This page contains ordinary instances where the Flag is being shown disrespect or where the Flag Code is being violated, either thoughtlessly or carelessly. This page is not for politically motivated violations. And it is not for pictures of tattered flags on display (which are unfortunately all too common); however if the tattered display is extraordinary in its location or some other notable way, then we will consider posting it. If you have a picture you would like to share, email us the picture with a brief description, and how you want to be credited. We will add the relevant section of the Flag Code. Posting of pictures is at our discretion.
Note the flag hanging the wrong way (the stars should be at the top left) at the grand opening of the St. Louis Bosnian Chamber of Commerce. (Photo: J.B.Forbes/St. Louis Post-Dispatch)
"When displayed either horizontally or vertically against a wall, the union should be uppermost and to the flag's own right, that is, to the observer's left. When displayed in a window, the flag should be displayed in the same way, with the union or blue field to the left of the observer in the street." (Flag Code, Section 7i)
Submitted by Monica from St. Charles, MO
Here's one for you. I think anyone will recognize the office [California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger -webmaster], but it took a Chineese national to point out to the California Highway Patrol officers "guarding" the door that the stars and stripes are on the wrong side. No wonder the place is such a mess. Taken December 17 2008 Office of the Governor of California.
"No other flag or pennant should be placed above or, if on the same level, to the right of the flag of the United States of America. [The flag's own right]" (Flag Code, Section 7c)
Submitted by Andrew Bowden
Hillsboro installs flag-painted fake fire hydrant as "tribute" to deceased K-9. No disrespect intended...they say.
"The flag of the United States is any flag of the United States, or any part thereof, made of any substance, of any size, accurate or not, that is recognized as a flag by the reasonable observer." (Flag Code, Section 3)
"No disrespect should be shown to the flag of the United States of America." (Flag Code, Section 8)
"The flag should never be used as a receptacle for receiving, holding, carrying, or delivering anything." (Flag Code, Section 8h)
Submitted by Carl Collins
I found this in a middle school, while I was judging a high school debate tournament.
"Bunting of blue, white, and red ... should be used for covering a speaker's desk, draping the front of the platform, and for decoration in general. (Flag Code, Section 8d)
Karl Ortmeyer
1997 Bowman International Chrome Refractors Baseball Card Set. "Never really thought about these cards until recently but they’ve got a couple of violations."
"When displayed either horizontally or vertically against a wall, the union should be uppermost and to the flag's own right, that is, to the observer's left. When displayed in a window, the flag should be displayed in the same way, with the union or blue field to the left of the observer in the street." (Flag Code, Section 7i)
"I don’t need any credit for this and would prefer to remain an anonymous contributor."
Attached is a copy of U.S. Flag paper tissues.
"It should not ... printed or otherwise impressed on ... anything that is designed for temporary use and discard." (Flag Code, Section 8i)
"No disrespect should be shown to the flag of the United States of America." (Flag Code, Section 8)
"The flag should never be used as a receptacle for receiving, holding, carrying, or delivering anything." (Flag Code, Section 8h)
Submitted by Tim, Alpharetta, GA
I just saw this. It is called the "Flag of Honor and Heroes" and contains in small type, the names of the victims of September 11. It seems patriotic, but you shouldn't write on the flag, I was taught.
"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." (Flag Code, Section 8g)
JS, Kansas
I took this picture at a Joan Shepp store in midtown Manhattan.
"The flag should never be used as wearing apparel, bedding, or drapery." (Flag Code, Section 8d)
Submitted by N.P., Philadelphia, PA
The flag should not to be used as a "skin" on a disposable camera. This was found on sale at Sam's Club.
"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." (Flag Code, Section 8g)
"The flag should never be used as a receptacle for receiving, holding, carrying, or delivering anything." (Flag Code, Section 8h)
Submitted by W.C., Vermont
Think we can get Texas to take this off the floor of the Texas State Capitol Building!?!?
Also note that the position of prominence here is held by the Mexican flag and not the US flag.
"The flag should not be ... allowed to touch the ground." (Flag Code, Section 7n)
"No other flag or pennant should be placed above or, if on the same level, to the right of the flag of the United States of America." (Flag Code, Section 7c)
Damian
This is on a business in Dallas TX, where the owner claims to be a former Marine. I have asked him on several occasions to change it.
"The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning." (Flag Code, Section 8k)
Paul Hakes
Update: The flag was removed shortly after the posting of this picture here.
A golf club!? "When on the course of human events..."
"The flag should not be ... allowed to touch the ground." (Flag Code, Section 7n)
"No disrespect should be shown to the flag of the United States of America." (Flag Code, Section 8)
Submitted by Arlen, Long Island City, New York
What's good for business is good for America! Well, the flag should not be used as decoration on a credit card, no matter how American that seems!
"The flag should never be used for advertising purposes in any manner whatsoever." (Flag Code, Section 8i)
"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." (Flag Code, Section 8g)
A. Clinton, Provo, Utah
