You bought the American flag. Then you grabbed a state flag, a Thin Red Line, maybe a POW/MIA flag. Now you're staring at your porch wondering which one goes where. The U.S. Flag Code actually spells this out, and the rules are simpler than you'd think. Here's how to fly the American flag with other flags the right way, every time.
The Basic Rule: Old Glory Always Comes First
Section 7 of the U.S. Flag Code is clear. The American flag gets the position of honor in every display, no exceptions. That means highest point, rightmost position (the flag's own right, which is your left when you're facing it), and first to be raised.
This applies whether you're flying two flags or twenty. The Stars and Stripes take priority over every other flag on U.S. soil, including state flags, military flags, corporate flags, and thin line flags. The only exception is during church services on naval vessels, where the church pennant can fly above the national flag. That's it.
★ Flag Code Quick Reference
| Position of honor | Flag's own right (your left facing it) |
| Height | Always at the peak or highest point |
| Raising order | American flag goes up first |
| Lowering order | American flag comes down last |
| Size | Must be at least as large as other flags |
One thing people miss: the American flag should never be smaller than the other flags in your display. If your state flag is 3' x 5', your American flag should be 3' x 5' or larger. Running a tiny American flag above a huge state flag defeats the purpose.
How to Display Multiple Flags on Separate Poles
This is the most common setup for homes and businesses. Each flag gets its own pole, and the rules depend on how many you're flying.
| 1 | Two flags, side by side. The American flag goes on the left pole (as seen by the viewer). Both poles should be the same height, and both flags should be roughly the same size. The American flag is raised first and lowered last. |
| 2 | Three or more flags in a row. The American flag goes on the far left (viewer's perspective). If you have an odd number and the flags are in a semicircle or grouped display, the American flag goes in the center on the tallest pole. |
| 3 | Crossed staffs (wall or indoor display). When two flags are crossed on a wall, the American flag goes on the left (its own right) with its staff on top of the other flag's staff. The union (blue field with stars) should be at the top left as viewed. |
| 4 | Flags of different nations. International protocol says all national flags fly at the same height on separate poles. No country's flag flies above another's. In the U.S., other nations' flags are typically displayed in alphabetical order to the American flag's left. |
For most homeowners, the two-flag setup is what you'll use. A front porch bracket with two angled poles works perfectly. Just make sure the American flag is on the position of honor (left side as you face the house from the street).
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How to Display Multiple Flags on One Pole
If you've only got one pole, you can still fly multiple flags. The rules are straightforward.
The American flag always goes at the top. Period. No other flag flies above it on a single pole in the United States. Below the American flag, the order goes: state flags, then city or locality flags, then organizational or decorative flags.
One practical note: stacking more than two or three flags on a single pole looks cluttered and makes it hard for any of them to fly properly. Wind tangles them together, and the lower flags get hidden. If you want to fly more than two, separate poles are the way to go.
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1923 The year the first national Flag Code was adopted. Congress made it federal law in 1942. |
State Flags and the American Flag
State flag displays are the most common multi-flag setup in the country. Every courthouse, school, and post office flies both, and plenty of homeowners do too. The rules are simple.
The American flag always takes the position of honor over a state flag. On separate poles, that means the left position (viewer's perspective). On the same pole, the American flag goes on top. On a wall, the American flag goes to the viewer's left.
State flags should be the same size as or smaller than the American flag. A lot of people buy a 4' x 6' state flag to pair with a 3' x 5' American flag and don't realize that's technically wrong. Match the sizes, or go bigger on the American flag.
If you're flying your state flag alongside a thin line flag or POW/MIA flag, the order on separate poles from left to right (viewer facing) is: American flag, state flag, then any other flags. The state flag outranks all non-national flags.
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Thin Line Flags, POW/MIA, and Military Flags
Thin Blue Line, Thin Red Line, POW/MIA, and military branch flags are popular additions to any patriotic display. They're not addressed specifically in the U.S. Flag Code because they're not government flags, but the general principle still applies: the American flag comes first, followed by the state flag (if you have one), then these flags.
