History of Flag Flying Holidays

January

January 1 (New Year’s Day) – New Year’s Day celebrates the beginning of a new year according to the Gregorian calendar which is generally accepted in the USA. It is normally accompanied by fireworks and kisses at the turn of 12 AM. New York holds the largest celebration in New York where the “ball” drops at the turn of midnight

January 20th (Inauguration day) – Inauguration Day occurs every 4 years and coincides with the inauguration of new presidents. The last Inauguration Day to take place was on January 20th, 2009 with President Barack Obama. The Holiday was first established to take place on March 4th of the Inauguration year and was celebrated on that date from 1978 through 1933. Following the ratification of the 20th Amendment; however, the date was changed to January 20th. When the 20th occurs on a Sunday, the day is then pushed to the 21st (Monday). The next Inauguration day will take place on January 20th, 2013.

Martin Luther King Jr. (3rd Monday in January) – Martin Luther King Jr. Day is celebrated on the 3rd Monday of each January despite his true birthday being January 15th, 1929. It commemorates Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a leader and chief spokesperson for non-violent activism during the Civil Rights movement. Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in 1968 and the Holiday was first signed into law by Ronald Reagan in 1983 but was not observed until 1986.

February

President’s Day (3rd Monday in February) – President’s Day was first established by Congress in 1880 to honor George Washington and was originally celebrated on February 22nd, the actual birth date of George Washington (1732). It was later changed to President’s Day to honor the Presidency position in general.

April

Easter Sunday (April 4th, 2010) – Easter is celebrated on the 1st Sunday of April following the first full moon of the vernal equinox. It is considered by many to be one of the most important Holidays in the Christian religion marking the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The next celebration will take place on April 4th, 2010.

May

Mothers Day (Second Sunday in May) – Mother’s Day was first established by Anna Jarvis on May 12, 1907 following the passing of her mother. After campaigning, she succeeded in making Mother’s Day recognized nationally in 1914. Remember to give thanks to all the Mothers on May 9th, which marks the next time it will be recognized.

Peace Officers Memorial Day (May 15th, 2010) – Peace Officers Memorial Day pays tribute to all of the Federal, State, and local peace officers who protect us from crime, harm, and terrorism. It is recognized on May 15th and gives thanks to the many of officers have paid the ultimate price for the protection of our freedoms. The flag is to be flown at half-staff on this day.

Memorial Day (Last Monday in May) – Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday of May each year. It honors those who have served and died while serving in the US Military. It was first enacted in 1868 following the Civil War and flags are asked to be served at half-staff until noon local time. Then, the flag is raised to its normal height. It will be next recognized on May 31, 2010.

June

Flag Day (June 14th) – The United State Flag Day celebrates the adoption of the flag of the United States of America which occurred on June 14, 1777. Flag Day was proclaimed a Holiday by Woodrow Wilson in August of 1949 yet is not recognized as a Federal holiday.

July

Independence Day (July 4th) – Independence Day is celebrated every July 4th in the United States and represents the independence of the 13 original colonies from the British. It was originally adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4th, 1776 and the Declaration was mainly written by Thomas Jefferson. July 4th has become one of the largest Holidays in the US and is often characterized by fireworks and the red, white, and blue as well as flying the American Flag.

September

Labor Day (1st Monday in September) – Labor Day is celebrated on the 1st Monday of September every year. Labor Day was originally created when Peter J McGuire witnessed a Canadian celebration of the “Nine Hour Movement”, a movement to establish labor laws in Canada…then returned to New York to organize the first Labor Day on September 5th, 1882. It was originally marked by parades and was established to honor the many achievements and inventions of the American workers. It will next be observed on September 6th, 2010.

Patriot Day (September 11th) – Patriot Day occurs on September 11 of each year. It honors the many lives lost in the Sept. 11 attack of 2001 and was originally signed into law on December 18, 2001 by President George W. Bush. It is marked by flying flags at half-staff throughout the day at homes, government offices, and the White House. Also, we are asked to observe a moment of silence at 8:46 AM which marks the time when the first plane hit the World Trade Center.

