Flying a flag is a powerful way to show pride and respect for your country, state, or organization. However, when it comes to displaying flags, particularly state flags about the U.S. flag, specific guidelines and etiquette should be followed to show proper respect and compliance with flag protocol.
Understanding Flag Etiquette
Flag etiquette in the United States is governed by the U.S. Flag Code, established in 1942.
While the Flag Code is a federal law, it does not impose penalties for misuse of the United States flag. It serves more as a guideline for handling and displaying the nation’s flag.
Can State Flags Fly Solo?
The short answer is yes, you can fly a state flag without the U.S. flag. However, there are nuances to consider:
- Flagpole Positioning: There are no federal restrictions on flying only a state flag on a single flagpole. The state flag can be flown on its own and occupies the highest position.
- Multiple Flagpoles: If multiple flagpoles are available, the U.S. flag should be flown on the pole positioned to the viewer’s left (the flag’s right). If you fly a state flag independently, ensure it does not occupy the position meant for the U.S. flag in a multiple flagpole setup.
- Same Flagpole: If a state flag and the U.S. flag are flown on the same pole, the U.S. flag must always be at the top. No other flag should be placed higher than the U.S. flag.
Special Circumstances
In certain situations, state flags are flown alone to highlight state pride or specific historical events. This is commonly seen during state holidays or celebrations like Texas Independence Day or California Admission Day.
Flying just the state flag to honor the state’s heritage and significance is appropriate in such cases.
Compliance with State Laws
While the U.S. Flag Code provides general guidelines, it’s also essential to check if there are any specific state laws or regulations regarding flag displays that might affect how you should fly your state flag. Some states may have rules about flag display that could influence whether you should fly the state flag with or without the U.S. flag.
Contact F.W. Haxel With Your Next Flag Installation in Baltimore
Under U.S. flag etiquette, flying a state flag without the U.S. flag is permissible, provided the guidelines for flag positioning and precedence are respected.
It’s an opportunity to express state pride while still honoring the broader principles of respect for the flag.
Always ensure that your flag display is in good condition and displays the flags in a dignified manner. Consider checking local regulations for any specific rules related to flag displays in your area.
We offer a number of different options for
installation and repairs.
INSTALL
Commercial Flagpoles
Residential Flagpoles
Foundations & Ground Sleeves
Marina & Dock Flagpoles
Street Pole Brackets & Banners
Holiday Lighting & Decor
Event Decorations
Mesh Banners & Outdoor Signage
Vinyl Adhesive Signs & Wraps
REPAIR
Flags (Free Repair for Life on Fly End of US Flags)
Commercial & Residential Flagpoles
Foundation & Ground Sleeves
Pulley Assemblies
Winches
Internal & External Halyard Lines
Flag Snaps
Ornamental & Pole Top Finishings
Street Pole Brackets & Banners
INSTALL
Commercial Flagpoles
Residential Flagpoles
Foundations & Ground Sleeves
Marina & Dock Flagpoles
Street Pole Brackets & Banners
Holiday Lighting & Decor
Event Decorations
Mesh Banners & Outdoor Signage
Vinyl Adhesive Signs & Wraps
REPAIR
Flags (Free Repair for Life on Fly End of US Flags)
Commercial & Residential Flagpoles
Foundation & Ground Sleeves
Pulley Assemblies
Winches
Internal & External Halyard Lines
Flag Snaps
Ornamental & Pole Top Finishings
Street Pole Brackets & Banners
NEED HELP?
PAST CLIENTS
TESTIMONIALS
I am writing this letter as a testimonial for F.W. Haxel Flags and Banners.
My organization was established September 7, 1947 as the Baltimore Colts' Marching Band in which continued to operate throughout the years 1951/52 and 1984/95 when Baltimore lost the Colts twice and with the establishment of the Baltimore Ravens Football Team in 1996 our band became Baltimore's Marching Ravens.
Over 75 years, F.W. Haxel has produced all of our flags, banners and recruitment displays and has the honor of having their flags and banners in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
I cannot say enough wonderful things about F.W. Haxel Flags and Banners. They give quality, great prices, fantastic designs, and long lasting products. They work with you until you are totally satisfied and show great pride in serving you as a customer and a friend.
On a personal note, I have worked with four generations of the Haxel Family and I have seen first hand the dedication to their customers.
Respectfully Submitted
John Ziemann
Band President
Baltimore's Marching Ravens
FW Haxel has been a very strong partner of ours for 10+ years and we can always count on them. They always deliver high quality, long lasting products and I would recommend them to anyone. Their ability to troubleshoot and to come up with solutions to meet our needs is incredible. They are truly experts in this industry
Bret Neilsen
Marketing Manager
Erickson Senior Living
We have used FW Haxel for more than 5 years now and have received nothing but great customer service and competitive pricing for all our flag needs, including custom printed flags for our company.
Tonisha Echeverri
Lead Printer & Graphic Designer
Vulcan Materials Co
I’ve been working with FW Haxel for years and I can tell you that they are fantastic at what they do! They’ve made many flags and awnings for different locations of Christopher Schafer Clothier and Sharp Dressed Man. Our current flag setup on Aliceanna Street is gorgeous, I love the motion of the colorful flags it catches my eye every time I round the corner!
Christpher Schafer
Founder & Owner
Christopher Shafer Clothier
I have been the Chief Engineer at Under Armour for the past 5 years and we have partnered with Haxel for all of flag purchases at the Tide Point Campus. Haxel has provided us with excellent customer service and pricing for all of our purchases. We have worked with Haxel to get the appropriate flags for campus which include custom Under Armour flags. I highly recommend this company to anyone looking for any flags needed at your commercial properties.
Josh Farmer
Chief Engineer
Under Armour
We have worked with F.W. Haxel for about 10 years. In those years they have made the process of getting our flagpoles ordered, installed, and inspected a breeze. Would highly recommend them for any needs you have and will continue using them for our projects going forward.
Bill Green
President
Palmar Construction / Mission BBQ
Working with Haxel has been a pleasure for years. You can trust them with all sorts of Banner Replacements, even urgent ones with short turnaround times. And the work is always high quality. The best part about working with Haxel is that the work is always done thoughtfully, as their staff members take pride in providing high quality, and friendly customer service. We hope to continue working with Haxel in the years to come!
Chuck Azubike
Advertising and Programs Specialist
National Aquarium
FW Haxel has played a crucial role in helping to expand our branding efforts and creating a greater sense of identity here in National Landing. We greatly appreciate FW Haxel for their professionality, flexibility, and attention to detail as they've worked to install and maintain roughly 700 banners in Crystal City, Pentagon City, and Potomac Yard.
Alex Michael
Public Realm Coordinator
National Landing