The United States flag calls to our spirit, reminding us of the greatness of America. It has been a symbol of our independence since the June 14, 1777 adoption of the first thirteen-star version which represented the original thirteen colonies that rebelled against the British monarchy to become the first thirteen states of a new sovereign nation. Now, the United States of America has 50 states, and the current flag, adopted July 4, 1960, proudly displays a blue union of 50 stars to represent each of them, and thirteen stripes to represent those original thirteen colonies. As American citizens, we cherish and uphold the American flag because it represents the standard of honor under which we live, and the principles of liberty on which this country was founded.
The American flag is not just flown on Independence Day. As Americans, we proudly display the flag to show our allegiance to our country, and as an act of patriotism. Therefore, the flag may be seen displayed on all days when the weather permits, but especially on legal holidays or other special occasions. It is customary to display the flag from sunrise to sunset on buildings or on stationary flagstaffs in the open. The flag may be displayed at night with the use of spotlights.
The flag should be raised and lowered by hand on a flagpole. While raising it, unfurl it and hoist it quickly to the peak of the pole. It should be lowered slowly and ceremoniously. When flown at half-staff, the flag should be hoisted to the peak, then immediately lowered to the half-staff position. It should be raised to the peak again for a moment before it is lowered for the day.
When to Fly the Flag
The flag may be displayed every day, but it is particularly appropriate to display the flag on the following days:
New Year’s Day — January 1
Martin Luther King Day — Third Monday in January
Inauguration Day — January 20
Lincoln’s Birthday — February 12
President’s Day — Third Monday in February
Army Day — April 6
Easter Sunday — April 24, 2011 (date is variable)
V-E Day — May 8
Mother’s Day — Second Sunday in May
Peace Officers Memorial Day (half-staff) — May 15
Armed Forces Day — Third Saturday in May
Memorial Day (half-staff until noon) — Last Monday in May
Flag Day — June 14
Father’s Day — Third Sunday in June
Independence Day — July 4
National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day — July 27
Purple Heart Day — August 7
V-J Day — August 14
National Aviation Day — August 19
Labor Day — First Monday in September
Patriot Day (half-staff) 10th Anniversary of 9/11 — September 11
National POW/MIA Recognition Day — Third Friday in September
Constitution Day — September 17
Gold Star Mothers Day — Last Sunday in September
Firefighters Memorial Day (half-staff) — Sunday before or on October 9th
Columbus Day — Second Monday in October
Navy Day — October 27
Election Day — First Tuesday in November
Marine Corp Day — November 10
Veteran’s Day — November 11
Thanksgiving Day — Fourth Thursday in November
Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day (half-staff) — December 7
