Displaying American Flags - When Can't You Display a Flag?

When can't you display an American flag? The Flag Code lays out specifics for how a flag should be displayed, but such regulations aren't punishable by law. Some states, on the other hand, have their own flag laws that often include some type of punishment for desecrating an American flag, which can include wearing it improperly or vandalizing one. But, for 60 million Americans, a third type of "law" or local regulation is factored into the debate of whether or not to display an American flag. This is often a homeowner's association, which has the purpose of making sure property values are kept up and the area is clean. In terms of adding a flag, as seen in the recent issue surrounding veteran Van T. Barfoot's flagpole, this often means getting a pass from your neighborhood's homeowner's association.

In Barfoot's case, his local homeowner's association near Richmond, Virginia, asked him to remove a flagpole displaying an American flag from his yard, as their regulation allows flags only to be displayed from poles connected to the house. While such rules include refusing or modifying other outdoor structures like carports, small buildings, fences, and walls, refusing to allow a flagpole on his property is seen as a display of anti-patriotism, especially considering Barfoot is a Medal of Honor recipient from his achievements in World War II.

While a recent representative, Rep. Eric Cantor, from Virginia has proposed a resolution to allow Medal of Honor recipients like Barfoot to display the flag on their property, this isn't the first time displaying an American flag on one's property has been an issue. In fact, a bill proposed by Rep. Roscoe G. Bartlett in 2005 was passed that stated citizens have the right to fly the flag in communities with homeowners associations, as long as the flag is in accordance with the homeowners association's rules. But, while this permits flags to be flown, it allows homeowners associations to resist how one is flown.

If you're debating about adding an American flag to your property but don't know how it should be displayed, the first organization you should contact is your community's homeowners association. If your neighborhood doesn't have one, check the Flag Code and for any state laws and that specify how American flags can be flown on a person's property.