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Displaying the US Flag with Other Flags

Displaying the US flag correctly is an important part of Scouting programs. Scouts learn about respect and honor through proper flag etiquette. This helps them understand the importance of national symbols and traditions. It also teaches them to show respect for their country.

In Scouting events, the US flag is always displayed in a position of honor. Scouts are taught the correct way to display the US flag with other flags. This includes knowing the order of display and ensuring the US flag is always prominent. This knowledge is part of their growth as responsible citizens.

Scouts also learn about the proper way to handle and care for the US flag. They learn how to raise and lower the flag correctly. This includes special procedures, like flying the flag at half-staff. These practices help Scouts develop a sense of duty and respect.

Learning about flag etiquette and displaying the US flag is not just about following rules. It is about understanding and respecting the values that the flag represents. For Scouts, displaying the US flag properly is a way to show their pride in their country and their commitment to the principles of Scouting.

Order of Display

The order of display for flags is very important.

  • The US flag always comes first. It should be given the place of honor. This means it is displayed above all other flags.
  • After the US flag, flags of other nations come next. These are arranged in alphabetical order. This shows respect for each country’s flag.
  • Next in line are military flags. They are displayed in the order in which the military branches were established. This helps honor the history and tradition of each branch.
  • State flags follow military flags. These are displayed in the order the states were admitted to the Union. This shows respect for the history of the United States.
  • Other flags come last. They are displayed in order of importance. This might include organizational flags, like those of Scouting or local groups.

When raising and lowering the flags, the US flag is always higher. Another nation’s flag must never be flown on the same halyard as the US flag. This helps ensure the US flag is always in the place of honor.

Size of Flags

When displaying the US flag with other flags, size matters. The US flag should always be the largest flag. If not the largest, it should at least be the same size as the other flags. This shows the importance of the US flag.

Flags should be in reasonable proportion to each other. This means they should look balanced when displayed together. A very large US flag with tiny state flags does not look right. All flags should be similar in size for a proper display.

If flags are displayed on the same pole, the US flag should be at the top. This is true even if the other flags are smaller. The US flag always gets the highest position.

When flags are on separate poles, the size rule still applies. The US flag should be the largest or the same size as the other flags. This keeps the display respectful and orderly.

In Scouting events, it is important to check the size of the flags before displaying the US flag. This ensures that the US flag is given the honor it deserves. It also helps teach Scouts the importance of proper flag etiquette.

Pole Position

When displaying flags on the same pole, the US flag should always be at the top. No other flag should be above it. This shows that the US flag is in the place of honor. It is important to make sure the flags are in the correct order before raising them.

For flags on separate poles, the US flag should be displayed on the right. This is the viewer’s left when facing the flags. If there is an odd number of flags, the US flag should be in the center. This makes sure the US flag is always in a prominent position.

When raising and lowering flags on separate poles, the US flag should go up first and come down last. This shows respect for the flag. Other flags can be raised or lowered after the US flag is in place.

In Scouting events, it is important to follow these guidelines for displaying the US flag. This helps teach Scouts proper flag etiquette. It also shows respect for the US flag and what it represents. By following these rules, Scouts can ensure the flag is always displayed correctly.

Half-Staff Display

Displaying the US flag at half-staff is a sign of respect and mourning. It is important to do this correctly.

When placing the flag to half-staff, first raise it to the top of the pole. Then lower it to the halfway point. This shows respect before moving to the half-staff position.

When removing the flag from half-staff, raise it to the top of the pole first. Then lower it completely. This ensures the flag is treated with the honor it deserves.

If other flags are displayed with the US flag at half-staff, they should also be at half-staff. But the US flag should always be raised first and lowered last. This keeps the US flag in the place of honor.

Scouts need to learn the proper way to display the flag at half-staff. This teaches them about respect and tradition. By following these steps, they can honor important events and individuals properly.

On Foreign Soil

When displaying the US flag on foreign soil, different rules apply. In another country, their flag may take the place of honor. This shows respect for the host nation. The US flag should still be displayed properly, but it may be in a secondary position.

In international events, like World Scouting Jamborees, flags of all participating countries are displayed. The flags are usually in alphabetical order or as decided by the host. The US flag should be treated with respect but might not be the highest or most prominent.

When displaying the US flag on US soil, the US flag always holds the place of honor. This rule applies even if foreign dignitaries are present. The US flag should be the highest and most prominent.

Scouts need to understand these differences. When abroad, respecting the host nation’s customs is important. When at home, they should ensure the US flag is in the correct position. This knowledge helps Scouts show respect and understanding in different situations.

Related Resources

Flag Ceremonies

Other Flag Information

Inspirational Minutes

The US Flag Code: The Flag Code is written in legal language and can be difficult to read, but this is the source for how we treat flags.

Frequently Asked Questions About Displaying the US Flag

What is the correct order for displaying the US flag with other flags?

The US flag should be displayed first, followed by flags of other nations in alphabetical order, military flags in order of establishment, state flags in order of admission, and other flags in order of importance.

How should flags be displayed on the same pole?

