The disrespect turns my stomach.

[Geoff Withnell]

...When two national flags are displayed simultaneously they are either flown with the host nation's on the higher flagpole or if both flagpoles are at the same height the flag of the nation whose territory it is, is displayed on the left as it is seen by onlookers.

It is amazing to me how many people proud of their ethnic heritage make this mistake.

Actually, according to United States Code Title 4 Chapter 1 — The Flag

"When flags of two or more nations are displayed, they are to be flown from separate staffs of the same height. The flags should be of approximately equal size. International usage forbids the display of the flag of one nation above that of another nation in time of peace."

This is a very common mistake. The host countries flag is NOT displayed higher than other national flags. It is flown on the flag's right, or sometimes, at the center front, but not higher.

[Peter Crowe]

Actually, according to United States Code Title 4 Chapter 1 — The Flag

"When flags of two or more nations are displayed, they are to be flown from separate staffs of the same height. The flags should be of approximately equal size. International usage forbids the display of the flag of one nation above that of another nation in time of peace."

This is a very common mistake. The host countries flag is NOT displayed higher than other national flags. It is flown on the flag's right, or sometimes, at the center front, but not higher.

You are of course correct, I was confusing the regulation about state flags vis a vis the US flag.

Notwithstanding that you do often (especially in the US) see folk fly the US Flag over the flags of their nation of origin, especially Irish and Italian tricolours. They think they are doing it right because within the States the Stars and Stripes always take precedence. In Scotland it is very unusual for private citizens to display a flag from their home. Castles (even privately owned ones) are an exception alongside public buildings (and most of them like Town/City Halls only do so on special designated flag days).

[kc8ufv]

You are of course correct, I was confusing the regulation about state flags vis a vis the US flag.

Notwithstanding that you do often (especially in the US) see folk fly the US Flag over the flags of their nation of origin, especially Irish and Italian tricolours. They think they are doing it right because within the States the Stars and Stripes always take precedence. In Scotland it is very unusual for private citizens to display a flag from their home. Castles (even privately owned ones) are an exception alongside public buildings (and most of them like Town/City Halls only do so on special designated flag days).

Many people here get things confused with flags. Flown correctly, I have seen as many as 3 flags on the same pole - from top to bottom - US Flag, State Flag, Local Flag or organizational flag. I have also seen official places fly flags incorrectly. When displayed in a non-moving way, visible from both sides, the field (of the US flag) is supposed to be to the North or West. When displayed in motion (or with the appearance of motion, such as painted on a vehicle, or someone's arm) it should have the field attached to the mast (or where the mast would be....). I can't begin to tell you how many places I've seen with the US flag on a person's right shoulder, with the field closer to the person's back.

[OC Richard]

When displayed in a non-moving way, visible from both sides, the field of the US flag is supposed to be to the North or West. When displayed in motion (or with the appearance of motion, such as painted on a vehicle, or someone's arm) it should have the field attached to the mast (or where the mast would be....). I can't begin to tell you how many places I've seen with the US flag on a person's right shoulder, with the field closer to the person's back.

We're wandering seriously offtopic here, what with all the rules about displaying the US flag, but a couple days ago I saw a US military backpack in MARPAT camo, with a muted (shades of taupe) US flag centred upon it, the flag reversed. Was it reversed because it's on the backside of something?

[kc8ufv]

We're wandering seriously offtopic here, what with all the rules about displaying the US flag, but a couple days ago I saw a US military backpack in MARPAT camo, with a muted (shades of taupe) US flag centred upon it, the flag reversed. Was it reversed because it's on the backside of something?

The muted flag is used almost exclusively on unoforms, typically on the right. Though I am not completely certain about flags on the back, I would suspect it was mosly an availibility issue.