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Protocol

Mission Statement

Protocol Roster

Twenty-Sixth Consular Corps Golf/Tennis Invitational

Los Angeles Consular Corps

Everyday Flag Etiquette

VA’s clarification of is policy on flag folding recitations

Frequently Asked Questions

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Flag Etiquette

Questions about flag usage are among the most frequently posed to the Los Angeles County Office of Protocol. The U.S. flag is displayed at many civic, charitable and other special events. Here are the highlights of the federal law which governs the use and display of U.S. flags.

PLACEMENT

  • The U.S. flag should be on its own right in relation to other flags on adjacent staffs (the left side of a stage or to the left of a podium from the audience's viewpoint.) Any other flags should be placed on the other side of the speaker or podium, the far right side of the stage from the audience's viewpoint.

  • When displayed with local or organizational flags, the U.S. flag should always hold the position of honor or superior prominence. If it is displayed in a group of flags (an exception to the right side rule) it should be in the center of the group and the highest point in the group.

  • When displayed flat on a speaker's platform, the flag should be above and behind the speaker.

  • Outdoors, the flag is typically displayed from sunrise to sunset. It may be displayed 24 hours a day if it is properly lit. It may be displayed in inclement weather if it is a weatherproof flag.

    DISPLAY WITH FOREIGN FLAGS


  • When the flags of several nations are displayed, they should be on staffs of the same height. International usage prohibits the display of one nation's flag above another in peacetime. The flags should also be approximately equal in size. Again, the U.S. flag should be on its own right or the observer's left.

  • When the U.S. flag is displayed with any other flag against the wall in a crossed position, it should also be on the viewer's left, with the staff in front of the staff of the other flag.