National flags should not be flown in bad weather, such as heavy rain or thunderstorms, unless the flag is an all-weather flag. Some nations require that during a brief period of precipitation, the flag be lowered until the weather clears. [1] X Research source
If multiple flags are flown on the same staff, the national flag is to be flown above the others, at the top of the staff.
If multiple flags are flown on the same staff, the national flag is to be flown above the others, at the top of the staff.
All of the flags must be the same size and no flag can be bigger or smaller than another flag. National flags of multiple countries should be arranged in alphabetical order. [2] X Research source
When two flags are displayed in a line, the national flag should appear on the left side when viewed by an observer. When three flags are displayed in a line the national flag should be in the middle (or the second flag). When four flags are displayed in a line, the national flag should be the first flag on the left when viewed by an observer. When five or more flags are displayed in a line, two national flags should appear at both ends of the line. In other words, in a line of five flags, the national flag should appear as the first flag and the fifth flag. [3] X Research source
Note that some nations restrict their flag from being hung in this fashion, or have specific instructions for doing so. [4] X Research source
If the flag is displayed on a float, it must be hanging from a staff. The flag is not to be draped over any portion of a vehicle. [5] X Trustworthy Source US Department of Veterans Affairs U. S. government agency providing healthcare and resources to veterans Go to source Flags featured on a float must otherwise follow standard flag procedure when displayed with other flags.
Make sure to follow handling etiquette when attaching the flag to the staff. Do not let it drag or touch the floor.
Each nation has specific days for flying the flag at half-mast. In the United States, those days are Peace Officers Memorial Day, Memorial Day, Patriot Day, Korean War Veterans Armistice Day, National Firefighters Memorial Day, and Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. Some holidays only require a flag be flown half-mast for part of the day. On Memorial Day for example, the US flag is flown half-mast from sunrise to noon. [6] X Research source
Individuals present in military uniform should perform the military salute. Individuals present who are members of the armed forces or veterans may also perform the military salute. Those in attendance who are not in uniform should remove their headwear and place their right hand over their heart. The headwear may be held in the right hand, allowing the headwear to rest on the shoulder, while the hand is over the heart. [7] X Research source Individuals from other countries should stand at attention, though are not required to salute. [8] X Research source
Some flags have different folding techniques for certain occasions. The US flag for example requires a triangle fold when used at a burial. [9] X Research source
The standard disposal technique for flag disposal in the US is a respectful burning. Some organizations, such as the American Legion, will take old, worn flags and dispose of them appropriately. [10] X Research source
This includes using the flag as a makeshift bag or purse!
Desecration of a flag is punishable in some nations. In the US, desecrating the flag can lead to a fine or no more than one year imprisonment. [11] X Research source
It should go without saying that a flag may not be altered to feature text or other imagery.
