What Order Should I Raise the Flags?
When raising multiple flags, the US flag should always be raised first and lowered last, with other flags being raised and lowered in a specific order based on their importance and protocol. The general rule is to raise the national flag, followed by state flags, territory flags, and then military flags, always ensuring the US flag is given the position of honor.
Flag Raising Protocol
To understand the proper order of raising flags, it’s essential to consider various scenarios and contexts, including ceremonial events, parades, and everyday display.
General Guidelines
The US flag is always the first to be raised and the last to be lowered, and it should never be placed below or behind any other flag.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Correct Order for Raising Multiple Flags on the Same Pole?
When flying multiple flags on the same pole, the US flag goes on top, followed by the state flag, and then any company or organizational flags, with about one foot of space between each flag.
2. How Do You Display Flags from Two Poles?
If flying flags from two poles, place the US flag on the leftmost pole and the state flag on the right pole, or the state flag above the company flag on the right pole, checking the state Flag Code for specific regulations.
3. What is the Protocol for Marching with Flags?
When marching with flags, the order from right to left is typically the US flag, state flag, Army flag, Marine Corps flag, and so on, based on the official age of the service.
4. What are the Basic Rules for Displaying Multiple Flags?
The basic rules for displaying multiple flags in the United States are to place the national flag first, followed by state flags, territory flags, and then military flags, from left to right when facing the display.
5. Can You Fly Another Flag Above the US Flag?
No other flag should be placed above or, if on the same level, to the right of the flag of the United States, except during specific naval chaplain services at sea.
6. What is the Rule for Flag Size and Height?
Other flags being displayed may be the same size and flown at the same height as the US flag, but never higher nor larger.
7. How Should Flags be Arranged on Stage?
On speakers’ platforms, the American Flag should stand to the right of the speaker, with all other flags to the speaker’s left.
8. What are the Five American Flag Rules to Remember?
Key rules include not dipping the US Flag for any person, flag, or vessel, not letting it touch the ground, not flying it upside down unless in an emergency, not carrying it flat or using it as a receptacle, and not using it as clothing.
9. Is it Okay to Leave the Flag Out in the Rain?
The flag should not be subject to weather damage and should not be displayed during rain, snow, and wind storms unless it’s an all-weather flag.
10. What are the Things Not Allowed Under the Flag Code?
The flag should never have any mark, insignia, letter, word, figure, design, picture, or drawing on it, nor should it be used as a receptacle for receiving, holding, carrying, or delivering anything.
11. Can You Fly Two Flags on One Pole?
Yes, you can fly two flags from the same flagpole, with the US flag always on top and about one foot of space between the flags.
12. What is the Correct Order of Colors in the Rainbow?
The colors of the rainbow, often remembered by ROYGBIV, are red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet.
13. What Happens if You Don’t Pledge to the Flag?
You have the right to refuse to pledge allegiance to the flag, but this might have consequences depending on the context and setting.
14. How Far Should the Flagpole be from the House?
The flagpole should be placed at least 2 feet more than the length of the largest flag that will be flown away from other structures or other flagpoles.
15. How Do You Organize Outdoor Flags?
Using hangers is an inexpensive way to organize garden decorative flags, and placing them on a clothes-hanger-like device can be especially useful for frequent reuse.