How to Properly Display the Alabama Flag: A Practical Etiquette Guide for Homes, Schools and Businesses

If you’re proud to call Alabama home, flying the state flag is one of the boldest ways to show it. That bright crimson cross of St. Andrew against a white field is instantly recognizable—and when it’s displayed correctly, it sends a powerful message of respect and pride.

But here’s the catch: if the Alabama flag is hung the wrong way, placed in the wrong position, or flown incorrectly with the U.S. flag, you might be breaking flag etiquette—and in some cases, even state law.

Have you ever paused and wondered, “Am I actually displaying my Alabama flag the right way?”

In this guide, we’ll walk through how to properly display the Alabama flag in real-world situations—at home, at school, in offices, at parades, and more. We’ll blend Alabama state requirements, traditional flag etiquette, and U.S. Flag Code principles so you can be confident your display is both beautiful and respectful.

And if you’re ready to upgrade your display by the end, you’ll find high-quality, Made-in-the-USA Alabama state flags and U.S. flags at TidmoreFlags.com, a trusted flag retailer since 1963.

The Meaning Behind the Crimson Cross – Why Proper Alabama Flag Display Matters

Before we talk about how to display the Alabama flag, it helps to remember why it deserves careful treatment.

The Alabama state flag features a bold crimson St. Andrew’s cross on a white background. It’s simple, striking, and easily visible from a distance—perfect for flying over schools, homes, and public buildings.

When you follow proper etiquette:

• You show respect for Alabama’s heritage.
• You align with U.S. Flag Code principles when flying it with the American flag.
• In schools and public institutions, you help keep the state in line with Alabama law governing flag display.

In other words, proper Alabama flag display isn’t just about “looking nice”—it’s about honoring the symbols that represent your state and your country.

Story Time: The School That Got It Right (and Set the Standard)

Picture this:
A small Alabama town with a brick school that’s been standing for generations. The building has seen Friday night games, science fairs, and countless graduations. But for years, the Alabama flag hanging near the entrance was… a little off.

It was hung in a hallway window, twisted so the crimson cross didn’t sit quite right. The U.S. flag outside was flying strong—but there was no Alabama flag on the outdoor pole at all.

One day, a new principal arrived—a former history teacher who loved the Flag Code as much as football season. She did a quick walkthrough and spotted the issues immediately.

• The U.S. flag flew out front, but the Alabama flag was missing where it mattered most.
• Indoors, the Alabama flag was hung in a way that didn’t follow proper orientation.

So she made two changes:

1. Installed an Alabama state flag on the flagpole out front, beneath the U.S. flag, in compliance with proper flag protocol and state expectations.
2. Rehung the indoor flag properly, with the crimson cross oriented correctly for people viewing it in the hallway.

The result?
Parents noticed. Students asked questions about the flags. A quick lesson on Alabama history and flag etiquette turned into a proud moment for the entire school.

That’s the power of displaying the Alabama flag the right way: it quietly teaches respect, history, and pride—every single day.

Alabama Flag Display Basics: Orientation, Position, and Respect

Let’s start with the foundation: how the Alabama flag should look and where it belongs in common display situations.

1. Displaying the Alabama Flag on a Wall or in a Window

When the Alabama flag is hung flat against a wall or in a window, orientation matters:

• You may hang it horizontally or vertically.
• The crimson St. Andrew’s cross (“union”) should be to the observer’s left when viewed from the street or main viewing area.
• When viewed from outside, the cross should appear in the same honorable orientation you’d expect if the flag were flying freely.

This mirrors the U.S. flag rule where the union (blue field) must be to the observer’s left. It keeps the Alabama flag consistent and respectful in any room or storefront.

2. Flying the Alabama Flag on a Flagpole with the U.S. Flag

When the Alabama flag is flown with the U.S. flag, the American flag must always hold the position of honor. That means:

• On the same flagpole:
  • The U.S. flag is at the top.
  • The Alabama flag is below it, on the same halyard.
• The Alabama flag should never be flown above the U.S. flag on the same pole.
• Any Alabama flag flown with the U.S. flag should be equal or smaller in size, never larger.

