 | The fundamental rule of flag
Etiquette is" treat all flags with respect and common
sense." |
| The improper use and display
of a U.S. flag and flags of your visitors is worse than no display at
all. |
| The U.S. flag is flown upside
down only as a sign of distress. It can be a great insult to fly any
flag upside down. |
| The U.S. flag takes precedence
over all other flags when flown within the United States. It should be
raised first and lowered last. It should not be flown lower than
another flag nor should it be smaller than another flag flown with it.
Other flags may, however, be flown at the same height and in the same
size. Other national flags should not be smaller nor flown lower than
the Stars and Stripes when displayed together. If it is not possible
to display two or more national flags at the same height, then it is
not proper to display them together at all. |
| The point of honor is on the
extreme left from the standpoint of the observer. The order from left
to right of flags flown together is: the U.S. flag, other national
flags in alphabetical order, state flags, county and city flags,
organizational flags, personal flag. |
| The U.S. flag, when displayed
with another flag against a wall from crossed staffs, should be on the
right, the flag's own right, and its staff should be in front of the
staff of the other flag. |
| If one flag is at half-staff
in mourning, other flags flown with it should be at half-staff. First
raise the flags to their peak, then lower to half-staff. The U.S. flag
is raised first and lowered last. |
| A salute (hand over heart for
those not in uniform) should be rendered when the flag is raised,
lowered, or carried by on parade; when the Pledge of Allegiance is
recited; and when the national anthem is played (unless the flag is
not present). |
| If the flag is displayed at
night, it should be illuminated. |
| When a flag is no longer of
dignified appearance and cannot be repaired, it should be destroyed in
a dignified way (burned or sealed in a bag or box before being sent
out for trash collection). |
| In a public gathering (lecture
hall, church, etc.), the U.S. flag should be to the right of the
speakers or on the wall behind them. |
| The U.S. flag should be in the
center of a group of flags only when: |
- the center pole is
taller than the others or
- when a fan-like
arrangement makes the center pole higher than the others.
