AFH 1 · Chapter 24 · Section 24.14

Position and Manner of Display

Part of Career Progression · 2 sections · ~990 words · WAPS PFE study material

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Flag Position and Display — Procession, Crossed Staffs, Building, Multi-Nation

Standard Position

Flag on Audience's Left

The United States flag is always displayed on a stage or in a parade on its own right. In other words, for an audience looking at a stage, the flag is on the audience's left.

Union Position

Union Uppermost Right

When displaying the flag, the union (the white stars on the blue field) is displayed at the uppermost, right side of the flag itself.

Figure 24.4 Reference

Figure 24.4 is provided as an example for proper display of the United States flag in various situations and configurations.

Carried in Procession with Another Flag

Procession Flag Position

As a rule of thumb, when the United States flag is displayed or carried in a procession with another flag or flags, it should be either:

On the right of all others, OR
In front of and centered ahead of other flags, if there is a line of other flags in the same procession

Displayed with Crossed Staffs

Crossed Staffs Position

When the United States flag is displayed with another flag against a wall from crossed staffs, it should be:

On the right — the flag's own right (the observer's left)
Staff should be in front of the staff of the other flag

Radiating from a Central Point

Radiating Display

When the United States flag is flown with a number of flags displayed from staffs radiating from a central point, and NO foreign flags are in the display:

The United States flag will be in the center
At the highest point of the group

Projecting from a Building

Building Projection

When the United States flag is displayed from a staff projecting horizontally or at an angle from the windowsill, balcony, or front of a building:

- The union of the flag should be placed at the peak of the staff

In a Row or Line with Equal Height

Equal Height Row

When the United States flag is flown with a number of flags displayed from staffs set in a line:

All staffs will be of the same height and same finial
The United States flag will be on the right side of the group (the observer's left)

In a Row or Line with Elevated Height

Elevated Height Row

When NO foreign national flags are involved in the display, the United States flag may be:

Placed at the center of the line
Displayed at a higher level than the other flags in the display

Displayed with One or More Nations

Multi-Nation Display

When the United States flag is displayed with one or more other nations:

They are flown from separate staffs of the same height
The flags should be of equal size

Multi-Nation Order

In most cases, member country flags are displayed in a line, alphabetically, with the United States flag at its own right (the observer's left).

Flag Position and Display — Speaker, Vertical, Horizontal, Casket, Half-Staff

Displayed on a Staff Near a Speaker's Platform

Speaker Platform Position

When displayed from a staff in a church or public auditorium, the United States flag should hold the position of superior prominence and the position of honor at the:

- Clergyman's or speaker's right as he or she faces the audience

Other Flag at Speaker

Any other flag so displayed should be placed:

On the left of the clergyman or speaker, OR
To the right of the audience

Displayed Vertically

Vertical Display

When displayed from a building, a window, or over the middle of a street, the United States flag should be:

Suspended vertically
Union to the uppermost and the flag's own right (that is, to the observer's left)

Street Direction

North on an east and west street, or east on a north and south street.

Main Entrance Application

This also applies when the flag is suspended from the main entrance of a building or hangar.

Displayed Horizontally

Horizontal Display

When displayed horizontally against a wall OR when displayed behind a speaker's platform:

- The union of the United States flag should be uppermost and to the flag's own right (the observer's left)

Window Display

When displayed in a window, the flag should be displayed in the same way, with the union to the observer's left.

Displayed on a Closed Casket

Closed Casket Display

On a closed casket, place the United States flag:

Lengthwise
With the union at the head
Over the left shoulder of the deceased

Casket Rules

Casket Rules.

Do NOT lower the flag into the grave
Do NOT allow the flag to touch the ground

Interment Flag Recipient

The interment flag may be given to the next of kin at the conclusion of the interment.

Displayed at Half-Staff

Half-Staff Definition

The term "half-staff" means the position of the United States flag when it is one-half the distance between the top and bottom of the staff.

Other Flags at Half-Staff

Other Flags Half-Staff

All flags displayed with the United States flag are flown at half-staff when the United States flag is flown at half-staff, with the exception of foreign national flags — unless the foreign country has granted permission for their flag to also be at half-staff.

Authority

Half-Staff Authority

Within the USAF, the installation commander may direct that the United States flag be flown at half-staff on occasions when it is considered proper and appropriate.

Half-Staff Procedure

Half-Staff Hoisting

When flown at half-staff:

The flag shall be first hoisted to the peak for an instant
Then lowered to the half-staff

Half-Staff Lowering

The flag should be raised to the peak position before lowering at the end of the day.

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