Most Americans are justifiably upset or even outraged when they see news clips of Old Glory being burned or trampled in other countries or even our own. If you are in a position that requires displaying and caring for other country’s flags, it’s important to remember that they are important symbols in their own lands and should be treated with respect too. Here are some flag etiquette guidelines for displaying and caring for other countries’ banners.

1. Separate but equal

Although it is customary to fly our state flags lower than Old Glory, it is a huge faux pas to display a foreign country’s flag at a lower level than our own. To place another banner lower tacitly indicates that the U.S is superior to the other country and such an action will offend representatives from the other land. All country flags should fly at the same height, but if they are flown in the U.S, America’s flag should always fly to the right of the others.

2. Do not touch the ground

Just as it is with ours, it is disrespectful to allow another country’s flag to drag on or even touch the ground. If the flag is large, get more people to carry and handle it so that it can be moved properly.

3. Keep it in good shape

Allowing other countries’ flags to fly when they are wind-torn or faded is bad form. If it needs to be replaced, a burning ceremony should be performed. And never, ever fly a foreign country’s flag upside down: if you are doing a display, be familiar enough with the flags you are flying to know which way is up!

All countries’ flags should be treated with the respect they are due: this is as true for foreign countries’ banners as it is for our own.

National Capital Flag Co., Inc. (http://www.nationalcapitalflag.com/) is a government flag. Ryan Coisson is a freelance writer.

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