American Flag Etiquette Displays

When the flags of two or more nations are displayed together, they should be flown from separate staffs of the same height, and the flags should be of approximately equal size. International usage forbids the display of the flag of one nation above that of another in time of peace.

When flags of states or cities, or pennants of societies, are flown on the same halyard with the flag of the United States, the latter should always be at the peak. When flown from adjacent staff, the Stars and Stripes should be raised first and lowered last.

Over a street - When the United States flag is displayed other than from a staff, it should be displayed flat or suspended so its folds fall free. When displayed over a street, place the union so it faces north or east, depending on the direction of the street.

No other flag may be flown above the United States flag except at the United Nations Headquarters. The UN flag may be placed above flags of all member nations. No other flag can be placed to the United States flag's right.
State

When a flag is displayed in any manner other than being flown from a staff, it should be displayed flat, whether indoors or out. If 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 it should be suspended in the same way--that is, with the union to the left of the observer in the street.

When the flag is displayed in a public gathering (lecture hall, church etc.), the flag should be flown from a staff placed on the right of the speakers or on the wall behind them.

If one flag is at half-staff in mourning, other flags flown with it should be at halfstaff First raise the flags to their peaks, then lower to half-staff. The United States flag is raised first and lowered last.

It is proper to fly the Stars and Stripes at night, but only if it is spotlighted.

When a number of flags are grouped and displayed from staffs, the flag of the United States should be in the center or at the highest point of the group.

When displayed with another flag from crossed staffs, the flag of the United States should be on the right (the flag's own right), and its staff should be in front of the staff of the other flag.

When used to cover a casket, the flag should be placed so that the union is at the head and over the left shoulder. The flag should not be lowered into the grave or be allowed to touch the ground.