The Proper Order of Flag Precedence: A Guide to Displaying Flags with Respect and Honor

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At Gettysburg Flag Works, we offer the best American flags in the USA, but we also pride ourselves on the guides we have for helping you with all of your flag needs.

The order you display your flags in matters, so whether you’re flying the American flag at home, or arranging flags for a veteran memorial, let’s make sure you set it up in the proper and respectful way!

Why Flag Precedence Matters

The order in which flags are displayed is a protocol that we follow here in the USA. When flags are presented correctly, it shows alignment and understanding across organizations while showing respect to nations, agencies and individuals. Misplacing a flag, on the other hand, can unintentionally convey disrespect.

The General Order of Precedence for Flag Display

flag flying order of importance

When multiple flags are flown together, they should be displayed in the following order, from left to right (from the perspective of an observer facing the display):

American flag in front of business

  1. The United States Flag
    • Always takes the position of highest honor.
    • When displayed with other flags on the same halyard, the U.S. flag is at the peak.
    • In a row of flags, it appears to the far left (on its own right).
  2. International Flags
    • When displayed with the U.S. flag, each flag should be flown on its own staff at the same height.
    • All national flags should be of equal size.
    • International flags are displayed in alphabetical order according to the English language.
  3.  POW/MIA Flag
    • Traditionally flown beneath the U.S. flag on the same pole or displayed in a position of honor in veteran memorials.
    • On a single staff, it is always beneath the U.S. flag but there is no codified rule about it’s precedence above other flags.
    • We offer this position as best practice, but there is no official policy regarding the POW/MIA flag.
  4. State Flags (in order of statehood or alphabetical if unspecified)
    • When flown with the U.S. flag, state flags should never be larger or flown higher.
    • If displayed with multiple states, they are ordered by admission to the Union.
  5. Territory Flags
    • U.S. territories (e.g., Puerto Rico, Guam, U.S. Virgin Islands) follow state flags.
  6. Armed forces flag set Military Flags (in order of establishment)
    • Army: June 14, 1775
    • Marine Corps: November 10, 1775
    • Navy: October 13, 1775
    • Air Force: September 18, 1947
    • Coast Guard: August 4, 1790 (moves above Air Force during wartime)
    • Space Force: December 20, 2019

7. Organizational, Municipal, or Custom Flags

    • Includes cities, fire departments, police units, schools, businesses, and non-military organizations.
    • These follow national, POW/MIA, state, territorial, and military flags in order of importance.

Key Display Rules to Remember

  • Never fly another flag above the U.S. flag.
  • No flag should be larger than the American flag when displayed together.
  • Flags of other nations must never be displayed lower than the U.S. flag.
  • All flags should be in good condition—retire old flags and replace faded, torn, or tattered flags immediately.
  • Flags flown at night must be properly illuminated.

Special Display Situationscrossed flagpoles

Crossed Flagpoles:
When two flags are crossed, the U.S. flag should be on the observer’s left and its staff should be in front of the other.

Parades and Processions:
The American flag leads all flag processions and should be centered and elevated above other flags.

It is also acceptable to hold the American flag in the position of honor (its own right) as long as it is the same height or higher than other flags.

Vertical Wall Display:
When hung vertically, the union (stars) should always be in the upper left from the observer’s point of view.

Flag Display Done Right—With Gettysburg Flag Works

Whether you’re a veteran honoring your branch of service, a city office displaying state and municipal pride, or a proud homeowner flying the Stars and Stripes alongside a POW/MIA tribute, we have the flags and hardware to help you do it right.

If you have questions about custom flag arrangements, installation tips, or need help creating a complete display set, our team is here to guide you. Contact us online or give us a call in store Monday through Friday, 9:00 – 5:00 ET.

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