Displaying the U.S. flag alongside state flags requires following specific guidelines to ensure respect and proper etiquette. The American flag must always hold the position of highest honor. Here’s a quick overview of key rules:
Improper placement, such as flying a state flag higher or placing it to the right of the U.S. flag, violates etiquette. These guidelines ensure both flags are displayed respectfully, honoring their symbolic value.
When displaying the American flag with state flags outdoors, certain rules ensure proper respect and protocol. These guidelines apply to settings like government buildings, schools, businesses, or even residential properties.
The American flag always holds the position of honor. This means it should either be placed at the highest point among multiple flagpoles or to the observer's left when flags are arranged in a line.
For separate flagpoles, the American flag should be on the observer's left (the flag's own right). If you're facing the flags, the American flag will appear on your left. When three flagpoles are used, such as at a government building, the American flag should occupy the center position, flanked by state flags on either side.
If using a single flagpole with multiple halyards (ropes), the American flag must be flown at the very top, with state flags positioned below it. To maintain distinction, state flags should be at least 6 inches below the American flag.
When flags are displayed in a row formation, the American flag should be placed at the far left from the observer's perspective. State flags can follow either in the order of their admission to the Union or alphabetically, depending on the chosen arrangement.
Flag size and pole height also play a key role in ensuring a respectful and uniform display.
Flag size matters. The American flag should either match or exceed the size of the accompanying state flags. It must never be smaller than any other flag in the display, as this would diminish its prominence.
For multiple flagpoles, the poles should ideally be of equal height. If differing heights are used, the American flag must always fly from the tallest pole. No state flag should ever be positioned higher than the American flag, as this would violate the Flag Code.
In single-pole displays, the American flag should always be at the top, ensuring its prominence. The pole itself should be tall enough to allow all flags to fly freely without touching the ground or nearby obstacles.
Weather conditions are also important. Flags should be displayed from sunrise to sunset unless properly illuminated at night. Using weather-resistant materials helps preserve the flags' condition and ensures they remain a symbol of respect.
Once the display is arranged, attention must be given to the proper protocol for raising and lowering the flags.
The order of raising and lowering flags is critical to maintaining respect for the American flag. When multiple flags are displayed, the American flag should always be raised first and lowered last.
During the morning flag raising, the American flag should be quickly raised to the top of its pole before any state flags are raised. State flags follow immediately after.
For the evening lowering ceremony, the process is reversed. State flags are lowered first, followed by the American flag, which should be brought down slowly and with care.
For same-pole displays, the American flag is raised to the peak first, with the state flag attached and positioned below it. When lowering, the state flag should be removed first, followed by the American flag.
| Scenario | U.S. Flag Position | State Flag Position | Raise Order | Lowering Order |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Separate flagpoles | Observer's left/center | Adjacent, equal/lower height | U.S. flag first | State flags first |
| Same pole (halyard) | At the peak | Below, 6" separation | U.S. flag first | State flag first |
| Row of flags | Far left (observer's view) | Next in sequence | U.S. flag first | U.S. flag last |
Indoor flag displays require careful positioning to honor both national and state symbols. Whether for ceremonies, office settings, or permanent installations, following these guidelines ensures the proper respect is shown to the flags. These indoor arrangements align with outdoor practices, maintaining the dignity of the flag in any environment.
For indoor ceremonies, the American flag should be placed to the speaker's right (the audience's left) when displayed on or near a podium. This positioning differs slightly from outdoor setups but retains the flag's place of honor.
In row displays:
State flags can be arranged based on their admission to the Union or alphabetically, depending on the occasion. All flags should be displayed on equal-height poles or staffs, with the American flag always being the largest.
When mounting the American flag on a wall, whether horizontally or vertically, the union (blue field) should always appear in the upper left corner as seen by the observer. For window displays, the union must face left when viewed from the street, ensuring a respectful and consistent presentation.