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If you’re using two separate poles:

• The U.S. flag should be on its own right (the observer’s left).
• The Alabama flag flies on the adjacent pole, slightly lower or equal height, but never higher.

This approach follows the U.S. Flag Code standard for state flags and ensures that Old Glory is always clearly in the position of honor.

3. Over a Street: Vertical Alabama Flag Display

If you’re displaying the Alabama flag over a street—for a festival, parade, or civic event—the orientation still matters:

• Over an east–west street: the union (crimson cross orientation) should face north.
• Over a north–south street: the union should face east.

This keeps your Alabama flag in alignment with traditional guidelines for vertical flag display and ensures drivers and pedestrians see the flag properly oriented as they pass underneath.

4. In Parades and Group Displays

When the Alabama flag is part of a parade or group display:

• The U.S. flag should always be in the highest position of honor—either leading the parade or to its own right (the observer’s left).
• The Alabama flag can follow the U.S. flag or be part of a line of flags representing states, cities, or organizations, but never above or in front of the U.S. flag.
• In a group of flags on staffs, the U.S. flag belongs:
  • At the center and highest point, or
  • To its own right (observer’s left) if all flags are at equal height.

The Alabama flag should be equal in dignity but secondary in precedence to the U.S. flag in any mixed display. 

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Quick-Reference Checklist: How to Properly Display the Alabama Flag

Here’s a simple checklist you can use at home, school, or the office:

• Orientation on wall/window: Crimson cross (union) to the observer’s left.
• With the U.S. flag on the same pole: U.S. flag on top; Alabama flag beneath it.
• Size relationship: Alabama flag equal or smaller than the U.S. flag, never larger.
• Multiple poles: U.S. flag on its own right (observer’s left); Alabama flag on adjacent pole.
• Over a street: Union toward north (east–west street) or east (north–south street).
• Parades/group displays: U.S. flag in position of honor; Alabama flag following or supporting.
• Lighting: Flag illuminated at night by sunlight or artificial light.
• Weather: Fly in fair weather unless you have an all-weather flag.
• Half-staff: Raise to the peak briefly, then lower to half-staff; reverse at day’s end.

Keep this list handy near your flagpole or in your facilities manual, and you’ll always be one step ahead on etiquette.

Alabama Law, Schools, and Public Buildings: When the Flag Isn’t Optional

For homes and private businesses, flying the Alabama flag is a choice—a powerful one, but still optional.

For many schools and public institutions in Alabama, however, displaying the flag is more than a matter of pride; it’s a matter of state law.

In general terms, Alabama law requires that:

• Public schools and educational institutions supported by public funds must display both the U.S. flag and the Alabama state flag on flagpoles in front of the main building whenever school is in session, following proper flag protocol.
• Local boards of education and administrative buildings that fly the U.S. flag must also prominently display the Alabama state flag on a pole near the main entrance, whenever the U.S. flag is flown.
• Very small municipalities (population 1,000 or less) may be exempt, unless they are flying other flags—then the rules come back into play.

While this isn’t legal advice, it’s a strong reminder:
If you’re a school administrator, district leader, or facilities manager in Alabama, proper flag display isn’t just about etiquette—it may be part of your legal responsibility.

That makes high-quality, durable Alabama state flags and U.S. flags a must-have, not a luxury.

Lighting, Weather, and Half-Staff: Everyday Alabama Flag Etiquette

You’ve got the positioning and orientation down. Now let’s cover how to care for and manage your Alabama flag day to day.

Lighting the Alabama Flag

If you choose to fly your Alabama flag at night, proper etiquette says it should be appropriately illuminated—the flag should be clearly visible.

• For most homes, a simple spotlight aimed at the flag is enough.
• At schools or public buildings, ensure existing exterior lighting adequately covers both the U.S. flag and the Alabama flag on the pole.

If the flags aren’t lit at night, the respectful choice is to lower them at sunset and raise them again in the morning.

