When Two Flags Meet
Feb 9th, 2007 by Larry Hendrick
Yesterday I wrote an article about the proper positioning when displaying three or more flags, with one being the U.S. flag. That started me thinking about the proper display with only two flags, the American and one other flag. How are they properly positioned in a room or in front of a building?
As always, the U.S. Flag code has the answer.
Section 7(k) give this information:
(k) When used on a speaker’s platform, the flag, if displayed flat, should be displayed above and behind the speaker. When displayed from a staff in a church or public auditorium, the flag of the United States of America should hold the position of superior prominence, in advance of the audience, and in the position of honor at the clergyman’s or speaker’s right as he faces the audience. Any other flag so displayed should be placed on the left of the clergyman or speaker or to the right of the audience.
In a room or auditorium setting, the U.S. flag will appear to your left, unless you are on the dais or stage, facing the audience. This represents the flag’s perspective and it is located to your (its) right. Here is a diagram to represent the flag positions in that setting. As you can see, from the audience, the US flag is always set on your left.
But what about two flags flying outdoors? That’s easy; the same rule applies. If you are facing the building, the U.S. flag will be on your left. It really is that simple.
Oh FYI … the state flag in the first diagram is Wyoming and the second, Florida.
