Flag Holidays: Everything You Need to Know
Many homeowners enjoy showing patriotism year-round by displaying American flags. While others prefer to pull out their flag holidays just for special occasions. This is to preserve the beauty and integrity of the fabric and prevent undue wear from seasonal weather conditions.
The official United States Flag Code recognizes a number of flag holidays when flying Old Glory is not only appropriate but encouraged, including:
- New Year’s Day
- Inauguration Day
- Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday
- Lincoln’s Birthday
- Washington’s Birthday
- Easter Sunday
- Mother’s Day
- Armed Forces Day
- Memorial Day
- Flag Day
- Independence Day
- National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day
- Labor Day
- Constitution Day
- Columbus Day
- Navy Day
- Veterans Day
- Thanksgiving
- Christmas
Regardless of whether you celebrate all these holidays, the symbolism of flying the flag is particularly important on their corresponding dates.
Here are a few national holidays with which patriotic flag-flying is closely associated.
Memorial Day
Celebrated on the last Monday in May, Memorial Day honors the men and women in the U.S. armed forces who have given their lives in service to their country. To honor their commitment and sacrifice, you can visit the graves of lost loved ones or simply hoist an American flag in solidarity.
Flag Day
When the stars and stripes motif was adopted as the official flag of the United States of America on June 14, 1777, there were only 13 stripes in alternating red and white and 13 white stars arranged in a circle on a field of blue to signify the unification of the original 13 colonies.
The nation has expanded considerably since then. While our current flag retains 13 stripes, it now features 50 stars to represent the individual states in our union. If there’s one day when you definitely shouldn’t forget to hang your flag, it’s Flag Day!
Independence Day
The Fourth of July, or Independence Day, is a well-known and widely celebrated national holiday.
Independence Day commemorates the adoption of The Declaration of Independence by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, severing the United States from England and declaring it an independent nation. It’s a day when you’ll likely see many flags on display in public and residential settings.
Veterans Day
Veterans Day, observed annually on November 11, honors all veterans, living or dead, who served or are still serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. This is a good day to fly not only the national flag but also related flags representing the different branches of the military, POWs and MIA soldiers, and so on.
Celebrate Your Country Proudly With Elmer’s Flag
Are you looking for meaningful flags to display on certain holidays or throughout the year? You’ll find an extensive selection, complete with all major accessories, at Elmer’s Flag & Banner. Contact us today to learn more about the significance of different flags.