Non-US Flag Flying

[carolineatc]

In exception to the standard US Flag Flying days. Is it acceptable to occassionally fly Non-(US National Flags) on an outdoor pole?

i.e. on Earth Day could I respectfully take down the US Flag and display a novelty earth day flag?

When wishing to fly a state flag on the states birthday if you only have one pole would it be acceptable to fly the states flag in lieu of the US Flag? Or is it necessary to display both with additional haylard clips? My outdoor pole is ground mounted and fairly lightweight and small. I am afraid 2 flags may result in damage or be inappropriate.

Thank you for your help. New outdoor flagpole owner.

[NAVA1974]

In exception to the standard US Flag Flying days. Is it acceptable to occassionally fly Non-(US National Flags) on an outdoor pole?

The only national guidance on flying the United States Flag is in the US Flag Code (Title 4 USC). Paragraph 6(d) states:

"The flag should be displayed on all days, especially on New Year’s Day,
January 1; Inauguration Day, January 20; Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday, the third Monday in January;15 Lincoln’s Birthday, February 12; Washington’s Birthday, third Monday in February; Easter Sunday (variable); Mother’s Day, second Sunday in May; Armed Forces Day, third Saturday in May; Memorial Day (half-staff until noon), the last Monday in May; Flag Day, June 14; Independence Day, July 4; Labor Day, first Monday in September; Constitution Day, September 17; Columbus Day, second Monday in October; Navy Day, October 27; Veterans Day, November 11; Thanksgiving Day, fourth Thursday in November; Christmas Day, December 25; and such other days as may be proclaimed by the President of the United States; the birthdays of States (date of admission); and on State holidays." [emphasis added]

So I would have to assume the converse is also true if you only have one flag pole: Flags other than the US flag should not be displayed, especially on New Years Day... etc.

However, note that the operative word is "should" and not "must." The Flag Code does not prescribe any penalties for non-compliance nor does it include enforcement provisions; rather the Code functions simply as a guide to be voluntarily followed by civilians and civilian groups. And according to the Supreme Court, you can do pretty much as you please when it comes to flying flags.

Also note that some states have laws prohibiting the flying of certain flags. Of course, the constitutionality of those laws is also suspect.

Nick

[coasterville]

Yes, the word should is the key word there.

I'd say, as long as you don't live in New Jersey, and it is a residential situation, the only thing to worry about is your neighbors opinion of you. Thank the whole freedom of expression concept for that. Just remember other points of flag etiquette if flying two flags at once. US flag on top, then states under that. Don't put the flags of two nations on the same pole, ever. The Earth flag, being a novelty flag, if I were in your shoes, I would think alone is fine, and if flown togehter the Earth should go under the US flag. (Others thoughts?)

Personaly, when I see a different national flag up on somebody's house, it makes me wonder what the signifigance is. I have been known to fly the Irish flag on St. Patricks Day. (Using an Irish flag I bought in Ireland, no less), I also have somehwere on my Flickr a photo of Old Glory proudly flying from an in ground pole in front of a house in Ireland. (W/ no Irish flag present, no less)