Don’t Be That Person

Learn how to properly display your First Light flag

There are explicit display orientation rules to follow when you’re ready to show off your Syracuse city flag. Whether it’s flying on a flagpole or mounted on a wall, the presentation of the flag is important.

On a Flagpole

Horizontal

When flown on a flagpole horizontally the flag must be affixed to the halyard via the azure-blue hoist side of the flag. It must be affixed to the halyard in such an orientation that the star rests in the uppermost segment. The angles opposite of the vertical legs of both right triangles must meet in the bottommost segment.

Vertical

When flown on a flagpole vertically the flag must be displayed in such an orientation that the star rests in the rightmost segment. The azure blue triangle must rest in the uppermost segment. The navy blue triangle must rest in the bottommost segment. The converging points of the right triangles must meet in the leftmost segment.

Outrigger

When flown at an angle on an outrigger flagpole the flag must be affixed to the halyard via the azure-blue hoist side of the flag. It must be affixed to the halyard in such an orientation that the star rests in the uppermost segment. The angles opposite of the vertical legs of both right triangles must meet in the bottommost segment.

Mounted

Horizontal

When mounted horizontally the flag must be displayed following the same orientation rules as when it is flown on a flagpole horizontally.

Vertical

When mounted vertically the flag must be displayed following the same orientation rules as when it is flown on a flagpole vertically.

Hierarchy Rules

Alongside the U.S. flag on separate flag poles

The U.S. flag always flies furthest to the observer’s left. All other flags, the Syracuse city flag included, must be flown furthest to the observer’s right. All non-national flags must be hoisted at a lower height in relation to the U.S. flag.

Alongside the U.S. flag on the same flag pole

The U.S. flag always flies at the top-most position of a flag pole. All other flags, both national and non-national, the Syracuse city flag included, must be hoisted below it.

Alongside the U.S. flag and other local, non-national flags

The U.S. flag always flies furthest to the observer’s left. To the right of the U.S. flag will fly all other non-national flags in the following order from left to right: state flags, county flags, then city flags. All non-national flags must be hoisted at a lower height in relation to the U.S. flag.

Alongside other national flags

The U.S. flag always flies furthest to the observer’s left. To the right of the U.S. flag will fly nation flags. Finally, municipal flags like the Syracuse city flag will fly furthest to the observer’s right. National flags may be hoisted at the same height as the U.S. flag. All non-national flags must be hoisted at a lower height.

Syracuse City Flag Display FAQs

  • The Syracuse city flag has specific orientation rules to ensure it is shown as intended when flown or mounted.

    • On a flagpole (horizontal): attach the flag by the azure-blue hoist side so the star is in the uppermost segment and the points of the triangles meet in the bottommost segment.

    • On a flagpole (vertical): orient the flag so the star appears in the rightmost segment, the azure blue triangle is at the top, the navy blue triangle at the bottom, and the converging points of both triangles meet in the leftmost segment.

    • Wall-mounted: follow the same orientation rules as the corresponding flagpole display (horizontal orientation for horizontal mounting; vertical orientation for vertical mounting).

  • The Syracuse city flag may be displayed indoors or mounted on a wall, provided it follows the same orientation rules used for flagpole display.

    • When mounted horizontally on a wall, the flag should be oriented as it would be on a horizontal flagpole, with the azure-blue hoist side triangle with grommets positioned to the left, the navy blue triangle positioned to the right, the star in the uppermost segment, and the points of the two triangles meeting in the bottommost segment.

    • When mounted vertically on a wall, the flag should be rotated so the star appears in the rightmost segment, with the azure blue triangle at the top, the navy blue triangle at the bottom, and the converging points of both triangles meeting in the leftmost segment.

    • The flag should remain flat, unobstructed, and clearly visible, without cropping, distortion, or alteration to the design.

  • The Syracuse city flag may share a pole with other flags when necessary, provided proper flag hierarchy and orientation are maintained.

    • When displayed on the same pole as the U.S. flag, the U.S. flag must always occupy the highest position on the pole, with the Syracuse city flag displayed beneath it.

    • When flown on the same pole as New York State, county, or other municipal flags, the order from top to bottom should be: New York State flag, county flag (if present), then the Syracuse city flag.

    • When multiple non-national flags share a pole, the Syracuse city flag should never be placed above a national or state flag, but may be placed above other local or organizational flags.

  • When displayed together, the Syracuse city flag must always be subordinate to the flag of the United States.

    • If both flags are flown on the same pole, the U.S. flag must be positioned at the top of the pole, with the Syracuse city flag flown beneath it.

    • If the flags are flown on separate poles and viewed from the front, the U.S. flag should be positioned to the observer’s left, with the Syracuse city flag positioned to the observer’s right.

    • The Syracuse city flag should never be flown at the same height as, or above, the U.S. flag in any display configuration.

    • These rules apply regardless of whether the display is permanent, ceremonial, indoor, or outdoor.

  • When displayed alongside other national flags, the Syracuse city flag must remain subordinate to all national flags.

    • If the Syracuse city flag is displayed on the same pole as a national flag, the national flag must always occupy the highest position on the pole, with the Syracuse city flag flown beneath it.

    • When multiple national flags are displayed together, national flags may be flown at the same height as one another, while the Syracuse city flag must be flown at a lower position.

    • When displayed on separate poles and viewed from the front, national flags should be positioned to the observer’s left, with the Syracuse city flag positioned to the observer’s right.

  • When flown alongside other state, county, and municipal flags, the Syracuse city flag should follow standard governmental hierarchy.

    • If the flags share a single pole, the order from top to bottom should be: state flag at the top, county flag beneath it (if present), and the Syracuse city flag below the county flag.

    • If the flags are displayed on separate poles and viewed from the front, state flags should be positioned to the observer’s left, followed by county flags, with the Syracuse city flag positioned to the observer’s right.

    • When multiple municipal flags are flown together, the Syracuse city flag may be displayed at the same height as other municipal flags, provided it does not precede state or county flags.

    • The Syracuse city flag should never be placed above a state or county flag in any display configuration.