usflag

A. On a Wall: When the flags displayed on a wall, it should be displayed with the union uppermost and to the observer's left.

B. In Multi-National Flag Displays: In the United States, the U.S. Flag is to be displayed first - to "its own right" - followed by flags of all other countries (at equal height and in alphabetical order) to the left (observers right) of the U.S. Flag.

C. Among Subordinate Flags: When the U.S. Flag is among a group of subordinate flags, the U.S. Flag should be at the center and the highest point - the position of prominence.

D. Displayed from a Staff: When displayed from a staff . the flag should hold a position of superior prominence, in advance of the audience, and to the speaker's right (facing the audience}. If other flags are also displayed, they should be displayed to the speaker's left.

E. On a Pole: When several flags are flown from the same pole, the U.S. Flag should always be at the top - except during church serves by naval chaplains at sea when the church pennant may be flown above the U.S. Flag on the ship's mast.

F. On a Lapel: When the flag is displayed as a lapel pin, it should be worn on the left lapel - near the heart.

G. Among Peers: When the flags from two or more nations are displayed, the flag code forbids the display of any nation's flag in a position superior to another in time of peace. Therefore, each flag should be of approximately equal size and flown at the same height.
The United Nations Headquarters in New York City where the U.N. Flag holds the most prominent position, is the only U.S. location exempt from this provision.

Flying the U.S. Flag at half-staff, or on a ship at half-mast, is honored tradition which signifies that the nation is in mourning due to then death of a prominent citizen. In 1976, when the flag code was amended, changes were incorporated concerning whose death meets the criteria befitting a half-staff display. These changes make it difficult to define the half-staff criteria clearly and concisely.
However, generally speaking, the flag code dictates that the U.S. Flag be flown at half-staff only upon the death of principle figures of the U.S. government and the governor of state, territory or possession as a mark of respect to their memory. (Note: For specific information concerning the limited additions to this general provision, please refer to the flag code.)
When desiring to honor someone who has died but for whom a half-staff display is not appropriate, National Flag Foundation recommends adhering to the flag code by lowering private flags to half-staff (e.g., corporate, fraternal, military, etc.). This substitution of flags preserves the integrity of the "nation in mourning" distinction while allowing appropriate mourning for the deceased.
To position the flag at half-staff, first hoist the flag to the peak of the staff for an instant before lowering it to the half-staff position -- roughly halfway between the top and bottom of the staff. Before lowering the flag for the day, raise the flag again to the peak for an instant

The United States Flag Code, first adopted in 1924 and amended through the present, prescribes flag etiquette for a variety of circumstances ensuring that our national symbol is treated properly.This web site reflects the National Flag Foundation's explanation of the U.S. Flag Code in layman's language. NFF has not endeavored to restate the flag code, but rather to explain it in understandable terms. This site is an authoritative guide containing up-to-date recommendations for displaying, honoring and caring for the Flag of the United States of America -- our National Symbol.Readers should always remember that the flag code is designed for "the use of such civilian groups or organizations as may not be required to conform with regulations promulgated by one or more executive departments of the U.S. Government."Thus, the flag code does not contain any penalties or enforcement provisions for noncompliance. Quite simply, it is a guide for civilians and civilian groups who wish to properly honor the United States of America's principle emblem.It should also be noted that each military branch has it own flag code of military etiquette; therefore, on matters concerning military flag etiquette, we recommend that you consult the specific branch code.