The American Flag and its Protocol

The American Flag and its Protocol

The Flag of the United States of America is a symbol of freedom and liberty to which Americans pledge their allegiance by standing at attention, facing the flag with the right hand over the heart, and reciting:
"I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."

The American Flag and its Protocol

The flag consists of 13 alternating red and white stripes that represent the 13 original colonies, and 50 white stars on a blue field, with each star representing a state. The colors on the flag represent:

• Red: valor and bravery
• White: purity and innocence
• Blue: vigilance, perseverance, and justice

For more information on the history of the flag, view the Senate publication titled Our Flag.
To order a U.S. flag that has flown over the Capitol, please contact your senator's office.
Guidelines for Displaying the Flag of the United States (PDF, Download Adobe Reader)
If you require additional information or direction, call the Ceremonials Division of the Department of State's Office of the Chief of Protocol at 1-202-647-1735.
Please note: According to U.S. Flag Code, when an American flag appears worn or otherwise no longer appropriate for display, you should destroy it in a dignified way, preferably by burning.

The American Flag and its Protocol

Fly the American Flag at Half-Staff

The United States flag flies at half-staff when the nation is in mourning. These periods of mourning occur by Presidential proclamation.
The President of the United States can direct how the entire executive branch of the government flies the flag, including traditions or customs for flying the flag at half-staff (PDF, Download Adobe Reader). While you can follow how the executive branch flies the flag, it is not a requirement. For instance, a local community, a company, a school district, or a federal agency can decide to have all of their flags at half-staff because of the death of an employee, a student, a mayor, or a local police officer.

 

The American Flag and its Protocol