The Navy Bible

The Navy Bible

Did you know that in the flag code today, there is one flag that is allowed to fly higher than the American flag? It is the call to divine service for those aboard naval vessels out at sea. The code states:

(c) No other flag or pennant should be placed above or, if on the same level, to the right of the flag of the United States of America, except during church services conducted by naval chaplains at sea, when the church pennant may be flown above the flag during church services for the personnel of the Navy.

It is believed that this practice originated long before it officially became law in 1942. Even though in modern times, the church pennant has been expanded to include other faiths (Jewish flag flown in in 1976 and Buddist flag flown in 2022), for decades, the only flag that flew higher than the American flag was a Christian one.

If you would like to see one in person, visit the WallBuilders Museum. During the tour, you might also see one of the World War II era Naval Bibles in the WallBuilders’ collection that shows this flag flying higher than the American flag.