The POW/MIA flag holds a special status. Federal law (Section 902 of Title 36, U.S. Code) requires it to be flown at certain federal properties on specific days, including Armed Forces Day, Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Day, National POW/MIA Recognition Day, and Veterans Day. When flown with the American flag and a state flag, the POW/MIA flag typically goes on the same pole as the American flag, directly below it.
For thin line flags, there's no official federal protocol. Most flag etiquette experts recommend placing them after state flags in the order of precedence. If you're flying an American flag and a Thin Red Line flag on a two-bracket porch mount, the American flag goes in the position of honor (left as viewed from the street) and the thin line flag goes to its right.
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The Right Hardware for Multi-Flag Displays
Your flags are only as good as the hardware holding them up. For a two-flag porch display, a wall-mount bracket kit with two angled poles is the simplest solution. The bracket mounts to a porch post or exterior wall, and each pole angles outward at about 45 degrees so the flags don't tangle.
For ground-mounted flagpoles, make sure the American flag's pole is the tallest. Most residential setups use a 20-foot main pole with a 15-foot secondary pole. If both poles are the same height, it's fine as long as the American flag is in the position of honor.
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Mistakes People Make with Multi-Flag Displays
These are the errors you'll see on porches and in front of businesses all across the country. All of them are easy to fix once you know the rules.
MISTAKE 01
Flying a Bigger State Flag Than the American Flag
A 4' x 6' Texas flag next to a 3' x 5' American flag looks off, and it violates the Flag Code. The American flag should always be at least the same size as every other flag in the display.
MISTAKE 02
Putting the American Flag on the Wrong Side
The position of honor is the flag's own right, which is the viewer's left. Most people mount the American flag on whichever bracket is easier to reach instead of checking the correct side.
MISTAKE 03
Leaving Flags Out in Storms
The Flag Code says to bring the flag in during bad weather unless it's an all-weather flag. This goes for every flag in your display, not just the American flag. Wind and rain destroy standard nylon flags fast.
MISTAKE 04
Stacking Too Many Flags on One Pole
Three or more flags on a single residential pole look tangled and none of them fly properly. If you want to display more than two flags, use separate poles or a multi-bracket wall mount.
Most of these come down to the same principle: when in doubt, give the American flag the most prominent position and keep everything the same size. If your display looks balanced and the Stars and Stripes are clearly the centerpiece, you're probably doing it right.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fly a state flag higher than the American flag?
No. Under the U.S. Flag Code, no flag should be placed above the American flag when displayed on U.S. soil. The American flag always takes the highest position, whether on the same pole or on separate poles of different heights.
What order do flags go in if I have three on separate poles?
From the viewer's left: American flag first, then state flag, then any other flag (thin line, POW/MIA, military branch, or organizational). If displayed in a semicircle, the American flag goes in the center on the tallest pole.
Can I fly a thin line flag on the same pole as the American flag?
Technically yes, with the American flag on top. But it's better to use separate poles or a dual bracket mount. Stacking flags on one pole causes tangling and makes both flags harder to see.
Does the POW/MIA flag have special display rules?
Yes. Federal law requires the POW/MIA flag to fly at certain federal properties on six designated days per year. When displayed on the same pole as the American flag, it goes directly below it. On separate poles, it follows the American and state flags in order of precedence.
Which side is the "position of honor" for the American flag?
The flag's own right, which is the viewer's left when facing the display. If you're standing on your porch looking out at the street, the American flag goes on your right. If someone is looking at your house from the street, the American flag is on their left.
Can I fly two American flags at the same height?
Yes. There's no rule against flying two American flags at the same height. Both should be the same size and displayed in good condition. Just make sure neither one is worn or faded while the other looks new.
If you want the full rundown on flag etiquette beyond multi-flag displays, our complete U.S. Flag Code guide covers everything from folding to retirement. For half-staff rules and dates, check out our half-staff guide. And if you're still deciding how to mount your flags, our flagpole buying guide walks you through the options.
Flying a POW/MIA flag alongside the American flag? Read our complete guide to the POW/MIA flag and what it means for display rules and history.
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Fly Your Colors the Right Way American flags, state flags, thin line flags, and the hardware to fly them all. Made for patriots who respect the code. |
