How to Display the Marine Corps Flag with Honor and Respect

The scarlet Marine Corps flag is more than a bold red field with an Eagle, Globe & Anchor. It’s a promise. A silent “Semper Fi” flying in the wind.

That’s why so many people — Marines, veterans, military families, and civilians who simply love the Corps — want to fly it proudly. But that raises an important question:

What’s the correct way to display the Marine Corps flag, especially alongside the American flag?

In this guide from TidmoreFlags.com, we’ll walk through exactly how to display the Marine Corps flag at home, at your business, at a school, or at a ceremony — covering outdoor flagpoles, indoor displays, processions, and etiquette. We’ll also answer a few common questions like “Who’s allowed to fly it?” and “Where should it go in a lineup of flags?”

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A Front Yard Story: Why Displaying the Marine Corps Flag Correctly Matters

Imagine this scene.

A Marine has just graduated from boot camp. Their parents are bursting with pride. They’ve already had a U.S. flag on the front porch for years, but today they bring out a brand-new Marine Corps flag — scarlet, crisp, and still smelling like fresh nylon or polyester.

They want to fly it immediately, side by side with Old Glory. They grab two hooks on the same pole, clip the U.S. flag on top and the Marine Corps flag below, and step back to admire it. neighbors drive by, slow down, and give a little nod. They might not know the details, but they recognize the flags and the story they tell.

In that moment, the family hasn’t just “decorated” their home — they’ve joined a tradition. And because they placed the flags correctly, they’ve done it with respect.

This guide is here to help you do the same.

Who Can Display the Marine Corps Flag?

Let’s start by clearing up one of the biggest misconceptions about the Marine Corps flag:

There is no official rule that says only Marines can fly the Marine Corps flag.

In practice, people who display the USMC flag often include:

• Active-duty Marines who fly it at home, in barracks, or at off-base housing.
• Veterans who use it to mark their service and identity, long after leaving active duty.
• Military families — parents, spouses, siblings, and children who want to honor “their Marine.”
• Civic organizations, schools, churches, and businesses that support the Marine Corps and U.S. military.
• Civilians who respect the Corps and want to show their appreciation.

The key is not who you are on paper — it’s how respectfully you treat the flag. If you fly it with care and follow basic etiquette, you’re doing it right.

Order of Precedence: Where the Marine Corps Flag Belongs in a Lineup

When flying multiple flags, there’s a generally accepted order of precedence in the United States. This matters any time you’re flying the Marine Corps flag alongside other flags such as the U.S. flag, state flags, and other service flags.

The basic idea is simple:

The U.S. flag is always in the position of honor. Service flags, including the Marine Corps flag, follow in a defined order.

Here’s a typical order of precedence when you’re flying several flags together:

1. U.S. Flag 
2. State Flag
3. POW/MIA Flag
4. Army Flag
5. Marine Corps Flag
6. Navy Flag
7. Air Force Flag
8. Coast Guard Flag
9. Space Force Flag (where used)

So if you’re flying the U.S. flag, your state flag, and the Marine Corps flag together, the Marine Corps flag will usually appear after the state and POW/MIA (if present) and after the Army flag, but before other service flags.

This order is especially important for ceremonies, schools, government buildings, veterans’ posts, and parades.

How to Display the Marine Corps Flag with the American Flag (Outdoors)

The most common question people ask is:

“What’s the correct way to fly the Marine Corps flag with the U.S. flag on a pole?”

The answer starts with one rule that never changes:

The American flag always goes in the position of honor — higher or to the viewer’s right.

On Separate Flagpoles

• When you have two poles of equal height, the U.S. flag should be on the pole to the viewer’s left (this is the flag’s own right).
• The Marine Corps flag goes on the adjoining pole to the viewer’s right.
• If you add more flags (state, POW/MIA, other branches), place them in order of precedence, all at the same height or lower than the U.S. flag.

On a Single Flagpole

• The U.S. flag must always be at the top of the pole.
• The Marine Corps flag is flown below the U.S. flag, attached to a second set of clips or another halyard.
• The Marine Corps flag should be the same size or smaller than the American flag, never larger.

If you only have one pole and only one hook, the correct choice is to fly , or upgrade your setup to allow multiple flags while keeping the U.S. flag at the top.

Indoor Displays: How to Hang the Marine Corps Flag on a Wall or Stand

Whether you’re setting up for a Marine Corps Birthday Ball, a Veterans Day program, or decorating an office or church, the same principles apply indoors.

On a Floor Stand (Indoor/Parade Set)

When you use a floor stand and indoor pole:

• The U.S. flag should be on the viewer’s left
• The Marine Corps flag should be to the viewer’s right
• Both flags should be displayed clean, untangled, and able to fall free from their poles.

Indoor/parade Marine Corps flags often have a gold fringe, which is appropriate for ceremonies and indoor use. Outdoor flags typically do not have fringe.

Hanging the Marine Corps Flag Flat Against a Wall

When the Marine Corps flag is displayed flat indoors, especially alongside the U.S. flag:

• If both flags are on the wall, the U.S. flag should be in the position of honor — generally to the viewer’s left.
• The U.S. flag’s union (blue field with stars) should always be at the top and to the flag’s own right, which is the viewer’s left.
• The Marine Corps flag should be placed to the right (from the viewer’s perspective) or slightly lower than the U.S. flag if on the same wall.