If multiple flags are displayed on a wall:
Crossed staff arrangements are ideal for formal settings like offices, lobbies, or ceremonies. In these displays:
Both staffs should be of equal height, and the flags should be of similar size to create a balanced and stable display. Make sure the staffs are securely anchored to prevent the arrangement from shifting or falling.
| Display Type | American Flag Position | State Flag Position | Key Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Podium/Stage | Speaker's right (audience's left) | Speaker's left | U.S. flag in position of honor |
| Row Display (odd) | Center position | Flanking both sides | U.S. flag centered with equal height |
| Row Display (even) | Far left (audience view) | Remaining positions | U.S. flag in the position of honor |
| Wall/Window (Flat) | Union upper left (observer view) | Adjacent to U.S. flag | Correct union orientation |
| Crossed Staffs | In front, to its own right | Behind, crossed under | Staff hierarchy maintained |
Certain occasions call for specific protocols to properly honor national and state symbols. These moments require careful attention to the order of precedence, timing, and ceremonial procedures to ensure the respect these symbols deserve.
When arranging flags for display, the American flag always takes the highest position of honor. State flags follow, arranged either by the order in which states were admitted to the Union or alphabetically. After state flags, flags representing U.S. territories, military branches (Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Space Force, Coast Guard), and custom flags are displayed in that order. Each flag should have its own staff of equal height, and no flag should be larger than or fly higher than the American flag.
These rules of precedence work hand-in-hand with specific handling protocols detailed below.
As mentioned earlier, raising and lowering the flag involves specific steps, especially during significant events. When flown at half-staff, the flag should first be raised briskly to the peak, held there briefly, and then lowered slowly to the half-staff position (midway between the top and bottom of the staff). Presidential proclamations often dictate half-staff periods to mark national tragedies or honor the deaths of prominent figures. Governors can also order state-specific half-staff displays.
For example, on Memorial Day, the flag is flown at half-staff until noon and then raised to full staff for the rest of the day. When multiple flags are displayed, the American flag should always be raised first and lowered last to maintain its position of honor.
Ceremonial events, such as memorial services or commemorative gatherings, require thoughtful flag arrangements that reflect the solemnity of the occasion. During state funerals, the American flag is flown at half-staff and may also be draped over the casket of eligible individuals, following military or veteran protocols. Arlington National Cemetery’s "Flags In" tradition on Memorial Day, where over 1,000,000 American flags are displayed, is one of the most striking examples of honoring the flag’s significance.
After memorial ceremonies, burial flags are often preserved in memorial flag cases, which are designed to protect and display them properly. For veteran-focused events, the POW/MIA flag is flown beneath the American flag on a separate staff to honor service members who are prisoners of war or missing in action.
| Event Type | Flag Position | Duration | Special Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Memorial Day | Half-staff until noon, then full staff | Until noon | All flags follow the same protocol |
| State Funeral | Half-staff; may drape over the casket | Mourning period | For eligible individuals only |
| National Tragedy | Half-staff by proclamation | As designated | Directed by Presidential or Gubernatorial order |
| Veteran Memorial | U.S. flag in position of honor; POW/MIA flag beneath | Event-specific | Separate staff preferred |
According to the National Flag Foundation, over 60% of U.S. households display the American flag on national holidays. Whether organizing a small local ceremony or a large public memorial, following these protocols ensures that the flag is treated with the dignity it deserves.
Mistakes in flag etiquette can unintentionally undermine the respect intended for a display, turning a well-meaning tribute into a violation of the U.S. Flag Code. Addressing these common errors is key to ensuring your flag display properly honors both national and state symbols.
One of the most common mistakes is incorrectly positioning flags relative to one another. For instance, some people mistakenly place the state flag above the American flag on the same pole or to the right of the U.S. flag when using adjacent staffs. According to the U.S. Flag Code, the American flag must always hold the position of honor - at the peak when sharing a halyard and to its own right (observer's left) when displayed on separate poles.
When raising or lowering multiple flags, the U.S. flag should always be hoisted first and taken down last.
For rows of flags, the American flag belongs in the center at the highest point or at the far left from the observer's perspective. Additionally, ensure that flag dimensions and heights follow proper protocol.
