Flag Rules and Regulations

Minnesota State Flag Laws

• Capitol area, flying at half staff, 1.51
• Display, residential real property, 500.215
• Generally, 1.141
• Trade or service marks, prohibited registration, 333.19
• Violations and penalties, 609.40

Minnesota Laws - United States Flag

• Altering, 609.40
• Capitol area, flying at half staff, 1.51
• Display, 121A.11, 500.215
• Manufacture, 325E.65
• Manufacturing merchandise depicting, 609.40
• Mutilating, defiling, or casting contempt upon, 609.40
• Pins or patches on peace officers' or firefighters' uniforms, 15.60
• Pledge of Allegiance, 121A.11, 124D.10
• Polling places, 204C.08, 204C.26
• Sale, 325E.65
• Special veteran contribution license plates, design, 168.1255
• Trade or service marks, prohibited registration, 333.19
• Using for commercial purposes, 609.40
• Violations and penalties, exemptions, 609.40

Betsy Ross Homepage Flag Rules and Regulations

US Flag Frequently Asked Questions

Lowering the U.S. Flag

Did you know that the law requires the U.S. flag be lowered in tribute on only a few days each year? Quite appropriately, one of these days is the observance of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service.

On October 16, 2001, President George W. Bush approved legislation requiring the U.S. flag to be lowered to half-staff on all Federal buildings to memorialize fallen firefighters. Public Law 107-51 requires this action to occur annually in conjunction with observance of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service.

Let your local media know that U.S. flags across the country will be lowered on Sunday, October 5, 2008. This includes the U.S. Capitol and the White House, as well as buildings in your local community.

Remember to lower the U.S. flags at your home, fire department, and business. Encourage your local community to follow the Federal Government's example. When you lower your flag this year, you will recognize the brave men and women who died protecting their communities from natural and manmade emergencies and disasters and those who carry on the proud tradition.

You may also want to ask your state and local officials to include lowering the flag in a proclamation recognizing the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice.

What is the proper way to wear a flag patch on one's shoulder sleeve?

Left Flag

Right or "reversed field" flag

To wear our country's flag properly, the field of stars should be worn closest to your heart. Thus, if your patch is to be worn on your LEFT sleeve, use a left flag. For patches worn on your RIGHT sleeve, use a "right" or "reversed field" flag. Since the law does not specifically address the positioning of the patch, a decision is left to the discretion of the organization prescribing the wear. Some elect to use the "left" flag on both sleeves. [Note: many states and cities have ordinances pertaining to the use of the flag; you may wish to contact the Attorney General of your state or the City Attorney's office regarding this matter.] If you are planning to wear only one patch, it is recommended that you wear a "left" flag on your left sleeve. Military guidelines once specified that in support of joint or multi-national operations, the "right" flag is worn on the right sleeve, 1/4" below the shoulder seam or 1/8" below any required unit patches. Now, this has been made a permanent requirement (Class A uniform excepted).

US Flag Code

CHAPTER 1—THE FLAG

US Flag Frequently Asked Questions