Constitution Day (September 17th) – Constitution Day is recognized on September 17th of each year and is in observance of the ratification of the Constitution of the United States. September 17th marks the date when Constitution was signed by Constitutional Convention in 1787. The law establishing Constitution Day was not created until 2004 though. When the 17th falls on a weekend, schools and other institutions will recognize the Holiday on an adjacent weekday, either the Friday before or Monday following.

POW/MIA Recognition Day (3rd Friday in September) – National POW/MIA Recognition Day is celebrated on the 3rd Friday of each September. Designed to honor all of the prisoners of war and those missing in action, it is one of the only Holidays where the black and white POW/MIA flag “federal facilities and cemeteries, post offices, and military installations”. The next POW/MIA Recognition Day will be on Sept. 18th, 2009.

October

Columbus Day (2nd Monday in October; October 12th at Foreign Service posts) – Columbus Day celebrates the anniversary of Christopher Columbus’ arrival into the Americas on October 12, 1492. It is not only recognized by the US, but also by many countries in the “New World”. In the US, It was first officially celebrated by Colorado in 1905 and became a Federal holiday in 1970.

November

Veterans Day (November 11th) – Give thanks to all of the brave men and women who have served in the US Military on Veterans Day this November 11th. It was first proclaimed as Armistice Day on November 12, 1919 by Woodrow Wilson. It was officially changed to Veterans Day on November 8th, 1954 replacing Armistice with Veterans to honor all veterans throughout each war of the United States. When November 11th falls on a Sunday, the Holiday day off is pushed to the following Monday.

Thanksgiving (4th Thursday in November) – Thanksgiving Day is celebrated on the 4th Thursday of each November and was originally designed to give thanks for the reaped harvest of the autumn. Thanksgiving dinner is common and is generally eaten with friends and family.

December

Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day (December 7th) – Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day takes place each year on December 7th, the date of the Pearl Harbor attacks in 1941. It is designed to give thanks and remembrance for the many service men and women who lost their lives on that day. Pearl Harbor marks the second worst foreign attack on American soil behind 9/11/01. Flags are asked to be flown at half-staff on this day.

Christmas Day (December 25th) – Christmas is generally regarded as the largest Holiday in the USA and is characterized by presents and gifts given between people. This holiday is designed to celebrate the birth of Jesus of Nazareth. It occurs on December 25th of each year. The holiday is characterized with presents, Christmas trees, and food.

Cleaning Your American Flag

To keep rich colors looking bright, clean your flag regularly. Regular cleaning will stop soiling and discoloration from dirt, smoke, dust and other airborne contaminants from setting into the fabric.

Outdoor flags can be hand-washed with warm water and a mild soap. Do not let the flag stand in water to avoid having the colors bleed into the white stripes.

Professional dry cleaning is recommended for indoor/parade flags. Many dry cleaners will clean flags free of charge when you bring other personal items.

American Flag Folding Ceremony

Flag Folding Ceremony

Have you ever noticed how the color guard pays meticulous attention to correctly folding the American flag 13 times? Did you think it symbolized the original 13 colonies? It actually represents something different.

The 1st fold of our flag is a symbol of life.

The 2nd fold is a symbol of our belief in eternal life.

The 3rd fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veterans departing our ranks who gave a portion of their lives for the defense of our country to attain peace throughout the world.

The 4th fold represents our weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in time of war for His divine guidance.

The 5th fold is a tribute to our country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, “Our Country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right; but it is still our country, right or wrong.”

The 6th fold is for where our hearts lie. It is with our heart that We pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all.

The 7th fold is a tribute to our Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed Forces that we protect our country and our flag against all her enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of our republic.

The 8th fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day.

The 9th fold is a tribute to womanhood, and Mothers. For it has been through their faith, their love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great, have been molded.

The 10th fold is a tribute to the father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of our country since they were first born.

The 11th fold represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon and glorifies in the Hebrews’ eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

The 12th fold represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in the Christians’ eyes, God the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit.

