Flag protocol

Flag protocol defines the proper placement, handling and use of flags. Some countries have added certain protocols into their law system while others prefer to have "guidelines" without civil or criminal consequences attached.

General guidelines

General guidelines are accepted practically universally.

Much of the flag protocol is derived from common sense. That is, using it as a table cover or wrapping paper are inappropriate uses. It should be treated with "respect". Many countries consider signing a flag disrespectful; adding a border would be more appropriate. Pinning or sewing items to a flag would also be ill advised.

On a mast or pole

The flag of honor, that is the nation's flag in most cases, is flown on the center mast if possible. It is also correct to fly the flag on its own right. To an observer it would be on the far left. If more than three flags are used, the proper position is as far left from the point of view of an observer. An additional flag may be placed on the right side, but is not necessary.

When two poles are crossed, the position of honor is the flag that ends on the left side from the point of view of an observer (the pole will therefore end on the right).

In a semicircle, the position of honor is the center. If a full circle is used outside an entrance to an arena or stadium, the position of honor is directly opposite the entrance. If used to line the walls of the arena, the flag should be placed directly opposite the entrance.

Hanging

When flown horizontally, as from a flag pole, the flag should be oriented so that the canton is closest to the top of the pole. If hung against a wall, the canton should be placed in the upper-left corner from the point of view of the observer.

When hung vertically, flags should be rotated so the canton is again closest to the top of the pole. If the flag is displayed against a wall, the canton should again appear in the upper-left corner, which incidentally requires that the flag be both rotated and 'flipped' from its horizontal orientation.

Other places

On a vehicle the flag should be affixed securely to the front right of the chassis.

When placed with a podium or at a place of worship the flag should hang directly behind or on a pole to the right of the speaker, from the point of view of the flag.

When carried in single file the flag of honor leads.

Multiple flags

When flags of many nations are flown the flag of the hosting country should be placed on the left with the rest following in alphabetical order in the language of the host country.

By Country

Canada

Canada has many rules when it comes to flag etiquette. The link provides official information on Canadian Flag Etiquette. [http://www.pch.gc.ca/progs/cpsc-ccsp/etiquette/index_e.cfm]

France

When a French vessel meets another French ship, she is to lower and raise her ensign as a greeting. A merchant ship meeting a ship of the French Navy will greet three times.

India

The flag of India has a very distinctive protocol. [http://mha.nic.in/nationalflag2002.htm]

audi Arabia

Because the flag of Saudi Arabia bears the Shahadah it is never flown at half-mast.

United States

Proper Display of the US Flag

When displayed either horizontally or vertically against a wall, the union should be uppermost and to the flag's own right, that is, to the observer's left. When displayed in a window, the flag should be displayed in the same way, with the union or blue field to the left of the observer in the street.

Proper Display at a podium

The flag should be to the speaker's right, that is to the right of the podium or pulpit as the speaker is facing the audience. Old guidelines had a distinction whether the flag was at the level of the speaker on a stage or the level of the audience. That distinction has been eliminated and the rule simplified. [http://www.ushistory.org/betsy/flagetiq.html]

Half-staff

When the flag is displayed at half-staff, it is customary to raise it all the way up the flag pole, then lower it to the half way mark. This is also done when lowering the flag. The flag is only displayed at half-staff by presidential decree or act of Congress, the exception being Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, when the flag can be displayed at half-staff until sundown.

When displaying the U.S. Flag, it is customary for it to be above a state's flag when flown on the same pole. When flown separately, a state's flag may be at the same height as the U.S. flag, with the U.S. flag to the left of the state flag, from the perspective of the viewer. [http://www.usflag.org/flagetiquette.html] [http://www.americanflags.com/etiquette.htm] When flown with several state flags, the U.S. flag should be at the same height and to the flag's own right (viewer's left), or at the center of and higher than a grouping of state flags. [http://www.ushistory.org/betsy/flagetiq.html] The idea that only the Texas and Hawaii flags, which are both former national flags (Texas being the Republic of Texas, and Hawaii being the Kingdom of Hawaii), may be flown at an equal height to the U.S. flag is a legend. [http://www.ushistory.org/betsy/faqs/q23.htm]

Flag Retirement

According to United States Code found in Title 36, Chapter 10 pertaining to patriotic customs and observances:

§176(k) The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.

These laws were supplemented by Executive Orders and Presidential Proclamations. [http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/cic_text/misc/ourflag/flaglaws3.htm]

Alternatives to burning are being investigated. Due to the nature of current materials used to produce modern flags, namely nylon, toxic smoke is released at time of burning.

ee also

*Courtesy flag
*Flag desecration

External links

* [http://www.pch.gc.ca/progs/cpsc-ccsp/etiquette/2_e.cfm "Flag Rules" from The Government of Canada]
* [http://www.rya.org.uk/KnowledgeBase/regulationsandsafety/flagetiquette.htm Royal Yachting Association's advice on flag etiquette]
* [http://www.usflag.org/flagetiquette.html US Flag Etiquette]
* [http://www.culture.gov.uk/flagflying/rules.html UK flag flying protocol]
* [http://www.bigmomentfilms.com/flagdisplay.asp One-page illustrated guide to US flag display guidelines]