Before you display your state’s flag, you must understand the Rules for their Display. This article will cover the order of precedence, size, and destruction of flags. There are also a few essential points to consider to display state flags in Birmingham, AL, correctly. 

Order of precedence

There are rules about the order in which flags should be displayed. For example, the US flag should be displayed at the top of a series of flags, while state flags should be displayed second. The order is based on their dates of entry into the union. You can find the exact order of display of state flags here.

The order of display of the different state flags follows a similar pattern. When three flags are displayed, the US flag is shown first, followed by the state flags and the national flags. This order is sometimes broken down by alphabetical order, displaying state flags after territorial flags. For example, flag sags of training organizations in the armed forces are displayed after the state flags. The flags of the highest-ranking military branch are displayed at the top.

Position

The guidelines on where to display flags of other states are provided in the laws governing the flags of each state. Flags should be displayed in public places in a proper manner. For example, in buildings with only one main entrance, the flags should be displayed in the center, facing north. In buildings with multiple entries, the flags should face east and north.

The flags should be displayed to increase importance, beginning with the United States. Then, follow with state and territorial flags, in alphabetical order. Finally, the flags of the training organizations, the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard, should be displayed last. These flags are often displayed in a pastoral setting, and it is customary to display them in a state-legitimate environment.

Size

If you are looking to display a state flag in your home, you may be wondering how big it should be. There are many different sizes of state flags available, ranging from 12″ x 18″ to 6′ x 10′. The official state flags are made of nylon and are printed with an aniline dye process. They are reinforced with a strong canvas heading and a pair of brass grommets. Depending on your size, you can hang them indoors or outdoors.

Historically, U.S. flags were sized close to British naval ensigns. The earliest United States flags were made in 11:18 ratios, similar to the “Golden Ratio.” The first 20-star flag was created in 1818, and its dimensions were fourteen feet by twenty-four feet. In the 1870s, the proportions were changed but close to modern-day flags.

Destruction

SS 5.01.2 addresses the display and disposal of state flags. Flags that are damaged or no longer in good condition should be destroyed dignifiedly. Flags that have been in circulation for more than five years must be destroyed, but some states have no flag-desecration laws. Some states have changed their rules to allow the destruction of the American flag, but they retain the protections for state flags.

To be considered desecrated, flags must be touched physically, and the flag must be within the person’s reach. However, the legislature cannot punish words and gestures directed at the flag. Nevertheless, flags can be desecrated if the act involves physical contact. According to Black’s Law Dictionary and Webster’s Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary, “desecration of a state flag is considered an act of disrespect.”

Replacement

The state flags of the U.S. and its territories should be displayed in order of admittance into the Union. The following state to display a flag is a territory, followed by the U.S. flag. There is also a set order for military organization flags. The flag of the regimental corps will always be displayed before the state flag of the command. 

Depending on the location and size of the state flag, it is appropriate to display it in a specific way. The state flag of California must be displayed on campus, and it must be prominently displayed on the school grounds and at the University. Flags of other states must be placed similarly. They must be of the same size and height. If you are unsure which state flag to display, consult the state’s official website or a copy of the Adjutant General’s office.