Flag Etiquette for American Flags

• Flag Etiquette
• Flag Flying Order
• Special Situations
• Care & Handling

 

Flag Etiquette: American flags should be treated with both respect and common sense. The American flag takes precedence over any other flag when flown within the United States of America. The American flag should neither be flown lower, nor be sized smaller that another flag. It is only proper to fly national flags of the same size at the same height. If the same size and height rule is not possible, it is unacceptable to fly the flags together. The American flag may be flown at night if spotlighted. Do not fly the flag during inclement weather if the weather is severe enough to damage the flag based on a common sense interpretation. Do not fold a wet flag. Always repair a torn American flag. Flying a torn flag will shorten the life of the flag. Flag disposal, when it can not be repaired, should be dignified by placing the flag in a bag or sealing it in a box. Acceptable disposal is by burning or through trash collection. Back to top Flag Flying Order: The order of honor is on the extreme left from the standpoint of the observer, as the flag's right. The preferred order of flags flown together goes from left to right: American flag All other national flags in alphabetical order State flags County flags City flags Organizational flags Personal flags The American flag should only be in the center of a flag grouping when: The center pole is taller than the others A fan-like arrangement features a higher center pole It is acceptable to fly any type of flag singly, however when flying a flag it is always preferable to also display the American flag. In any public gathering, place the American flag to the right of the speakers or hang it upon the wall behind the speakers. The stars of the flag should always be to the observer's left except when: Draping a casket Displayed as a decal on the right side of any vehicle Worn as a patch on the right sleeve, however it is preferred to place the patch on the left sleeve. Back to top Special situations - Mourning and Saluting: When the American flag is flown at half-staff in mourning, all of the flags must be at half staff together. The etiquette is to raise the flags to full height and then lower to half-staff. Always raise the American flag first and lower it last. It is appropriate for uniformed people to salute and non-uniformed people to place their hands over their heart as the: Flag is raised, lowered, or carried by on parade Pledge of Allegiance is recited National anthem is played, unless the flag is not physically present The American flag may be flown at night if spotlighted. Do not fly the flag during inclement weather if the weather is severe enough to damage the flag based on a common sense interpretation. Do not fold a wet flag. Always repair a torn American flag. Flying a torn flag will shorten the life of the flag. Flag disposal, when it can not be repaired, should be dignified by placing the flag in a bag or sealing it in a box. Acceptable disposal is by burning or through trash collection. Back to top American and Patriotic Flags - Online Store