Displaying the U.S. Flag with Other Flags: Position of Honor Rules

The U.S. Flag Code (4 U.S.C. §§ 7–10) establishes clear protocols for displaying the American flag alongside other flags. The core principle: the U.S. flag always occupies the position of honor.

Key Scenarios

1. Group of Flags on Staffs (e.g., UN, state, corporate)

• Center and highest: U.S. flag in center, on taller pole than others
• If no center pole: U.S. flag at the right (observer's left) — the position of honor in heraldry
• Other flags: Arranged alphabetically by country/organization name (host country first if applicable)

2. Crossed Staffs (Wall/Mount)

• U.S. flag on right (viewer's left) with its staff in front of the other flag's staff

3. Same Halyard (Single Pole)

• U.S. flag at peak (top); other flags below in descending order of precedence
• Never fly another nation's flag on same halyard in peacetime

4. Adjacent Poles (Equal Height)

• U.S. flag on right (viewer's left)
• Other flags to its left (viewer's right) in precedence order
• All poles same height; U.S. flag raised first, lowered last

5. Procession / Parade

• U.S. flag on marching right (flag's own right)
• If line of flags: U.S. flag in front of center

Common Errors to Avoid

• Foreign flag above U.S. flag
• U.S. flag lower than others on adjacent poles
• State/company flag on same halyard above U.S. flag
• Displaying damaged, faded, or soiled flag
• Flying at night without illumination

Special Cases

• Foreign soil (embassies, bases): Host country flag may take position of honor per agreement
• UN Headquarters: UN flag in position of honor; U.S. flag in alphabetical order
• Half-staff: All flags lowered; U.S. flag raised to peak first, then lowered to half-staff

Precedence Order (Typical)

1. U.S. flag
2. Foreign nations (alphabetical, English names)
3. State flags (by admission date)
4. Territory flags
5. Military (Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, Coast Guard)
6. Other (POW/MIA, organizational, corporate)

The Flag Code is advisory (no penalties), but adherence signals respect for the symbol and the republic it represents. When in doubt: U.S. flag — highest, rightmost, first up, last down.