A Gap Between Multiple Flags on a Single Halyard?

This is an interesting aspect of flag display outside on a flagpole. What is required? Aesthetics is going to be your guide, but there is a bit more to it.

Definitions

For our purposes, we need to define some terms.

• Flagpole/Mast- a permanent structure that is outside in the ground.
• Flagstaff- what a color guard carries. For the military, that would be the guidon staff.
• Halyard- a rope on a pulley system attached to a pole or mast.
• Outside Flag- has grommets for attaching to a halyard, never mounted on a staff.
• Indoor/Outdoor (parade) Flag- a flag with a pole hem ( staff sleeve) that is mounted onto a staff.

Multiple Flags at Half-Staff?

No. I came to a rest area that had three flags flying from a single pole. The flags were lowered to half-staff (“Mast” is associated with the sea services, the Marine Corps, Navy, Coast Guard, and maritime activities). Half-staff is only for the American flag, the other two should have been removed from the halyard.

What About Gaps Between the Flags?

Is there specific guidance on how much of a gap should be between each flag when multiple flags are flown on the same halyard?

No. There isn’t any guidance in the Flag Code or military manuals except for the Department of the Air Force. AFI 34-1201, Protocol, states:

2.10.8. …Minuteman, or Prisoner of War/Missing in Action (POW/MIA) flags to be flown on the same halyard with the United States Flag. They should be fastened to the halyard at a distance below the United States Flag so that when both are at rest the United States Flag does not touch or overlap the second flag.

As for any other flagstaff for the government, military service, civilian, or civil, a gap between flags is not necessary.