I’ve Been Schooled on U.S. Flag Etiquette By New Milford Residents

Do you know how to properly display international flags on your property here in the United States of America? I got a crash course in the procedures this morning from a local New Milford social media post, and reading the comments has taught me a couple of things that I think may be useful to know.

Get our free mobile app

A new resident and first time homeowner from New Milford, posted an interesting question on the New Milford, CT Facebook group yesterday. In his post, the gentlemen asked if it would be rude or offensive to fellow residents if he were to install a flagpole on his property in order to display the flag of his nationality.

The majority of the almost 200 comments are supportive, with the gist of most being "Hey, this is America, it's your property, do what you want to do." True, but you risk annoying someone, and that's exactly what the gentleman wanted to avoid. The United States does have guidelines and protocol regarding the display of our flag, you can read them HERE.

But I'll save you the click - according to the Flag Code of the United States of America:

No other flag or pennant should be placed above or, if on the same level, to the right of the flag of the United States of America, except during church services conducted by naval chaplains at sea, when the church pennant may be flown above the flag during church services for the personnel of the Navy. No person shall display the flag of the United Nations or any other national or international flag equal, above, or in a position  of superior prominence or honor to, or in place of, the flag of the United States at any place within the United States or any Territory or possession thereof: Provided, That nothing in this section shall make unlawful the continuance of the practice heretofore followed of displaying the flag of the United Nation in a position of superior prominence or honor, and other national flags in positions or equal prominence or honor, with that of the flag of the United States at the headquarters of the United Nations.

Furthermore - When the 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 approximate equal size. International usage forbids the display of the flag of one nation above that of another nation in time of peace. Also, the flag of the United States of America should be at the center and highest point of the group when a number of flags of states or localities or pennants of societies are grouped and displayed from staffs. When flags of States, cities, or localities, or pennants of societies are flown on the same halyard with the flag of the United States, the latter should always be at the peak. When the flags are flown from adjacent staffs, the flag of the United States should be hoisted first and lowered last. No such flag or pennant may be placed above the flag of the United States, or to the United States flag's right.

New Milford Residents taught me quite a lesson this morning, thank you all for your knowledge, and more importantly, for your service.