Flag etiquette and flags have been a symbol of human achievement since ancient times.
Flags have been used to lead armies to victory and to claim ownership of vast territories.
Flags stir up emotions in us that few other symbols can. Flags have always played an important role in general and maritime signaling and identification.
That piece of cloth with its own exclusive design and colors of your nation, your country, that piece of cloth we simply call a flag is a symbol of who we are, what we believe in and where we belong.
It is an accepted fact that people respect the symbolism of the flag, whether it is your country's flag or another country's flag.
The international protocol and flag etiquette is the same or very similar in all countries throughout the world.
Let us begin with the United Nations Flag. Not only is it a beautiful and appropriate design, its symbolism is what makes it meaningful: "Olive branches to symbolize peace. The world map depicts the area of concern to the United Nations in achieving its main purpose, peace and security."
Flag etiquette is very strict and it is essential that flag protocols and rules are followed correctly. The following basic flag etiquette applies to all nations:
- National flag of the country
- State flag of the country
- Military flag of the country (in order of creation date)
- Other flags of the country
The United Nations uses alphabetical order when presenting a national flag. The United Nations flag etiquette ensures that no one country's flag has precedence over another country's flag.
Your country's flag should never be flown above another national flag on the same staff as this would suggest superiority or conversely, inferiority of one flag, or Nation over another.
A country's flag should never be allowed to drag along the ground.
If a country's flag becomes tattered or faded, it should be removed and replaced with a new flag.
Due care and consideration must be taken to ensure that the flag is always flown the correct way up.
If a country's flag is in such a condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem of display, it should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning in private with all due care and respect....