Moving to America, there are obviously cultural differences, behavioral differences, day-to-day differences, business differences, and more, but one thing that you’ll notice almost immediately is how many USA flags are flying all over the country. From the gas station to the local high school, flags are everywhere! So are you allowed to fly your national flag too?
Coming from Australia, I can safely say that knew very few (if any) people who owned a flag privately, and only my university carried a flag in addition to government spaces.
It was really a bit of a shock for me when I first arrived. I knew the stereotype of Americans being patriotic and loudly proud of their country but I didn’t quite expect to be so visually bombarded by flags as soon as you step off the plane.
I’ve been asked a lot whether it’s ok to fly a flag for your home country in the U.S. and what the rules are to do so (if any), so I thought I’d break it down.
What are the rules for flying the U.S. Flag in America?
First things first, you should know the rules of flying a U.S. flag in America, if you’re so inclined to do that. There are a number of guidelines set out in the”flag code”:
The “flag code” is the federal law that sets forth guidelines for the appearance and display of the U.S. flag (“flag”) by private citizens.
Congressional Research Office R45945 (October 7, 2019)
But an important thing to note, for those of you who might be worried, is that:
Most of the flag code contains no explicit enforcement mechanisms, and relevant case law would suggest that the provisions without enforcement mechanisms are declaratory and advisory only.
Congressional Research Office R45945 (October 7, 2019)
This means that these are simply guidelines and recommendations, and you can’t be charged with a crime if you don’t abide by most of these rules. Following these rules is recommended if you want to fly a flag though as a sign of respect in the country you’re flying it in!
So what are the rules contained in the US Flag Code?
You can find a comprehensive list of all the rules here but I’ve summed them up into a shorter, more consumable list to make sure you know a general concept here.
- You should display the flag from sunrise to sunset (and if you want to display it at night, it should be lit)
- You can fly your state’s flag on the same flagpole as long as it’s below the U.S. flag, or you can fly it next to it on its own flagpole, at the same height or lower
- You can’t choose to fly the flag at half-mast, only the President and Governor of your state can do that, so don’t lower that one without being told to (interesting sidenote: on Memorial Day you should fly it at half-staff until noon, then raise it until sunset!)
- Make sure you’re flying the flag the right way up, not upside down, and you should have it attached by the stars end, not the stripes end
- It shouldn’t touch the ground (but if it does when you’re collecting it, that’s ok – the whole burning it if it touches the ground isn’t true)
- Don’t edit the flag with names or symbols or any other marks
- When storing the flag, it shouldn’t be wadded up, it should be folded (into a triangle)
- And if the flag is no longer in a state that looks respectful, you should burn it, privately (making sure of your local and state rules for starting fires)
Basically, in short, be respectful, and take a hot second to think about what you’re doing.
What are the rules for flying a foreign flag in America alongside a U.S. Flag?
Again, as above, these are guidelines to show that you are being respectful (and would expect the same respect back):
- You should have only one country’s flag per flagpole
- All other country’s flags should be flown at the same vertical height
- Technically, you should fly the U.S. flag on the left if you’re looking at them
That’s basically it. Just make sure you’re flying them at equal levels and that shows that you’re respecting everyone equally!
What are the rules for flying a foreign flag on its own in the USA?
You are absolutely allowed to do this as well. You don’t have to fly the U.S. flag if you want to fly your own country’s flag.
There are no specific rules in the Flag Code for flying your own country’s flag!
I would recommend basically following the same guidelines though: Be respectful, and you’ll be fine!
After all this, should you fly your own country’s flag in America?
So now you know that it’s legal and you are well within your rights to fly your own flag; should you?
You can do what you want! I’m not here to tell you otherwise, but it’s always important to consider those around you and consider your own safety.
You should fly your own flag if that’s what you want to do, so do it proudly, respectfully, and follow the guidelines above where appropriate.
Why does it say “Your own country’s flag” ? If the foreign flag is “your country” than you’re not identifying as an America and as such you shouldn’t be living here. Simple. You move here, this becomes YOUR OWN COUNTRY too.
Hi Hoffman, thanks for your feedback! Lots of people live in the US, it’s the melting pot! Some move here for a short amount of time, some move here for a long time, and some move here forever. For many, the country you live in doesn’t necessarily become “your” country, it becomes a temporary home that you contribute to and love temporarily! I was born in Australia, live in the US, but would still call myself an Australian even if I plan to live here for a long time or even forever!
What a nice reply!
Agreed with the very humble reply to the “love it or leave it” stereotype. As an American born and raised I wouldn’t take and offense to somebody flying “their” flag. Not everybody lives here forever for any multitude of reasons. Perhaps they own homes in several countries, perhaps they’re just a temp worker living here for 6 months and the property happens to have an empty flag pole outside? Whatever! America is a melting pot.