The 13th fold, or when the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost reminding us of our nation’s motto, “In God We Trust”.

After the flag is completely folded and tucked in, it takes on the appearance of a cocked hat.

From the US Air Force Academy

American Flag Flying Holidays

Flag Flying Dates

It is permissible to fly the American Flag any and every day of the year, but we especially recommend that all Americans fly the flag on special holidays and historically significant dates.

The flag is a symbol of U.S. freedom, the very foundation of which our country was built. This foundation is strengthened by the servicemen and women currently deployed oversees and those defending our shores, and by the thousands who have given their lives to defend the liberties we enjoy. Fly the Amercian flag on these dates:

New Year’s Day – January 1
Martin Luther King Day – 3rd Monday in January
Inauguration Day – January 20
Lincoln’s Birthday – February 12
Washington’s Birthday – 3rd Monday in February
Easter Sunday – Variable
Patriots’ Day – 3rd Monday in April
Mother’s Day – 2nd Sunday in May
Peace Officers Memorial Day – May 19 (fly at half-mast)
Armed Forces Day – 3rd Saturday in May
Memorial Day – Last Monday in May (fly at half-mast)
Flag Day – June 14
Father’s Day – 3rd Sunday in June
Independence Day – July 4
Korean War Veterans Day – July 27
Labor Day – 1st Monday in September
Patriot Day / Sept 11 – September 11 (fly at half-mast)
Constitution Day – September 17
Gold Star Mother’s Day – Last Sunday in September
Columbus Day – 2nd Monday in October
Navy Day – October 27
Election Day – 1st Tuesday in November
Veteran’s Day – November 11
Thanksgiving Day – 4th Thursday in November
Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day – December 7 (fly at half-mast)
Christmas Day – December 25

Proper way to fold the American flag

Folded American Flag

It has been a long standing military custom that the flag be lowered daily at the last note of retreat. When lowering the flag, special care should be taken to ensure no part of the flag touches the ground. The U.S. flag is to be handled with the utmost care and respect.

What shows respect for the flag? I attended a political campaign in 2006 where the candidate talked about how they loved God and our country and supported our military. There were flags flying everywhere. At the end of the rally, a campaign worker took all the flags and wrapped them around their polls as quickly as possible. She stacked the poles on the ground and eventually tossed them into the back of a pickup truck. Bags of garbage and extra signs were placed on top of the flags.

Now, let’s show you the proper way to fold your flag. This custom of special folding is reserved for the United States Flag alone.

How to fold the Flag

Step 1: To properly fold the Flag, begin by holding it waist-high with another person so that its surface is parallel to the ground.

Step 1

Step 2: Fold the lower half of the stripe section lengthwise over the field of stars, holding the bottom and top edges securely.

Step 2

Step 3: Fold the flag again lengthwise with the blue field on the outside.

Step 3

Step 4: Make a triangular fold by bringing the striped corner of the folded edge to meet the open (top) edge of the flag

Step 4

Step 5: Turn the outer (end) point inward, parallel to the open edge, to form a second triangle.

Step 5

Step 6: The triangular folding is continued until the entire length of the flag is folded in this manner.

Step 6

Step 7: When the flag is completely folded, only a triangular blue field of stars should be visible.

Step 7

Flying a Flag at Half-Staff

American Flag at Half-Staff

Half-staff is defined as half the distance from the top of a flagpole to the bottom. Flying a flag at half-staff is a sign of mourning.

When a flag is flown at half-staff, it should be raised to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-mast position to show respect for the dead person. When retiring the flag at the end of the day, this procedure should be repeated. If your flag is on an outrigger flagpole or mounted on a wall and cannot be flown at half-staff, it is appropriate to tie a black mourning ribbon above the flag.

Flags can only be flown at half-staff to represent the death of an important government official. In order to fly it half-staff for any other reason, the President must give his approval.

