[Peter Ansoff]

Hi! In general, the right-hand position is the place of honor. This turns up in several places in the flag code. When the US flag is displayed beside another flag on poles of the same height, it goes on the right, and the flag itself is normally displayed with the union on its own right.

Historically, this custom came from medieval heraldry. The right or "dexter" was the position of honor on a knight's shield. National flags seem to have originated as heraldic banners, so the transition from coats-of-arms to flags was natural. The origin of the right-as-place-of-honor custom goes back at least to ancient Roman times. When the legions were lined up in formation, the senior legion stood on the right.

Regards,

Peter Ansoff