As the world becomes more interconnected, you'll notice foreign flags on display everywhere - from government buildings and hotels to schools and businesses. They use these flags to warmly welcome their international guests. With this growing trend in mind, we're here to provide you with some essential information on how to display flags correctly and with dignity.  

Here are answers to frequently asked questions:

1. Displaying the U.S. flag and foreign flags incorrectly is worse than not displaying them at all.

2. When flying flags from different nations together, each flag should have its own pole at the same height and be of the same size. During peacetime, it's considered gravely improper to place one nation's flag above another's. If you have limited flagpoles, consider posting the flags indoors in your reception area or conference room.

3. Flying a flag upside down is a sign of disrespect and should only be done "as a signal of dire distress in instances of extreme danger to life or property."

4. In the United States, when you fly the American Flag alongside other nations' flags, the poles should be at the same height and in a straight line. The American Flag should take the position of honor, to its own right when facing away from the building, followed by other nation's flags in alphabetical order. Raise the American Flag first and lower it last.

5. Flag designs can change, so ensure you're using the correct and up-to-date flag. The Flag Research Center in Winchester, Massachusetts, is the most reliable source for this information. We stay up to date by subscribing to their service.

6. Many countries have a State flag for government use, distinct from their Civil Flag or Civil Ensign for civilians. Use the State flag for official government displays and events, and for most civic and commercial occasions, use the Civil Flag. When visiting a foreign port, use the Civil Ensign as a 'Courtesy Flag' for vessels.

7. Ships and boats should typically fly the appropriate Civil Ensign of their country of registration. When visiting a foreign port, also fly the Civil Ensign of that country.

8. When flying the flag at half-staff, first hoist it to the peak briefly, then lower it to half-staff. Raise it back to the peak before lowering it for the day. Half-staff means lowering the flag to halfway between the top and bottom of the staff. The President of the United States can authorize crepe streamers on spearheads or flagstaffs during parades.

9. When flying the flag at night, it must be properly lit. When lighting is not availble, the flag must be taken down at sunset and can be put back up at sunrise.

For a summary of flag etiquette provided by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, click here. You can also take a look at The Flag Code for additional information.