Flag size issues can disrupt the balance of a display. A state flag that is larger than the American flag or mounted higher violates basic etiquette. To avoid this, make sure the U.S. flag is equal in size or larger than any accompanying state flag, and that it always flies at the highest point.
Height errors can occur not just with flagpoles but also with wall-mounted displays or bracket systems. The American flag must always maintain its superior position. No flag should ever be placed above the U.S. flag, except in special cases like at the United Nations Headquarters, where international protocols apply. Properly mounting and positioning the flags ensures compliance with these rules.
Indoor displays often bring their own set of challenges, especially with wall mounting orientation. Whether mounted on a wall or displayed in a window, the union (the blue field) must always be in the upper left. In crossed staff arrangements, the U.S. flag should be on its own right (observer's left) with its staff positioned in front of the other flag's staff.
Errors in crossed staff setups are also common, such as placing the state flag in front of or to the right of the American flag. The correct arrangement requires the American flag to be on its own right and its staff to cross in front of the other flag's staff. This positioning reinforces the precedence of the U.S. flag.
| Common Error | Correct Solution | Rule |
|---|---|---|
| State flag above U.S. flag on same pole | U.S. flag at peak, state flag below | American flag takes highest position |
| State flag to right of U.S. flag | U.S. flag to its own right (observer's left) | Position of honor maintained |
| Larger state flag than U.S. flag | U.S. flag equal or larger size | Size reinforces precedence |
| Union on wrong side in wall display | Union uppermost and to flag's own right | Proper orientation regardless of display method |
Following the guidelines outlined above ensures that the American flag and state flags are displayed with the respect they deserve. Whether outdoors, indoors, or as part of a memorial, the U.S. Flag Code provides clear instructions to maintain the American flag in the position of highest honor. This attention to detail not only demonstrates respect but also reinforces a sense of unity and shared values within communities.
Displaying flags correctly is more than just a matter of etiquette - it's a way to honor the symbols of our nation and states. By ensuring the U.S. flag is always in its proper place, you uphold the principles these flags represent, whether at home, in schools, at businesses, or during events.
If you're looking to create a flag display that stands out, having reliable and durable equipment is key. Action Flag offers a range of American-made flags, flagpoles, and accessories tailored for everything from residential setups to ceremonial displays. Their dedication to quality ensures your displays remain dignified and long-lasting.
For standard flags, custom designs, or bulk orders, Action Flag provides the tools and expertise needed to display flags with the respect they deserve. As an FMAA Certified organization, they guarantee American-made products that meet the highest standards of flag etiquette. By applying these principles, you can proudly and respectfully honor our nation's symbols across all settings.
When flying the U.S. flag alongside state flags on the same pole, the U.S. flag must always take the top position to signify respect and precedence. No flag should ever be displayed above it. If the flags share the same halyard, the U.S. flag should be raised first and brought down last.
To uphold proper flag etiquette, make sure all flags are in good condition and that the U.S. flag remains prominent and undiminished. These practices highlight the respect and honor tied to the national flag.
When displaying national and state flags indoors, it's important to follow proper etiquette to show the respect they deserve. The U.S. flag should always hold the position of honor, which means it is typically placed to its own right (the viewer's left). If the flags are mounted on poles, the U.S. flag should be positioned slightly higher than the others.
For wall displays, the U.S. flag should either be placed above or to the left of other flags. Always ensure the flags are clean, free of damage, and appropriately sized for the space they occupy. Choosing durable flagpoles and quality accessories can further enhance the presentation and uphold the dignity of the display.
When raising or lowering the U.S. flag alongside a state flag, following proper flag etiquette is essential. The U.S. flag should always go up first and come down last, symbolizing its precedence. Both flags should be raised quickly but lowered slowly and with respect.
If both flags share the same flagpole, the U.S. flag must always be positioned at the top, with the state flag beneath it. When using separate flagpoles, the U.S. flag should be placed on the observer’s left (the flag’s own right) and must be at the same height or higher than the state flag. These practices honor the national flag while recognizing state pride.
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