Flag Etiquette
The fundamental rule of flag etiquette is:
Treat all flags with respect and common sense.
The Stars and Stripes takes precedence over all other flags
when flown in the United States. It should not be flown lower than
any other flag, nor should it be smaller than another flag flown
with it. Other flags may, however, be flown at the same height and
in the same size. Other national flags should not be smaller nor
flown lower than the Stars and Stripes when displayed together.
If it is not possible to display two or more national flags at the
same height, it is not proper to display them together at all.
The point of honor is on the extreme left from the standpoint of the
("the flag's right"). The order from left to right of flags flown
together is: the Stars and Stripes, other national flags in alphabetical
order, state flags, county and city flags, organizational flags,
personal flags.
If one flag is at half-staff in mourning, other flags flown with it
should also be at half-staff. First raise the flags to their peak,
then lower to half-staff. The Stars and Stripes is raised first
and lowered last.
A salute (hand over heart for those not in uniform) should be rendered
when the flag is raised, lowered, or carried by on parade; when the
Pledge of Allegiance is recited, and when the national anthem is played
(unless the flag is not present).
It is proper to fly the Stars and Stripes at night, but only if it
is spotlighted.
No flag should be flown during weather which might damage it, based
on common sense interpretations of circumstances.
To extend the life of a flag, when it is torn it should be repaired
and under no circumstances should a flag be folded while wet.
When a flag is no longer of dignified appearance and cannot be
repaired, it should be destroyed in a dignified way (burned or sealed
in a bag or box before being sent out for trash collection).
In public gatherings (lecture hall, church, etc.), the Stars and
Stripes should be to the right of the speakers or on the wall
behind them.
The canton of the flag (the blue "field" with the 50 stars) should
always be to the observers' left except:
1) when displayed on a casket
2) when displayed as a decal on the right side of a vehicle
3) when worn as a patch on the right arm (but use on the left arm is preferable)
The Stars and Stripes should be in the center of a group of flags only when
1) the center pole is taller than the others
2) when a fan-like arrangement makes the center pole higher than the others
It is not illegal or improper to fly any flag (state, ethnic group,
organization, etc.) alone, but it is always preferable to display the
Stars and Stripes at the same time.
Taken, with permission, from Quinn Flag's catalog.