From the Flag Code:

On Memorial Day, The flag should be displayed at half-mast until noon only, then raised to the top of the staff. By order of the President, the flag shall be flown at half-mast upon the death of principal figures of the US government and the Governor of the State, territory, or possession, as a mark of respect to their memory. In the event of the death of other officials or foreign dignitaries, the flag is to be displayed at half-mast according to Presidential instructions or orders, or in accordance with recognized customs or practices not inconsistent with law. In the event of the death of a present or former official of the government of any State, territory, or possession, of the US, the Governor of that State may proclaim that the National flag shall be flown at half-mast.

For more information on flying an American flag at half-staff please visit our Flag Etiquette section here: www.carrot-top.com.

Flags for Military Funerals

Military Memorial

American flags are provided for burial services of service members and veterans. The flag for one who dies on active duty is provided by one’s branch of service. American flags for other veterans are provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

The American flag is presented to the next of kin at the end of the funeral, usually by the military chaplain. If there is no next of kin present, the flag may be presented to the veteran’s close friend or associate if requested. Traditionally, the American flag is placed in a flag case to keep it preserved and to display it properly.

The flags that have draped the caskets of the Unknown Soldiers are on display in the Memorial Display Room of the Arlington Memorial Amphitheater.

Displaying the American Flag – A Basic Guide

U.S. Flag

It is customary to display the U.S. flag from sunrise to sunset each day, as weather permits. When properly illuminated, a flag can be flown twenty-four hours a day. In geographic areas subject to severe weather, it is best to use an all-weather flag.

When displaying your flag, there are some important things to keep in mind:

You should always:

• Raise the flag briskly and lower it ceremoniously.
• When flying a flag half-staff, you should raise it to the flagpole peak for an instant, then lower it to the half-staff point.
• Display the flag on or near the main building of every public institution, school and polling place.
• When it is no longer fit for display, you should dispose of your U.S. flag properly, preferably by burning it in a private ceremony.

You should never:

• Show disrespect to the U.S. flag.
• Dip the U.S. flag to any person or thing, or let it touch the ground.
• Display the flag with the Union down, except as a signal of dire distress.
• Display another flag or pennant above or at the same level as the U.S. flag. The only exception to this rule is when a church pennant is flown.
• The U. S. flag should never have placed upon it, or on any part of it, or attached to it, any mark, insignia, letter, word, figure, design, picture or drawing of any nature.

Visit our flag etiquette section to learn more about the U.S. Flag Code.

Flag Flying at the Whitehouse

The White House

Visitors to Washington, D.C. will notice that our flag is flown 24 hours a day. Since Presidential Proclamation No. 4000 was approved on September 4, 1970, the flag has been flown continuously at the White House.

It is customary to fly the flag from dawn to dusk, but the flag may be repectfully flown 24 hours a day when properly lit. Lighting shows reverence to the flag and all it represents as an American symbol.

On May 5, 1972, Richard Nixon enacted Presidential Proclamation No. 4131 which addressed flying the flag at night at U.S. Customs ports of entry:

“The flag of the United States should be one of the first things seen at our Customs ports of entry, both by American citizens returning from abroad and by travelers from other countries. As the symbol of our country and our freedoms, the national colors of the United States provide a welcome greeting of warm promise.
Many people, however, enter our country at night when the flag is not flown, because of the nearly universal custom of displaying it only from sunrise to sunset. I believe it is appropriate that returning citizens and visitors from other countries be welcomed by our flag whether they arrive at their ports of entry by day or night.”

Patriot Day

Wolrd Trade Center Lights

September 11, 2007 is Patriot Day. This national observance marks the anniversary of the most devastating terrorist attacks ever on American soil and honor the thousands who lost their lives on September 11, 2001.

Government and citizens are asked to pay tribute with patriotic activities and to fly the flag at half-staff from sunrise to sunset.

On October 25th, 2001, Representative Vito Fossella of New York introduced a bill to create a national day of remembrance for the victims of 9/11. Patriot Day was signed into public law on December 18th, 2001 by President George W. Bush. Each year, the President of the United States will issue a proclamation regarding its observance.

Patriot Day should not be confused with Patriot’s Day, which is a regional holiday celebrated in New England marking the anniversary of the battles of Lexington and Concord.