Symbol copyright AFP Symbol caption New US citizens practice etiquette as the national anthem is performed
US American Soccer participant Colin Kaepernick has attracted fierce criticism on social media for his refusal to face for the national anthem in protest at what he sees as racial injustice.
However at the same time as he has angered many fellow electorate, he’s also in fact in breach of etiquette that’s enshrined in legislation.
The Flag Code covers all facets of etiquette in relation to the celebs and Stripes, including how one can behave while the anthem is performed. The code isn’t enforced, however, and there is no punishment for breaching it.
So what in case you do whilst the nationwide anthem is performed?
The code states that individuals present are anticipated to stand and face the flag, if there may be one. Civilians must stand to attention with proper give up middle, while army team of workers in uniform and veterans will have to salute all over. a recent amendment to the code said that army group of workers out of uniform may also salute.
President Barack Obama famously overlooked to put his surrender his middle in the course of the 2008 election campaign. He defined his mistake through pronouncing his grandfather taught him to do that best during the pledge, and to only sing through the anthem.
Symbol copyright Reuters Image caption Kaepernick made the protest all the way through an exhibition sport (record image)
The Flag Code makes no mention of whether the anthem need to be sung via the ones provide. Alternatively, singing the Celebrity-Spangled Banner is encouraged from college onwards – in some colleges it is compulsory. In 1942 the Nationwide Anthem Committee wrote that “it’s of paramount significance that emphasis be positioned upon the singing of the Nationwide Anthem”.
What if you happen to keep away from doing with the flag?
A Lot Of producers of flag products could be in bother here. The Flag Code states that it’ll not be used for any promoting purpose, and can not be embroidered or revealed on any subject matter for transient use.
It must also never be part of a fancy dress or sports activities uniform, or used as “wearing apparel, bedding, or material”. Olympic medal winners who have a good time their luck via masking themselves within the flag should take note.
Also, the flag shouldn’t ever be displayed the wrong way up, except for as an emblem of “dire distress”.
Is it illegal to burn the united states flag?
Symbol copyright Getty Images
Protesters within the global steadily set alight US flags to demonstrate their hatred of The Us, but you could possibly no longer face prosecution for doing so within the US itself. In 1990 the Preferrred Court Docket invalidated a federal regulation in opposition to desecration of the flag on the grounds that it used to be in violation of the primary Amendment on freedom of speech.
In truth, burning the flag is sometimes even encouraged. The Flag Code says that no disrespect should be shown to it, but in addition allows for any flag which is no longer have compatibility for show to be “destroyed in a dignified approach, preferably by burning”.
How lengthy has the Flag Code been round?
Experts say that US flag etiquette is very important as a result of was created out of recognize for the country’s ancient history.
but the code was first drawn up simplest in 1923 below the auspices of the yankee Legion, and most effective became regulation whilst the u.s. used to be at battle, in 1942.
