Did You Know?

The Confederate Battle Flag was never the official flag of the Confederacy.

The Confederate States of America used three different successive flags during the War Between the States. The first official flag was known as the "Stars and Bars." Due to its visual similarity to the "Stars and Stripes" used by Federal soldiers, a second official flag called the "Stainless Banner" was designed. This flag featured the Confederate Battle Flag as the canton on a white field background. Being mistaken as a flag of truce on the battlefield, especially if there was no wind, the "Stainless Banner" was replaced by a third and final official flag known as the "Blood Stained Banner." A vertical red bar was placed at the end of the white field.

Today, the most widely recognized flag synonymous with the Confederacy is the battle flag of Gen. Robert E. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia. Unfortunately, a flag meant to represent the bravery and pride of the Southern soldier has been defiled by those who use the flag outside of its intended purpose. The UDC does not associate with or include in its official UDC functions and events any individual, group, or organization known as unpatriotic, militant, racist, or subversive to the United States of America and its flag.

Confederate Flag Etiquette

Although there is more information on the correct use of a Confederate flag, a few highlights are mentioned below.

The Confederate flag should:

• NEVER be used with any other political or social agenda that does not honor the Confederate States of America in the highest respect.
• NEVER be used as wearing apparel, bedding, or drapery. This means NO t-shirts, belt buckles, scarves, purses, hats, etc.
• NEVER be used for advertising purposes in any manner whatsoever. It should not be embroidered on cushions, handkerchiefs, printed or otherwise impressed on paper napkins or boxes, or anything designed for temporary use and discarded.
• NEVER be used as a covering for a ceiling.
• NEVER used in conjunction with images like skulls, motorcycles, or other objects that detract from the honor and respect due to the flag.
• NEVER be draped over the front of a platform, speaker's desk, or podium.
• NEVER be draped over a vehicle's hood, top, or sides and should not be flown from the back of a car, parade float, or other vehicles.
• When the Confederate flag is displayed, the flag of the United States of America must always be displayed with it.