Flag Tips and Guides

When to Display a Courtesy Flag A courtesy flag is displayed by a vessel when it is visiting or operating in the waters of another country. It is a sign of respect for the host nation and is especially common among recreational boaters, yachts, and commercial vessels. When should you fly it? Upon entering foreign territorial waters: Hoist the courtesy flag as soon as practical after entering the country’s waters. While cruising or staying in port: Keep the courtesy flag displayed while operating in the host country. During daylight hours: Traditionally, courtesy flags are flown from sunrise to sunset, although...

The U.S. nautical Union Jack is a historic American maritime flag featuring a blue field with white stars. It is traditionally associated with the United States Navy and is flown from the jackstaff at the bow of a vessel rather than from the stern, where the national ensign is displayed. The best-known U.S. Union Jack is the 50-star Union Jack, which became the Navy jack on June 4, 1960, following the admission of Hawaii as the 50th state. Earlier versions featured fewer stars and corresponded to the number of states in the Union at the time. Historically, the U.S. Navy...

The Episcopal flag is the official flag of the Episcopal Church in the United States. Its design dates to the late 19th century and is based on the traditional heraldry of the Anglican Church. The flag features a white field with a red cross and a blue canton containing nine white crosses arranged in the shape of a St. Andrew’s cross. The nine small crosses are traditionally understood to represent the nine original dioceses that formed the Episcopal Church after the American Revolution. The red cross is associated with St. George and reflects the Episcopal Church’s Anglican heritage. The blue...

The Christian flag originated in the United States in the late 19th century. It is generally credited to Charles C. Overton, a Methodist Sunday school superintendent in New York, who conceived the idea after seeing a Christian flag displayed at a Sunday school rally. The flag was first presented publicly around 1897 at Brighton Chapel in Coney Island, New York. Overton later worked with Ralph Diffendorfer, a Methodist missionary and leader, to develop and promote the design. The flag features a white field, representing purity and peace, with a blue canton containing a red cross. The red cross represents the...

Miniature POW-MIA flags are a meaningful way to honor American service members who were prisoners of war or remain missing in action. The familiar black-and-white design and “You are not forgotten” message make these flags appropriate for desks, offices, memorial displays, veterans’ events, patriotic collections, and military-themed decorations.