Vertical Displays

When hanging the U.S. flag vertically, the union should always be at the top and to the flag’s own right (observer’s left). The Marine Corps flag should follow the same logic — but always arranged so that Old Glory is still in the position of honor.

Respect & Etiquette: Caring for the Marine Corps Flag

Learning how to display the Marine Corps flag correctly goes hand-in-hand with knowing how to treat it with respect.

Basic Etiquette

• The flag should never touch the ground or water.
• It should not be used as clothing, bedding, drapery, or to carry items.
• A flag that becomes excessively worn, torn, or dirty should be cleaned or retired in a dignified manner.
• When displayed at night, flags should be properly illuminated. If they can’t be lit, best practice is to bring them down at sunset and raise them again at sunrise.

These principles apply to both the U.S. flag and the Marine Corps flag. When you treat both with respect, your display sends a powerful message about the value you place on service and sacrifice.

Quick-Start Checklist: Are You Displaying Your Marine Corps Flag Correctly?

Here’s a simple list you can reference as you set up your flag display:

• Is the U.S. flag in the highest position or on the viewer’s right?
• Is the Marine Corps flag below or to the left of the U.S. flag (from the viewer’s point of view)?
•  Are all flags the same size or smaller than the U.S. flag, never larger?
• Is the union (blue field of the U.S. flag) at the top and to its own right when hung flat or vertically?
•  Are you following the order of precedence if you’re flying multiple flags (U.S., state, POW/MIA, Army, Marine Corps, etc.)?
•  Is the flag **not touching the ground**, kept clean, and displayed in good condition?
•  If flown at night, is your display **properly lit**?

If you can answer “yes” to those questions, you’re doing a great job honoring both Old Glory and the Corps.

How the Marine Corps Flag Appears in Parades & Processions

Displays on homes and buildings are one thing. What about parades, color guards, and formal processions?

In a procession with multiple service flags, there is also an order of precedence. The positions can vary by event, but a common service order is:

• Army
• Marine Corps
• Navy
• Air Force
• Coast Guard

Within that lineup, the Marine Corps flag would typically be to the left of the Army flag when viewed from behind the color guard. The U.S. flag is still central and in the place of honor.

The same respect rules apply: flags held upright, not allowed to touch the ground, carried with consistency and dignity throughout the event.

FAQ: How to Display the Marine Corps Flag

1. Do I have to be a Marine or veteran to fly the Marine Corps flag?

No. There’s no official restriction on who can display the Marine Corps flag. It’s most commonly flown by Marines, veterans, and their families, but many civilians and organizations also fly it to show support and respect for the Corps.

2. Where should the Marine Corps flag go when flying it with the American flag?

When flown with the U.S. flag, the Marine Corps flag should be below the U.S. flag on the same pole or on a separate pole to the viewer’s right (with the U.S. flag on the viewer’s left). The American flag is always in the position of honor — highest and/or furthest to the right from the observer’s perspective.

3. Can the Marine Corps flag be larger than the U.S. flag?

No. The Marine Corps flag should be the same size or smaller than the U.S. flag, never larger. This reinforces that the American flag holds the senior position in any display.

4. What’s the difference between an indoor and outdoor Marine Corps flag?

Indoor/parade Marine Corps flags often feature a gold fringe and are mounted on poles with stands and spearhead ornaments, used for ceremonies, offices, and indoor displays. Outdoor Marine Corps flags are typically unfringed and constructed from durable nylon or polyester with grommets for hoisting on a flagpole in wind, sun, and rain.

5. How should I dispose of a worn Marine Corps flag?

When your Marine Corps flag (or U.S. flag) becomes too worn, faded, or damaged to be displayed respectfully, it should be retired in a dignified manner. Local veterans’ organizations (like the VFW or American Legion), Scout troops, and some civic groups hold flag retirement ceremonies and will accept flags for proper disposal.

6. If I only have one flagpole, what’s the best display?

If you only have one halyard or attachment point, the safest option is to fly **only the U.S. flag** or upgrade your hardware to allow an additional attachment point so you can fly the Marine Corps flag below it. The U.S. flag should always remain at the top.

One Last Question: What Story Will Your Marine Corps Flag Tell?

We’ve covered the rules, the order of precedence, and the dos and don’ts. But here’s a more personal question:

When someone sees a Marine Corps flag at your home, business, or post — what story do you want it to tell?

That a Marine lives here? That a family is proud of their son, daughter, spouse, or parent? That a community remembers and honors those who served? Or simply that you respect the Corps and what it stands for?

However you answer that, flying the flag correctly — with the U.S. flag in the place of honor, with the right size and position, and with respect — is the best way to make sure that story comes across clearly.

Ready to Display the Marine Corps Flag the Right Way?

If you’re ready to put this into practice, the next step is choosing the right flag.

At Tidmore Flags, we offer:

• Outdoor Marine Corps flags in durable nylon and heavy-duty polyester, ideal for homes, VFW posts, and businesses.
• Indoor/presentation USMC flags with gold fringe, perfect for schools, churches, offices, and ceremonies.
• Made in the USA options that honor the quality and standards Marines expect.

Shop Marine Corps flags here:
TidmoreFlags.com – Marine Corps Flags Collection

Fly it with pride. Fly it with respect. And every time that scarlet field catches the light beneath Old Glory, you’ll know you’re displaying the Marine Corps flag the right way.