Well, there are laws, but they never had many teeth, and for quite some time, they have had no teeth whatsoever. Court rulings have consistently determined that a show of disrespect towards the flag or the National Anthem is protected by the First Amendment to the Constitution. But the laws are still on the books, and they describe clearly what is considered respectful behavior and what counts as Flag desecration. Presumably, most people who openly display a flag that has been desecrated do so out of ignorance and not out of an attempt to show disrespect towards the flag.

The expectation for an American citizen is to stand with their right hand over their heart while the national anthem plays or if in uniform, render a salute, is codified in U.S. Code Title 36, section 301. Men should remove their hats and hold them over their left shoulder while playing the anthem. Veterans or active-duty military not in uniform may either salute or stand with their hand over their heart.

U.S. Code Title 4, Chapter 1 lists all the rules for displaying the flag, with section 8 specifically addressing respect for the flag.

Most people know the flag should not be displayed upside down except as a sign of distress. Fewer people seem to know the flag must always be displayed aloft and free, never be carried flat or horizontally. The giant flag that general Patton spoke in front of at the beginning of the movie, “Patton,” is not allowed. But that flag was just a Hollywood prop.

If the flag touches anything beneath it, such as the ground, the floor, water, merchandise, or your pickup’s tailgate, that shows disrespect.

Bunting of blue, white, and red is allowed, but the flag must never be used as bunting. Remember, it must fly aloft and free. If you wear clothing, use bedding, or drapery made of the American flag, that is disrespectful.

If you alter the flag in any way with any design, such as a swastika, peace symbol, red stripe, blue stripe, black stripe, a candidate’s name, or anything else, that is flag desecration. You are showing disrespect. 

The flag should never be used for advertising purposes in any manner whatsoever. Have you ever seen an American flag festooned behind a company logo in an advertisement? You’re not supposed to have such a display, nor should the flag be printed on napkins, boxes, or any other disposable object. You should not attach an advertising flag to the same staff or halyard as the American flag.

No part of the flag should ever be used as a costume or athletic uniform. However, a flag patch may be affixed to the uniform of military personnel, firemen, policemen, and members of patriotic organizations (e.g., Scouts). This rule to preserve respect for the flag is commonly ignored, perhaps due to ignorance or a sense of ennui towards patriotism.