However, if you ARE flying an American flag I do get a bit miffed if the flag code is blatantly ignored.
Otherwise – have fun representing the things that are important to you!
One other thing to note – America allows any historic American flag to fly in place of the current flag. I suppose this is from the days of expansion where it would be unrealistic to ask everyone who just bought a 49 star flag to go purchase a 50 star flag, etc
With that in mind, I live in a historic town where Washington had a headquarters and lived for some time. Keeping that history in mind I will sometimes fly the Grand Union (continental colors) flag or the Hopkinson flag (the actual first flag).
Is it disrespectful to fly a flag that is half United States and half another county- say Ukraine? I want to display this flag, but I don’t want to insult my military neighbors. What say you?
Hey JD, I would say the most appropriate way to do it would be to fly both if possible per these rules.
I know you are right. Thanks.
P/s – I noticed members of Congress holding a similar type flag on the steps of the capital. Both parties. Recently.
Hoffman – in 2021 you can identify as whatever you like. I like to identify as a rich trophy wife. Unfortunately my bank account does not support my identity 😂
I am ordering a flag of Ukraine. I usually fly a United States flag on my porch, however at this time I wish to show American support for another nation that is losing so much.
I wanted to order the Ukraine flag from another website because they are donating 25% of their proceeds to Ukrainian refugees, however they only offered single sided flags.
I just got an email from the HOA asking me to take my Ukrainian flag down or I will be fined. From the American flag act I realize they cannot tell me to take the American flag down if flown in a respectful manner. From what I am researching, it appears I have the right to fly The flag of my descendants. Is this true? Can anyone lend some insight? Thank you!
Check our HOA policies. If they have it written in as a rule, then they are unfortunately within their rights. However if it’s unwritten specifically to flags, then you’ve got an argument!
My neighbor has a half US flag and half Ukraine People are saying it’s illegal but u can buy on Amazon. ? ???
Hello! There are lots of laws around flags as this article explains, but in practice, rarely are people punished for “illegal” flags.
Hi Josh,
Fellow senior Aussie here…
Regarding the matter of flags I have an interesting and important story to share.
In the late ‘80s I had a workmate, an older chap, who’s son worked for the Australian diplomatic service in the United States, particularly on the West Coast, not sure of which city.
Not sure what circumstances led to our discussion of flags but this gentleman spoke of some trouble his son got into in the United States on Australia Day while he was there working for the diplomatic service.
Because the house that he was living in, in the suburban areas, had a flag pole, he decided that Australia Day was a good time to raise the Australian flag.
Within hours he was locked up and on the verge of creating a diplomatic incident because he raised a foreign flag, but did not raise an American flag alongside, as per the understood protocol.
Now what’s interesting is my research today in 2022 shows some interesting results with regard to the flag protocol and the flying of other countries’ flags on American soil without an accompanying stars and stripes.
In fact ridiculous faux flags hybridising both the US and the Ukrainian flag are noted to be flying around American neighbourhoods and even reported to have been shown displayed by politicians. (As per….. AmericaJosh.com)
This would appear to be deeply disturbing, given the importance of the flag for any country, as it’s the epitome of the country’s existence.
I always reflect on Arnie’s movie KinderGarten Cop and the children singing the national anthem while saluting the Stars and Stripes.
Here in Australia that practice ended, in my observation, when our “National Anthem” changed from “God Save The Queen” to “Advance Australia Fair”, the words to which were convoluted and difficult for youngsters to learn. Anytime it’s sung in public it’s mostly mumbled through by us all, as it’s also difficult for ESL immigrants to tackle. Learning it is worse than homework for most people and I must confess to never being at ease with it’s complexity.
I have often wondered whether it was a deliberate ploy to actually diminish easy and eager participation in an event that is pretty rare, if not too rare.
Thank you for your article & comments. One of the most comprehensive & polite posts I’ve found! You are on-the-money with your advice.
I live in an HOA & am putting a flagpole in my front yard. I have researched long & hard on flag laws across our state & the US. I want to fly flags other than just US: Klingon, Ireland, POW/MIA, Pride.
Thank you, Josh!
Thanks Amy!
I think it’s disrespectful to fly a foreign flag on US soil without the presence of a US flag as well. It’s not about what’s legal. It’s about What is respectful. Call it’s fine to be proud of your heritage. It’s not find a disrespect your host country
I’m an American born and raised and proud to be an American I recently discovered we came from Sweden and I want to fly a Sweden flag but not to disrespect the American flag but i have just one pole so im gonna switch back and forth …my son served proudly but we want to fly our swedish flag without Any fuss so i Will play nice as long as everyone else does