On September 11, 2001, thousands of police officers, firefighters, paramedics, and port authority workers rushed directly into harm's way. Their selflessness saved thousands of lives, though hundreds of first responders made the ultimate sacrifice that day and in the years following due to toxin-related illnesses.
On Patriot Day, many Americans choose to honor these heroes by displaying specialized flags, such as first responder banners or support flags, alongside the Stars and Stripes. Doing so requires a careful balance of gratitude and adherence to proper display etiquette.
The Position of Honor
When flying multiple flags together, the U.S. Flag Code provides clear guidance to ensure proper respect:
- The Peak Position: The American flag must always take the position of honor. If flown on the same halyard (rope), the U.S. flag must always be at the peak (the very top).
- Equal Height Consideration: If you are displaying flags on separate, independent poles of equal height, the American flag should be hoisted first and lowered last, and it should be positioned to its own right (the viewer's left).
- Placement of Service Flags: First responder flags (such as those representing police or fire services) should be flown lower than the American flag or on a separate, shorter wall-mounted bracket to preserve the proper hierarchy.
Choosing Meaningful Tributes
Displaying a first responder flag is a deeply personal statement of support for local police officers, firefighters, and EMS personnel who serve our neighborhoods every day. Choosing high-quality, durable materials ensures that your tribute stands strong, whether displayed year-round or specifically raised during weeks of remembrance like Patriot Day.
By pairing proper flag protocol with heartfelt recognition, we ensure that the legacy of courage established on September 11th continues to shine brightly in our local communities.
Explore our full collection of resources in the Patriot Day Flag Display Guide.