed as a symbol of protest, and to express the rebellion. The black flag can be often found to be used in protests, which may be political, or non-political, but is used as a symbol of protest and rebel against supremacy.

What does the black and white upside down American flag mean?

Traditionally, the American flag should never be hung upside down "except as a signal of dire distress in instances of extreme danger to life or property" according to the U.S Flag Code.