Holiday Guide to Flying the American Flag
Flying the Flag is one of the simplest and most powerful ways to demonstrate your patriotism. While you can fly the Flag any day of the year, there are some notable days when all Americans should do so.
Here is a holiday guide to the Flag, categorized by season, and why we fly our Flags on those days.
Winter Holidays to Fly Your American Flag
January 1: New Year’s Day
At the beginning of a new year, it is important to unite as Americans as we seek another year of American greatness.
Third Monday in January: Martin Luther King Jr. Day
On this day we celebrate Dr. King’s contributions to racial justice in America.
January 20: Inauguration Day
America has a proud tradition of peacefully transferring power and that is something every American can stand behind.
February 12: Lincoln’s Birthday
Abraham Lincoln saved the Union and ended slavery. On this day we honor his legacy.
February 22: Washington’s Birthday
George Washington defined what it meant to be an American president. One this day we show our appreciation for the nation’s first president.
Third Monday in February: Presidents’ Day
Our presidents represent our country and lead us through challenges. On Presidents’ Day, we remember their great contributions and leadership.
Spring Holidays to Fly Your American Flag
April 6: Army Day
On this day we give thanks to all servicemen in the American Army.
Second Sunday in May: Mother’s Day
Our mothers are the reason we are here in America and get to enjoy the freedoms that come with being an American. On this day we give thanks to all mothers in America.
May 15: Peace Officers Memorial Day
On this day we pay tribute to the local, state, and federal peace officers who either died or were disabled in the line of duty. Flags are flown at half-mast.
Third Saturday in May: Armed Forces Day
Armed Forces Day recognizes the services of all members of the American military.
Last Monday in May: Memorial Day
Memorial Day pays tribute to those that died while serving in the U.S. military. Flags are flown at half-mast until noon.
June 14: Flag Day
Flag Day commemorates the adoption of the American Flag by resolution of the Second Continental Congress in 1777.
Summer Holidays to Fly Your American Flag
July 4: Independence Day
The 4th of July marks the beginning of the United States of America. We fly our Flags on this day to show how proud we are to be Americans.
July 27: Korean War Veterans Day
The Korean War was among the deadliest conflicts in American history. We fly our Flags at half-mast on this day to honor the sacrifices of Korean War veterans.
First Monday in September: Labor Day
On Labor Day we celebrate the legacy of the labor movement and the laborers who built the America we all know and love.
September 11: Patriot Day
On Patriot Day we commemorate the lives of those who died in the 2001 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City, the Pentagon in Virginia, and the United Airlines Flight 93 crash in Pennsylvania.
September 17: Constitution Day
On this day we celebrate the adoption of the U.S. Constitution, the document that has defined American democracy for nearly 250 years.
September 17: Air Force Day
On Air Force Day, we show our appreciation of all servicemen and women in the U.S. Air Force.
Fall Holidays to Fly Your American Flag
First Sunday in October: National Firefighters Memorial Day
On this day, we pay tribute to all firefighters who died in the line of duty during the previous year.
October 12: Columbus Day
Christopher Columbus discovered the Americas. On this day we remember the first European to see the land that would become America.
October 27: Navy Day
Navy Day recognizes the service of all members of the U.S. Navy.
First Tuesday in November: Election Day
Elections are the bedrock of American democracy. On this day we show our support for the American electoral process.
November 11: Veterans Day
Veterans Day honors the services of all veterans, past and present. We fly our Flags to show our gratefulness.
Fourth Thursday in November: Thanksgiving Day
Thanksgiving is one of America’s biggest national holidays. On this day we give thanks.
December 7: Pearl Harbor Day
Pearl Harbor was one of the deadliest tragedies in American military history. On this day we fly our Flags at half-mast to remember the victims and show our patriotism.
While these are the most common days during which we fly our flags, this is not an exhaustive list. Some Americans may have state, local, and religious holidays during which they may wish to fly their Flags.
