Official U.S. Flag Flying Days

Capitol Flag & Flagpole provides this complete, easy-to-reference list of flag flying days to help you know exactly when to display the American flag throughout the year.

When Should You Fly the Flag?

Under the U.S. Flag Code, the American flag may be flown every day of the year, but certain dates carry special significance — either by federal law, presidential proclamation, or long-standing national custom. On most of these days, the flag is flown at full-staff. On a handful of solemn observances, it's flown at half-staff, either for the full day or until a specific time, as noted below.

Use this list as a year-round reference for your home, business, school, or organization — and if you ever need a new flag or flagpole to properly observe these days, we're here to help.

January

• New Year's Day — January 1
• Martin Luther King Jr. Day — 3rd Monday in January
• Inauguration Day — January 20 (every four years, following a presidential election)

February

• Lincoln's Birthday — February 12
• Presidents Day — 3rd Monday in February
• Washington's Birthday — February 22

March

• National Vietnam War Veterans Day — March 29

April

• Easter Sunday — Date varies
• National Former POW Recognition Day — April 9
• Patriots' Day — 3rd Monday in April

May

• Loyalty Day — May 1
• V-E Day — May 8
• Peace Officers Memorial Day — May 15 (Half-Staff)
• Mother's Day — 2nd Sunday in May
• Armed Forces Day — 3rd Saturday in May
• Memorial Day — Last Monday in May (Half-Staff from sunrise until noon, then raised to full-staff)

June

• Flag Day — June 14
• Father's Day — 3rd Sunday in June

July

• Independence Day — July 4

August

• Purple Heart Day — August 7
• V-J Day — August 14
• National Aviation Day — August 19

September

• Labor Day — 1st Monday in September
• Patriot Day — September 11 (Half-Staff)
• National POW/MIA Recognition Day — 3rd Friday in September
• Constitution Day — September 17
• Gold Star Mother's and Family's Day — Last Sunday in September (Half-Staff)

October

• Columbus Day — 2nd Monday in October
• General Pulaski Memorial Day — October 11
• Navy Day — October 27

November

• Election Day — 1st Tuesday after the 1st Monday in November
• Veterans Day — November 11
• Thanksgiving Day — 4th Thursday in November

December

• Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day — December 7 (Half-Staff)
• Christmas Day — December 25

Don't Forget Your State's Flag Days

In addition to the national observances above, the U.S. Flag Code also recognizes the birthdays and admission days of the individual states as appropriate flag flying days. Since these dates vary widely, we recommend checking with your state government for the specific dates that apply where you live.

Half-Staff Basics

When flying the flag at half-staff, always hoist it briskly to the top of the pole first, then lower it ceremoniously to the half-staff position. Before taking the flag down for the day, raise it back to the top briefly before lowering it fully. The flag may also be ordered to half-staff at other times by presidential or state proclamation, such as following the death of a public official or in response to a national tragedy.

Need a Flag or Flagpole That's Ready for Every Occasion?

Whether you're flying the flag for a single observance or year-round, Capitol Flag & Flagpole Co. can help you find the right flag, flagpole, or hardware for the job — including durable flags built to withstand frequent raising and lowering for half-staff observances. Contact us today, or browse our catalog of flags, flagpoles, and accessories.