As the globe continues to shrink, the display of the foreign flags grows every day. Governmental bodies, hotels, educational institutions, and the business community…are using foreign flags to welcome their foreign guest. Because of this increased usage, we are providing this basic information to help you display flags in a proper and dignified manner.

1. The improper use and display of a U.S. flag and flags of your visitors is worse than no display at all.
   
2. When the flags of two or more nations are flown together, each flag should be displayed from a separate pole of the same height, and each flag should be the same size. In time of peace, international custom forbids the display of the flag of one nation above that of another nation. Flying the flag of two nations on the same pole is a sign of war-time victory. IT WILL BE INTERPRETED AS A SERIOUS INSULT. An alternative to an outdoor flag display, where flagpoles are limited, is to post the flags in your reception area and/or conference room.
   
3. There is no greater insult than to fly a flag upside down.
   
4. Within the United States, when the U.S.A. flag is flown with flags of other nations, the poles should be the same height and in a straight line.
   The U.S.A flag is always placed in the position of honor, i.e., to its own right when facing away from the building, followed in alphabetical order by the other nation’s flags. The U.S.A. flag is the first to be raised and the last to be lowered.
   
5. Flag designs do change, and care must be taken to ensure that the flag you fly is correct and current. The most comprehensive source for this information is The Flag Research Center, Winchester, Massachusetts. We subscribe to the service offered by The Flag Resource Center to keep our foreign flag designs as current as possible.
   
6. Many nations have a State flag (for use by governmental bodies) which is different from their Civil Flag and/or Civil Ensign (used by civilians). The State flag is appropriate for governmental display and occasions. For most civic and commercial occasions, the Civil Flag is correct. The “Courtesy Flag” for vessels visiting a foreign port is the Civil Ensign.
   
7. It is customary for all ships and boats to fly the appropriate civil ensign of their country of registration. And, when visiting a foreign port, the civil ensign of that country should also be flown.
   
8. The flag, when flown at half-staff, should be first hoisted to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff position. The flag should be again raised to the peak before it is lowered for the day. By “half-staff” is meant lowering the flag to one-half the distance between the top and bottom of the staff. Crepe streamers may be affixed to spearheads of flagstaffs in a parade only by order of the President of the United States.

HOW LONG WILL AN OUTDOOR FLAG LAST?

Experience has proven that this is an impossible question to answer accurately. It is like predicting the weather, airborne contamination, and the treatment people will give a flag.
The major enemies of a flag are wind, water, sun and carelessness… the single greatest cause of flag deterioration. Neither you nor we can control the weather, but you can take care of your flag and lengthen its life. Occasional washing in warm mild-detergent water will prevent dirt and pollutants from attacking the fabric. To prevent mildew, let your flag dry thoroughly before storing it. Have your flag repaired at the first sign of fraying, don’t wait for it to be blown to shreds. Continuous day and night display will shorten a flag’s life. If your flag is not illuminated at night, you should consider taking it down to appreciably lengthen its life. Our flags are manufactured to give maximum service in return for reasonable care and prudent use. Remember, no two flags receive identical wear. Because weather conditions vary, wearing conditions vary and consequently, the life of each flag is different.

*****Your flag works hard. It shakes…it trembles…it drapes…it whips…it snaps…it chafes…it bakes…it freezes…it ripples…it flutters…it quivers…it furls…it rolls… it twists…it flips…it strains…it flies…it unfurls…it hangs! Is it any wonder that it needs to be replaced two or three times a year? The best way we know to stretch your “flag dollar” is to have three flags: one flying, one in the wash and clean in reserve for special occasions.