State Department's Office of Protocol

Question: If both the U.S. national anthem and the national anthem of a foreign country were being played at an event (in the United States), which one would be played first? Find the answer at the Protocol FAQ page.

Since the time of the Egyptian pharaohs, there have been government officials in charge of diplomatic conduct. Today, more than 3,000 years later, it is the Office of the Chief of Protocol that advises, assists, and supports the President of the United States, the Vice President, and the Secretary of State on official matters of national and international protocol, ensuring that the accepted rules of conduct in every capital of the world are implemented.

Visit the following pages to learn more:

• Specific duties of the Office of the Chief of Protocol
• Facts and History
• Photo Gallery

Check out books on diplomatic etiquette available through the University Libraries.