Can the Texas flag be flown over the American flag?
Asked by: Alexane Lockman | Last update: May 13, 2026Score: 4.6/5 (73 votes)
No, the Texas flag cannot be flown above the American flag; U.S. flag code dictates the American flag always has precedence, meaning it must be on top if on the same pole or to its own right (observer's left) on separate poles, though Texas law allows the state flag to fly at the same height as the U.S. flag on separate poles, not above it. The idea that Texas is the only state that can fly its flag at the same height is a myth; all state flags can fly at the same height as the U.S. flag when on separate, equal poles.
Can Texas fly its flag above the U.S. flag?
No flag in any display shall fly above the U.S. or State of Texas flag.
What flag can fly above the American flag?
Generally, no other flag can be flown above the American flag, as it holds the position of highest honor on U.S. soil, symbolizing national authority, but there are very specific exceptions, notably the Church Pennant at sea during naval church services and the United Nations flag at the UN Headquarters. Other flags, like state, organizational, or POW/MIA flags, are flown below the U.S. flag on the same flagpole.
Is it illegal to fly another flag above the U.S. flag?
No other flag or pennant should be placed above or, if on the same level, to the right of the flag of the United States of America, except during church services conducted by naval chaplains at sea, when the church pennant may be flown above the flag during church services for the personnel of the Navy.
What flags can be flown under the American flag?
When flags of states, cities, corporations or organizations are flown on the same flagpole as the U.S. flag, they should be flown under the U.S. flag. The flag beneath may be the same size or smaller than the U.S. flag, but never larger.
VERIFY: How high can the Texas flag fly?
Is it illegal to fly the American flag at night without a light on it?
Illumination Requirements and Guidelines
According to the Flag Code, if the American flag is displayed outdoors after sunset, it must be properly illuminated. Proper illumination means the flag should be lit by a dedicated light source that ensures its visibility from all angles.
What are the 5 American flag rules?
Five key American flag rules include never letting the flag touch the ground, never using it as clothing or decoration (except for flag patches on uniforms), always displaying it with the union (stars) up and to the observer's upper left, ensuring it's illuminated at night, and retiring worn flags respectfully, often by burning, according to U.S. Flag Code guidelines.
What are the rules for the Texas flag?
When the flag is displayed vertically, the blue stripe should be uppermost and the white stripe should be to the state flag's right (observer's left). The state flag should be flown on all state holidays and on special occasions of historical significance, and it should fly at every school on regular school days.
Did Johnson go to jail for burning the flag?
Activist Gregory Lee Johnson was convicted for burning an American flag during a protest outside the 1984 Republican National Convention in Dallas, Texas, and was fined $2,000 and sentenced to one year in jail in accordance with Texas law.
What is the new one flag rule?
To prohibit the flying, draping, or other display of any flag other than the flag of the United States at public buildings, and for other purposes. To prohibit the flying, draping, or other display of any flag other than the flag of the United States at public buildings, and for other purposes.
What US city does not fly the American flag?
Free Franklin Post Office in Philadelphia, which is part of Independence National Historical Park, does not fly the U.S. flag. This office aims to recreate the atmosphere of a colonial-era Post Office, and the Stars and Stripes did not yet exist in 1775.
Why is the Texas flag similar to the U.S. flag?
The Lone Star flag, approved in its red, white and blue glory by the Texas Congress in 1839, replaced an 1836 national flag for the republic's naval service that much more closely resembled the Stars and Stripes.
What is special about the Texas flag?
The red, white, and blue of the state flag represent, respectively, bravery, purity and loyalty. According to The Handbook of Texas Online, "The Lone Star Flag was adopted by the Texas Congress in 1839... Senator William H.
What does Texas stand for?
The name Texas, based on the Caddo word táy:shaʼ (/tə́jːʃaʔ/) 'friend', was applied, in the spelling Tejas or Texas, by the Spanish to the Caddo themselves, specifically the Hasinai Confederacy.
Is Texas the only state with its own pledge?
There are 17 states in the U.S. that have their own pledge to their state flag that is separate from the national pledge of allegiance.
What is the punishment for burning a U.S. flag?
§ 700. Desecration of the flag of the United States; penalties 713. "(a) Whoever knowingly casts contempt upon any flag of the United States by publicly mutilating, defacing, defiling, burning, or trampling upon it shall be fined not more than $1,000 or imprisoned for not more than one year, or both.
What are the fighting words in Texas v. Johnson?
Johnson (1989), the Supreme Court redefined the scope of the fighting words doctrine to mean words that are "a direct personal insult or an invitation to exchange fisticuffs." There, the Court held that the burning of a United States flag, which was considered symbolic speech, did not constitute fighting words.
Does the Supreme Court allow flag burning?
The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled in Texas v. Johnson (1989) and United States v. Eichman (1990) that burning the American flag as a form of political protest is a protected symbolic speech under the First Amendment, meaning states and the federal government cannot ban it as desecration because it expresses an idea, even if offensive to others. The Court found that the government can't prohibit expression just because it finds the idea disagreeable, reinforcing that flag burning, though controversial, is expressive conduct protected by free speech principles.
Can a HOA prevent you from flying a flag?
The Freedom to Display the American Flag Act of 2005 makes it illegal for an HOA to restrict owners from displaying a U.S. flag. Your HOA can, however, reasonably restrict the time, place, and manner of your U.S. flag display (provided the restrictions are to protect a substantial interest of the association).
What states do not have a flag?
All 50 states, including the District of Columbia and all U.S. territories, have flags. Their flags represent a rich history and symbolize who they are. In this guide, we will explain why all 50 states have a flag.
What exactly does the Confederate flag stand for?
The Confederate flag's meaning is deeply contested, representing for some Southern heritage, states' rights, and anti-authoritarianism, while for others it symbolizes racism, slavery, white supremacy, and opposition to the Civil Rights Movement, stemming from its use by the Confederacy to defend slavery and later by hate groups and segregationists. Its design, featuring the "Southern Cross," was a battle flag for the Confederate Army, but its modern significance is tied to its adoption by white supremacist groups and its use against civil rights efforts in the 20th century.
Is it illegal to fly a flag at night without a light?
No, it's not technically illegal (no federal law with penalties), but the U.S. Flag Code strongly advises and it's considered disrespectful to fly the American flag at night without proper illumination, meaning it must be lit so it's clearly visible in the dark; otherwise, it should be taken down at sunset as a sign of respect.
Can you put another flag under the American flag?
Another nation's flag shouldn't be displayed on the same halyard as the American Flag. In a group of state, local and/or society flags, the American Flag should be flown highest and in the center. The American Flag should be hoisted first and lowered last, when flown with other flags on adjacent staffs.