Information for Your Department: Flag Etiquette

Proper flag etiquette is important for every department to know and follow, especially because there are quite possibly as many violations of flag code as there are laws and regulations. While no one intentionally violates flag code, ignorance of the rules and laws concerning the flag can be just as much of a problem in the fire service.

Here are some general rules to be aware of and take into consideration the next time your department plans to display a flag in any way.

When the flag is displayed over the middle of the street, it should be suspended vertically with the union to the north in an east and west street or to the east in a north and south street.
When displayed with another flag against a wall from crossed staffs, the US flag should be on the right, the flag’s own right (the viewer’s left), and its staff should be in front of the staff of the other flag.
The flag, when flown at half-staff, should be first hoisted to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff position. The flag should be again raised to the peak before it is lowered for the day. “Half-staff ” means lowering the flag to one-half the distance between the top and bottom of the staff.
When multiple flags are flown on the same halyard with the US flag, the US flag should always be at the peak. When the flags are flown from adjacent staffs, the US flag should be hoisted first and lowered last. No such flag or pennant may be placed above the US flag or to the right of the US flag (the viewer’s left). When the flag is half-masted, both flags are half-masted, with the US flag at the mid-point and the other flag below.
When the flag is suspended over a sidewalk from a rope extending from a building to a pole at the edge of the sidewalk, the flag should be hoisted out, union first, from the building.
When the flag is displayed from a staff projecting horizontally or at an angle from the windowsill, balcony, or front of a building, the union of the flag should be placed at the peak of the staff unless the flag is at half-staff.
When the flag is used to cover a casket, it should be so placed that the union is at the head and over the left shoulder. The flag should not be lowered into the grave or allowed to touch the ground.
When the flag is displayed in a manner other than by being flown from a staff, it should be displayed flat, whether indoors or out. When displayed either horizontally or vertically against a wall, the union should be uppermost and to the flag’s own right (to the viewer’s left). When displayed in a window it should be displayed in the same way (with the union to the left of the viewer in the street).
The US flag, when carried in a procession with another flag, or flags, should be either on the marching right; that is, the flag’s own right, or, if there is a line of other flags, in front of the center of that line.
The US flag should be at the center and at the highest point of the group when a number of flags are grouped and displayed from staffs.
When flags of two or more nations are displayed, they are to be flown from separate staffs of the same height. The flags should be of approximately equal size. International usage forbids the display of the flag of one nation above that of another nation in time of peace. The order of precedence for flags generally is national flags (US first, then others in alphabetical order in English), state (host state first, then others in the order of admission) and territories (Washington DC, Puerto Rico, etc.), military (Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard), then other.
When displayed from a staff in a church or public auditorium on or off a podium, the US flag should hold the position of superior prominence, in advance of the audience, and in the position of honor at the clergyman’s or speaker’s right as he faces the audience. Any other flag so displayed should be placed on the left of the clergyman or speaker (to the right of the audience).
When the flag is displayed on a vehicle, the staff shall be fixed firmly to the chassis or clamped to the right fender. Some of the most frequent violations of flag code to watch out for include:
- The flag displayed on a wall or window with the blue union not on the left to the viewer’s perception.
- Multiple flags displayed on vehicles (fire trucks). Only one is authorized
  and is to be affixed to the right (passenger’s side) front bumper.
- The flag displayed at night without illumination.
- Torn or tattered flags displayed.
- The flag displayed over highways by ladder trucks with the blue union facing the wrong way.
- The flag with something placed on it or attached to it, or touching the ground.
- The flag positioned improperly at meetings: it must always be to the viewer’s left.
- The flag in parade with other flags not positioned to marchers’ right.
- Flag patches sewn on improperly. There is a right and left patch with the blue union always facing forward.

This is only a fraction of the information available on flag etiquette. Below are a few resources to check out for more details. Share this information in your department and community to ensure our nation’s flag, a living symbol, is never disrespected and always displayed properly.

Information courtesy of John Sawicky, Col, AUS, Retired.
This material is copyright by, and used with permission of, the Independence Hall
Association, on the web at ushistory.org.