How to Display a State Flag
Displaying a state flag has as much protocol as the United States flag, even when they're displayed together. But a state flag is never shoved into a corner in any combination of display. When a state flag needs to be displayed, remember where it falls in a position of honor when it's shown simultaneously with the U.S. flag and other state flags. Also, the state flag has a particular protocol when displayed in certain settings with only a U.S. flag.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Knowledge of the Positions of Honor
- Knowledge of displaying with a U.S. flag
- Alphabetical order of state flags in formation
Instructions
-
Positions of Honor
-
1
Display the state flag third to the right of the U.S. flag when many flags are lined in formation. There are no exceptions.
-
2
Present the state flag to the right of all other flags from other nations. This means the state flag will be displayed farther down the line when flags from all nations are displayed in alphabetical order first from the left.
-
-
3
Place the state flag in the order of when the state's ratification occurred while in formation with other state flags. Depending on the letter your state starts with, it could be first, in the middle or very last. Be proud if your state flag is from Alabama, Alaska, Arizona or Arkansas.
-
4
Remember to display your state flag to the left of all county flags that may be displayed in formation. Rank all county flags to the right of the state flag in order of the county's creation, just as you did with the state flags.
-
5
Consider a left-to-right flag formation to be a simple hierarchical process of most important flag first to the least. The formation will sometimes end with a display of flags from private organizations and even corporate sponsors of an event.
Displaying Alongside a U.S. Flag
-
6
Take the state flag and hang it directly below the U.S. flag when they're both displayed together on the same staff. Arrange the state flag so it's of equal size and never bigger than the U.S. flag.
-
7
Display your state flag to the right of the U.S. flag when the U.S. flag and state flag are on two separate poles. Make sure that the two flagpoles are of equal height.
-
8
Set a state flag to the audience's right of a stage when a speech is occurring, a podium is at center and a U.S. flag is at left. Keep in mind that the state flag can also go to the audience's left of stage and podium if no U.S. flag is there. Always keep the U.S. flag to the left of the stage otherwise.
-
9
Carry your state flag to the observer's right of the U.S. flag during processions such as parades or funerals. Move the state flag just to the observer's left of the U.S. flag if the U.S. flag is being carried in the front of a line during a similar processional event.
-
10
Lower the state flag to just below the U.S. flag when both are next to each other and at half-staff during a time of mourning.
-
1
