An urban myth claimed that if the flag touched the ground, it had to be destroyed under the Flag Code; however, it has been affirmed by the American Legion and state governments that this is not the case.

When the flags are flown from adjacent staffs, the flag of the United States should be hoisted first and lowered last. No such flag or pennant may be placed above the flag of the United States or to the United States flag's right. (g) When flags of two or more nations are displayed, they are to be flown from separate staffs of the same height ...

The United Nations flag may not be displayed above or in a position of superior prominence to the United States flag except at the United Nations Headquarters. The flag, when displayed with another against a wall—both from crossed staffs—should be on the right (the flag’s own right), and its staff should be in front of the other staff.

No other flag should be placed above it. The flag of the United States is always the first flag raised and the last to be lowered. When flown with the national banner of other countries, each flag must be displayed from a separate pole of the same height. Each flag should be the same size.

Following the American flag (from left to right), you may display another country's flag, state flags, military and public service flags, local flags, and finally, a company flag. It is essential to note that while state flags and POW/MIA flags can share the same flagpole as the American flag, a company flag should never be on the same flagpole.