Hello, I'm a flag expert and I'm happy to answer your question about flying flags above the American flag.

The question of whether you can fly any flag above the American flag is a complex one that is governed by a combination of federal law, military regulations, and long-standing custom. While there's no explicit federal law prohibiting flying a flag above the American flag, there are certain guidelines and traditions that should be followed.

Federal Law

The U.S. Flag Code, a set of guidelines that outlines proper flag etiquette, states that the American flag should be flown "on the right" when displayed with other flags. This means it should be **"hoisted first and lowered last."** This doesn't explicitly say that a flag cannot be flown above it, but it does imply that the American flag should be given the position of prominence.

Military Regulations

In the military, there are stricter rules about flag displays. For example, the U.S. Army Regulations state that the **"National Flag should always be displayed in the position of honor"** when displayed with other flags. This means it should be "at the peak of the staff". This regulation effectively prohibits the display of any other flag above the American flag.

Custom and Tradition

Beyond federal law and military regulations, there are also long-standing customs and traditions surrounding flag etiquette. The general rule of thumb is to always give the American flag the position of honor. This means it should be flown "higher than any other flag" and "at the peak of the staff" if flown with other flags.

Exceptions

There are some exceptions to these general rules. For example, the U.S. Flag Code allows for the display of a flag representing a state, city, or other organization alongside the American flag. In these cases, the flags should be flown at the same height and "from separate staffs". The American flag should always be flown on the right (from the viewer's perspective).

International Displays

When the American flag is displayed with the flags of other countries, the flags should be flown at the same height and "from separate staffs". The American flag should be flown on the right (from the viewer's perspective).

Conclusion

In summary, while there is no explicit federal law prohibiting the display of a flag above the American flag, the U.S. Flag Code, military regulations, and long-standing custom suggest that it is generally considered inappropriate to do so. The American flag should always be given the position of honor, which means it should be flown at the highest point and on the right side of other flags.

However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, the U.S. Flag Code allows for the display of a flag representing a state, city, or other organization alongside the American flag, but the American flag should always be flown on the right (from the viewer's perspective).

It's important to remember that flag etiquette is a matter of respect and patriotism. By following these guidelines, we ensure that the American flag is always displayed with dignity and honor.read more >>

When it is displayed from the same flagpole with another flag - of a state, community, society or Scout unit - the flag of the United States must always be at the top except that the church pennant may be flown above the flag during church services for Navy personnel when conducted by a Naval chaplain on a ship at sea.read more >>