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US Flag Display Etiquette and Flag Mount Ideas

83K views 96 replies 54 participants last post by  BlueBabySound 
#1 · (Edited)
The subject of how and when to fly the American flag comes up from time to time so I've decided to create a thread for people to come for both questions and answers.



For the most part, there are 2 ways Jeepers display their flags:

  1. Flying high, as Old Glory was intended.
  2. Something more permanent like a sticker
The web site USflag.org, has a beak-down of the US Flag code. Now this deals mainly with flying a flag on a pole or building but its good info nonetheless.

If you are flying a cloth flag on your Jeep, there is not a guideline for civilian vehicles. However, the standard etiquette is that flags will be flown on the right side of the vehicle (from sitting in the seat) or in the center. Great info here from the Military Salute Project:

http://www.melvinroads1231.org/docs/Flag_Guidelines.pdf

When it comes to stickers, that is a whole new matter. When laying down guidelines for displaying our Stars and Stripes, the founding fathers had no idea we might have automobiles, not to mention stickers to put on them. Our present government has not defined stickers or decals on civilian vehicles (and likely never will) and the US Flag Code does not address US Flag stickers, but taking a few tips from the Flag code, military regulations and precedence, here are a few standards:

  • When displaying on a rear window, the US flag should be on the viewer's left or in the center. All other flags or stickers should to the right or below the US flag.



  • When displaying a flag on the side of your Jeep, it is appropriate (but not required) to have it reversed on the passenger side. This way, it looks like the flag is flying as the Jeep moves forward. This is the way it is done on US military uniforms and aircraft.
 
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#5 · (Edited)
Want to Display the Stars & Stripes....

Please learn to do it correctly from a vehicle. As Vet it hurts me to see ragged and badly soiled flags displayed as an act of patriotism.

Fellow Americans have spilled theirs and others blood to continue the ability to fly our flag over our loved ones and country.

I hope this helps to guide some lost soul from an ass chewing somewhere down the line when all they want to do is show how patriotic they are.

 
#6 ·
Please learn to do it correctly from a vehicle. As Vet it hurts me to see ragged and badly soiled flags displayed as an act of patriotism.

Fellow Americans have spilled theirs and others blood to continue the ability to flag our flag over our loved ones and country.

I hope this helps to guide some lost soul from an ass chewing somewhere down the line when all they want to do is show how patriotic they are.

http://www.newlondonmotorcycleclub.com/uploads/Flag_Guidelines.pdf
Excellent info. :thumb:
 
#7 ·
And remember on a vehicle the stars should be "leading the charge" which means they are on the right on decals on the passenger side.

And if you fly other nations flags too they should be behind and at the same level as the Stars and Stripes.
 

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#14 · (Edited)
When flying the US flag with other flags it goes to the left as you would view it. Therefore the upper left corner would be best if you are wanting to follow the flag code. State and other flags would be below or to the right of the US flag (passenger side).

The exception to the US Flag on the left rule would like in example (D) if you have the US flag in the middle and other flags below and to either side.


 
#19 ·
Looking through this thread I do not see anything about illumination and flying conditions. I'm not sure if it applies to vehicle-flown. But I recall reading in flag code that it should not be flown in inclement weather unless it's an all-weather flag(not much of an issue now, since pretty much most flags are nylon now).
But also flag code states that a flag must be illuminate to fly at night.

I run a 4x6 flag on nice holidays. But i always try and take it down before the sun sets.
 
#22 · (Edited)
I just bought a flag because of this post. Had a couple questions... Is there a problem with the flag touching part of the jeep i.e. the spare tire when the flag is slack? And do you guys run a flag when going freeway speed? I got a nice sewn flag hoping it could handle 55mph at least for a while.
I would avoid putting it someplace where it would get dirty easily, but some incidental touching is acceptable and bound to happen on a vehicle...unless you're talking about just plain laying all over your spare, then I'd avoid it.
You're all bringing up very good points about respecting Old Glory. :thumb: When you are talking flags on vehicles, you start getting into gray areas as far as the flag code is concerned. The code was written for displaying a flag inside or outside a building. I'm glad we are having this discussion because we need to set a precedence.

  • Inclement weather: Yes, if possible its best for the flag to be taken down. Do people run outside and lower the flag down a flag pole when a storm passes overhead? No, and the same would apply to vehicles. Bottom line: Try not to drive in storms with your flag but everyone is aware that sometimes you can't help it.
  • Flying the flag at night: Again, ideally the flag should be taken down at night. When you are talking vehicle display, this is sometimes easier said than done. I zip-tie a flag to my CB antenna so when I fly it, I leave it up for a weeks at a time. Bottom line: Like flying in inclement weather, you should try not to drive after dark with your flag but everyone is aware that sometimes you can't help it.
  • Flag touching the Jeep: I agree with @PhotoTrail in that especially when you are talking about a full sized flag, it can be nearly impossible to keep the flag from touching some part of the Jeep. Its best to try to mitigate it touching anything dirty like the spare tire by flying it higher or to the side.
This brings up a point that we haven't mentioned here yet: Disposing of a soiled or tattered flag. It amazes me how dirty flags can be when being flown on a vehicle. It makes me think "Wow, I've been breathing that stuff?" when I see them blackened by exhaust fumes. I swap out my flag regularly and wash it between times.
When my flag has reached the end of it's life, it needs to be disposed of properly. There is a very detailed description of the "Retirement Ceremony" here:
Flag Retirement Service And Ceremony.
It all boils down to the fact that to properly dispose of the US Flag is to burn it, not to put it in the trash and send it to the landfill.
 
#20 ·
I just bought a flag because of this post. Had a couple questions... Is there a problem with the flag touching part of the jeep i.e. the spare tire when the flag is slack? And do you guys run a flag when going freeway speed? I got a nice sewn flag hoping it could handle 55mph at least for a while.
 
#21 ·
I just bought a flag because of this post. Had a couple questions... Is there a problem with the flag touching part of the jeep i.e. the spare tire when the flag is slack?
I would avoid putting it someplace where it would get dirty easily, but some incidental touching is acceptable and bound to happen on a vehicle...unless you're talking about just plain laying all over your spare, then I'd avoid it.
 
#24 ·
Our local Fleet Farm store has a box in the entry way where you can place flags for disposal. I haven't actually stopped to look and see who handles the disposal. I know that the American Legion will accept flags for disposal (be sure to include a donation for their trouble).
My son's Boy Scout troop will do flag retirement ceremonies, too. We include some readings and sharing about the flag in the ceremony. Reverent occasion.
 
#50 ·
#27 ·
Thanks Beast for some ideas. The one with the Rebel and American flag is almost how I want my TJ to look some day lol. Very cool about the roll bar sleeve.

I've pondered the idea of flying one flag off one roll bar and another off the other. I like the idea of a decent size flag too and not a small one. Go big or go home right!? lol
 
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