How To Display the American Flag With a State or Military Flag

Flying more than one flag looks impressive, but it also introduces a set of rules that many people get wrong. The American flag always comes first. Always. The specifics of where it goes, how high it flies, and what order the other flags follow depend on the setup: separate poles, a single pole, a wall mount, or a crossed-staffs arrangement.

Colonial Flag helps homeowners, businesses, and organizations set up multi-flag displays that follow proper protocol. Here is a breakdown of the rules.

The Position of Honor Rule

The American flag's own right is the position of honor. When you are standing behind the flag (as if you were carrying it), the flag's right side is to your right. When the audience is facing the display, the American flag appears on their left. This applies to every display scenario: on a stage, in front of a building, or in a row of flagpoles.

The U.S. Flag Code is specific about this. No other flag should be placed to the right of the American flag (from the flag's perspective). No other flag should be flown higher or on a taller pole.

Two Flags on Separate Poles

This is the most common residential and commercial setup. The American flag goes on the pole to its own right (viewer's left). The state, military, or organizational flag goes on the second pole to the American flag's left (viewer's right). Both poles should be the same height, and both flags should be the same size.

If the poles are different heights, the American flag must be on the taller pole. A shorter American flag pole with a taller state flag pole is incorrect. Colonial Flag carries matched sets of residential and commercial flagpoles to keep displays balanced.

Multiple Flags in a Row

Government buildings, schools, car dealerships, and corporate campuses sometimes display three or more flags. The American flag goes on the far left pole (from the viewer's perspective). The remaining flags are arranged to the right in order of precedence: state flags, then county or city flags, then organizational flags.

Another acceptable arrangement puts the American flag in the center, with the other flags flanking it on both sides. In this case, the American flag should be on a slightly taller pole or at a higher position than the others. This center arrangement is common for commercial flagpole displays with three or five poles.

Two Flags on One Pole

When two flags share a single pole, the American flag is always on top. The second flag goes directly below it. The lower flag should be the same size or slightly smaller than the American flag. Common combinations include the American flag over a state flag, POW/MIA flag, or military branch flag.

Make sure the pole is tall enough to give both flags room to fly without the lower flag dragging or bunching. The flagpole components section at Colonial Flag includes clips, snaps, and additional attachment hardware for two-flag setups.

Military Branch Flag Order

When displaying military branch flags alongside the American flag, the branches follow a specific order based on their date of establishment. From the American flag outward (left to right from the viewer's perspective): Army (June 14, 1775), Marine Corps (November 10, 1775), Navy (October 13, 1775), Air Force (September 18, 1947), Space Force (December 20, 2019), and Coast Guard (August 4, 1790).

The Army comes first despite the Marine Corps and Navy being established in the same year because the Army was established first by calendar date. This order is set by Department of Defense protocol and applies to all official displays.

Crossed Staffs Display

When two flags are displayed on crossed staffs (often seen at podiums or in office lobbies), the American flag goes on the flag's own right, which means its staff is in front of the other flag's staff at the point where they cross. The American flag should be to the viewer's left.

Common Mistakes With Multi-Flag Displays

The most frequent error is putting the American flag on the wrong side. Remember: the flag's own right (viewer's left) is always the position of honor. Other common mistakes include flying a larger state or military flag than the American flag, using different pole heights without the American flag being on the tallest one, and letting any flag hang higher than the American flag.

Review the full rules on the flag etiquette page before setting up a new multi-flag display.

Get the Flags and Poles You Need

Colonial Flag carries American flags, state flags, military branch flags, flagpoles, and all the hardware needed for a proper multi-flag display. For help sizing and positioning a display, call 801-562-0123 or visit the Sandy, Utah showroom.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a state flag be the same size as the American flag?

Yes. When on separate poles of the same height, both flags should be the same size. The American flag takes the position of honor (viewer's left), but the sizes should match.

What order do military branch flags go in?

By date of establishment: Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, Coast Guard. They are displayed in this order outward from the American flag.

Can I fly two flags on the same pole?

Yes. The American flag goes on top, and the second flag goes directly below. Make sure the pole is tall enough for both flags to fly freely, and use the right attachment hardware.

What if my flagpoles are different heights?

The American flag must always be on the tallest pole. If the poles cannot be matched, place the American flag on the taller pole and the secondary flag on the shorter one.