What is the American protocol for a friendly country's flag or national anthem?

SGT Joe Sabedra — Sun, 15 Mar 2015 22:13:43 -0400

What is the American protocol for a friendly countries flag or national anthem?

I knew this answer but as years have passed I lean towards respect but unsure of to what level.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 15 at 2015 10:21 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 15 Mar 2015 22:21:01 -0400

SGT Joe Sabedra,

Here in the Republic of Korea, we stand at attention for the ROK flag and national anthem. I've never looked for this protocol in regulation, though.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 16 at 2015 3:55 AM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 16 Mar 2015 03:55:25 -0400

You should respect another countries flag and anthem. If in uniform you should stand at the position of attention while the countries anthem is performed.

If other countries flags are present with the American flag they should not be placed to the left of the American flag as the flag stands, flags will be placed to the right of the American flag (as you're looking at them) in alphabetical order. Unless it is a UN function, then flags are placed in alphabetical order and our flag is way down the line...that pisses me off lol.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 16 at 2015 9:31 AM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 16 Mar 2015 09:31:30 -0400

Not sure if this helps or answers the question but the Navy does have regulations dictating ceremonies and use of flags. The publication is NTP 13 "Flags, Pennants and customs" as far as the US Ensigns relationship to the flags of other nations is states:

203. WITH TWO OR MORE NATIONS
When flags of two or more nations are
displayed, they shall be flown from
separate staffs of the same hight and
shall be approximately equal in size.
International usage forbids the display
of the flag of one nation above that of
another in time of peace.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 16 at 2015 9:33 AM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 16 Mar 2015 09:33:58 -0400

And in relation to the National Anthem
217. WITH THE NATIONAL ANTHEM
When the national anthem is played and the national flag is displayed all
shall salute as specified in paragraph 216. holding the salute through the last
note of the national anthem. When the national anthem is played and the national
flag is not displayed, all shall face the music and salute as specified in
paragraph 216. holding the salute through the last note of the national anthem.
The same mark of respect, as specified above, prescribed for the national anthem
of the United States, shall be shown during the playing of a foreign national
anthem.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Oct 7 at 2019 3:07 PM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Mon, 07 Oct 2019 15:07:04 -0400

Same as ours. The protocol isn't any different.