When displaying the US flag on the same pole as other flags, the US flag should always be at the top.

How should flags be displayed on separate poles?

When displaying the US flag on separate poles, it should be on the right (the viewer’s left). If there is an odd number of flags, the US flag should be in the center.

What should I do when displaying the US flag at half-staff?

First, raise the US flag to the top of the pole, then lower it to half-staff. When taking it down, raise it to the top again before lowering it completely.

Can I fly another country’s flag on the same halyard as the US flag?

No, another country’s flag must never be flown on the same halyard as the US flag.

What is the rule for the size of the US flag when displayed with other flags?

The US flag should be the largest or at least the same size as the other flags.

How should the US flag be displayed when on foreign soil?

When displaying the US flag on foreign soil, the host nation’s flag may take the place of honor. The US flag should still be displayed respectfully but may be in a secondary position.

When should the US flag be displayed at half-staff?

The US flag is displayed at half-staff during times of national mourning or as directed by the President or state governors. Follow proper procedures for raising and lowering the flag.

Can the US flag be displayed at night?

Yes, but the US flag should be properly illuminated if displayed at night.

What should be done if the US flag becomes damaged or worn out?

The US flag should be retired in a respectful manner, usually by burning. Many Scout troops hold ceremonies to retire worn flags properly.

Flag Finesse

Displaying the US flag correctly is an important tradition that shows respect for our country. The US flag should always be in the position of honor. This means it is displayed first and at the highest point. Whether it’s with other national flags, military flags, state flags, or other flags, the US flag takes precedence.

When flags are on the same pole, the US flag should be at the top. If flags are on separate poles, the US flag should be on the right, which is the viewer’s left. If there is an odd number of flags, the US flag should be in the center. When displayed at half-staff, the US flag should be raised to the top before being lowered halfway.

Size also matters when displaying the US flag. The US flag should be the largest or at least the same size as the other flags. This helps ensure the flag is always given the respect it deserves.

On foreign soil, the host nation’s flag may take the place of honor. However, on US soil, the US flag should always be in the place of prominence. By following these guidelines, we show our respect for the US flag and the values it represents.

Comments

10 responses to “Displaying the US Flag with Other Flags”

  1. Gary Avatar
    Gary

    If three poles, in a line, separately display the U S, a state and an organization flags, respectively, is the U S flag pole (tallest) to be north or other specified orientation to the others? Or, does only the height matter?

  2. William Mayes Avatar
    William Mayes

    when the American flag is lowered to half mast does the other flags of other countries i.e. UK and Canada on separate poles get lowered to half mast as well, so as to satisfy the ” no other flags to fly higher than the American Flag”

  3. mike keele Avatar
    mike keele

    this is a very passive description of flag protocol. words like “should be” have no place in a description of flag protocol.

  4. Eric Avatar
    Eric

    Former USCG here, and if it wasn’t complicated enough already, there is always an exception to every rule – aboard ships equipped with a gaff (“a spar rising aft from a mast”) the position of honor is the gaff, and is not higher than the top of the mast – this applies on land as well, if the flag pole is so equipped. This is not a very common occurrence outside of land stations of sea going services (USCG, Navy, USMC) and yacht clubs, but you should never mistake the lower position for disrespect. Trust me, if anyone is the authority on flag etiquette it’s the military, particularly the sea services (land based flag etiquette is based on shipboard flag protocol). There are also a host of other guidelines for what flag goes where dependent upon whether the flag pole is fitted with a gaff, yardarm or both and which flags are being flown, this gets so complicated that it is an entire chapter in “Chapman’s piloting and seamanship” (the universally accepted reference for most things nautical)
    (I’ve spent hours explaining the gaff being the position of honor despite being lower to confused, sometimes downright irate and offended, but generally well meaning people who complained about it, since the station I was at had a flag pole that was equipped with a gaff and yardarm and was very visible to the public

  5. Patricia Avatar
    Patricia

    There are three separate poles, same high, same line. From left to right, first pole; with the American Flag, 2nd pole (in the middle) with the German Flag, 3rd pole, with the State Flag. All three flags of the same size. Is this display correct??

  6. Rob Avatar
    Rob

    My neighbor flys an American Flag on top and a much larger Trump 2020 campaign under it on the same pole, same halyard. Seems wrong to me. Correct? It shouldn’t be bigger than USA flag, and it’s advertising a campaign. Am I right?

    1. Scott Ponczocha Avatar
      Scott Ponczocha

      Found this in another page:

      According to the Flag Code, it is never acceptable to fly a company flag, corporate banners or other form of branding/advertising on the same pole as the US Flag; you will need to have a separate flagpole to display both flags at one time.

      1. Rob Avatar
        Rob

        Thanks. If you see anything about size of flags on the same pole, please reply again. I find it disrespectful to fly our flag with campaign flags…I’d feel the same way if it were an Obama, Clinton, or Abraham Lincoln campaign flag.

  7. David Evans Avatar
    David Evans

    When you are in a stadium and there is a stadium flag, but there are also uniformed personnel that are presenting the flags< which one do you address when the National Anthem and the Pledge of allegiance is performed?

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