Flag Display Protocols

​​​​​Wisconsin State Capitol & DOA-Managed Buildings

Updated June 2025

1. State Capitol — What Flies Where

​​2. Special-Purpose & Temporary Flags

• Governor-issued Executive Orders occasionally authorize any jurisdiction of the State of Wisconsin to display additional flags (e.g., Pride Month flag, Juneteenth flag, etc.).
  

• Because many flagpoles can hold only one auxiliary flag, the priority is:

  1. U.S. Flag (always highest or solitary)

  2. Wisconsin State Flag

  3. Executive-Order flag(s) in the order specified.

• When multiple commemorative flags are ordered simultaneously and flagpole space is limited, the later Executive Order supersedes earlier ones for the duration stated (e.g., Juneteenth flag replaces Pride flag on June 19).
  

3. Risser Justice Center 

• Shorter, façade-mounted poles limit flag capacity:

  • U.S. flag has a dedicated pole and is never displaced.

  • Wisconsin state flag is removed when an Executive-Order flag (e.g., Pride, Juneteenth) must be flown.

• Mechanical failure (e.g., broken halyard):
  

  • If only one operable pole remains, the U.S. flag is flown alone.

  • If pole height allows, the Wisconsin state flag may fly beneath the U.S. flag.

4. When Flags Are Removed or Replaced

• Flags are replaced only when worn or faded; otherwise, the established display pattern remains unchanged.

• Locations without flagpoles cannot participate in Executive-Order displays until infrastructure is added.

• All 24-hour flags are properly illuminated in accordance with the U.S. Flag Code and Department of Military Affairs (DMA) guidance.

5. Why the POW-MIA Flag Flies Permanently

• Photographic evidence shows a continuous display since roughly 1982-84.

• No Executive Order mandates its permanent status; rather, its decades-long presence at the Wisconsin State Capitol has made it a Capitol tradition, honoring Wisconsin’s missing service members in proximity to the Grand Army of the Republic Memorial Hall, also located within the North Wing of the State Capitol.

6. Federal & State Flag Etiquette at a Glance

• Raising & Lowering – Hoist briskly, lower ceremoniously.

• Time – Sunrise to sunset; 24 hours if illuminated.

• Inclement Weather – Use all-weather flags or remove during severe weather.

• Order of Precedence – U.S. flag is highest and to its own right; no flag above it.
  

• Half-Staff – Raise to peak, then lower to half-staff; reverse before retiring for the day.

• Respect – Never used as apparel, advertising, or drapery; retire worn flags by dignified burning.

(For full details, consult Title 4, U.S. Code and the links below.)

7. Key References & Notifications

• Wisconsin DMA Flag-Lowering Orders: subscribe for alerts
  

• Congressional Research Service: The United States Flag: Federal Law (RL30243)
  

• White House Proclamations & Executive Orders
  

• Wisconsin Governor’s Executive Orders (historical archive) or subscribe for alerts​
  

8. Questions?

For Capitol flag logistics, contact the Wisconsin Department of Administration, Division of Facilities & Transportation Services, at DOADFTS@wisconsin.gov or 608-266-2731​​

Quick Facts

• Illumination: All Capitol flags are lit from dusk to dawn.

• Session Flags: Look up—if you see only two flags, the Legislature is out; see three, one house is in; see four, both houses are in session.

• Tours: Docents are happy to explain flag traditions on every guided Capitol tour—just ask!​​
  

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