The flag code isn't about legality. It is considered improper to fly the flag different ways but they aren't illegal. So yes, the 1st amendment of the constitution would mean you could fly the flag however you wished without being arrested. That doesn't mean someone won't punch you over it though

[–] tal@kbin.social 5 points 1 year ago

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flag_of_the_United_States#Design

According to the U.S. Army Institute of Heraldry, the United States flag never becomes obsolete. Any approved American flag may continue to be used and displayed until no longer serviceable.[188]

Well, that provides for some unorthodox options.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_Union_Flag

The "Grand Union Flag", or the "Continental Colours", (also known as the "Congress Flag", the "Cambridge Flag", and the "First Navy Ensign") was the first national flag of the United States of America. First hoisted on December 3, 1775 by naval officer John Paul Jones, the flag was used heavily by the Second Continental Congress of the United States, as well as by Commander George Washington in his Continental Army during the early years of the American Revolutionary War.

Similar to the current U.S. flag, the Grand Union Flag has 13 alternating red and white stripes, representative of the Thirteen Colonies. The upper inner corner, or canton, features the Union Jack, or flag of the Kingdom of Great Britain, of which the colonies were subjects.