Fair-Weather Flying vs. All-Weather Flags

Traditionally, flags (including the Alabama flag) were flown only in fair weather. Today, many flags are made from durable, all-weather materials designed to withstand rain, wind, and sun.

Still, even with all-weather flags:

• Severe storms, high winds, or hurricanes are a good time to take the flag down to prevent damage.
• Regularly inspect your Alabama flag for fraying, fading, or tearing, and retire it respectfully when it becomes too worn.

Your flag should always look like a symbol of pride—not an afterthought.

Half-Staff: Honoring Times of Mourning

When the Alabama flag is flown at half-staff, the process mirrors U.S. flag protocol:

1. Raise the flag briskly to the peak.
2. Lower it slowly to the half-staff position.
3. At the end of the day, raise it to the peak again before lowering it fully.

If the U.S. flag and Alabama flag are on the same pole during a half-staff observance:

• The U.S. flag is still the key reference point.
• Both flags should be lowered together, with the U.S. flag remaining in the uppermost position.

This maintains the established order of precedence while still recognizing the solemn nature of half-staff displays.

Frequently Asked Questions About Proper Alabama Flag Display

Q: Can I fly the Alabama flag by itself without the U.S. flag?
Yes. You can fly the Alabama flag on its own on a flagpole, wall, or window. Just make sure the crimson cross is oriented correctly (union to the observer’s left) and follow basic etiquette for lighting, weather, and condition. When flown with the U.S. flag, the U.S. flag must hold the position of honor.

Q: What size Alabama flag should I fly on my flagpole?
A common rule of thumb is:

• 3' × 5' for most 15–20 ft residential poles
• 4' × 6' for 20–25 ft poles
• 5' × 8' for 25 ft commercial poles and up

If you’re flying the U.S. flag and Alabama flag together, your U.S. flag should generally be the same size or slightly larger, and the Alabama flag may be the same or smaller, but never larger.

Q: Does the Alabama flag have to be displayed at schools?
In Alabama, public schools and educational institutions supported by public funds are generally required to display both the U.S. flag and the Alabama state flag on a flagpole (or poles) in front of the main building while school is in session, following appropriate protocol. Administrative buildings and local boards of education that fly the U.S. flag must also display the Alabama flag. Always check current state law or district policies for exact requirements.

Q: Can I fly other flags (like a city or school flag) with the Alabama flag and U.S. flag?
Yes—but the U.S. flag must always be in the position of honor, with the Alabama flag next in precedence. City, county, school, or organizational flags follow after that. All flags should be appropriately sized, respectful, and never higher than the U.S. flag.

Q: What should I do with a worn-out Alabama state flag?
When your Alabama flag becomes torn, badly faded, or significantly frayed, it’s time to retire it respectfully. Many local veterans’ groups, civic organizations, and sometimes municipalities hold flag retirement ceremonies. You can also check with your local American Legion or VFW post for guidance.

Ready to Fly Your Alabama Flag with Pride? Shop Alabama State Flags at TidmoreFlags.com

When you know how to properly display the Alabama flag, every flagpole, porch, school entrance, and storefront becomes an opportunity to show pride in the Heart of Dixie—the right way.

Whether you’re:

• A homeowner wanting a crisp Alabama flag beneath your U.S. flag
• A school or district needing durable flags to meet state display requirements
• A business, church, or municipality looking for a respectful, polished flag presentation

Tidmore Flags is here to help.

At TidmoreFlags.com, you’ll find:

• High-quality Alabama state flags in multiple sizes for indoor and outdoor use
• U.S. flags that pair perfectly with the Alabama flag on residential or commercial poles
• Flagpoles, brackets, and hardware to build a complete, long-lasting display
• Friendly flag experts who can help you choose the right materials and sizes for Alabama’s weather and your specific site

If you’re ready to upgrade your display and ensure your Alabama flag is always flown with the honor it deserves, shop Alabama state flags at TidmoreFlags.com and let your pride fly high—and properly.