At Henry’s Home, we believe that flying the American flag is a meaningful way to express patriotism and honor the values that unite us as a community. Whether you’re a homeowner, a veteran, or simply someone who cherishes the freedoms of this nation, displaying the U.S. flag during holidays is a powerful tradition. However, it’s essential to follow proper etiquette to show respect for the flag and what it represents. Based on guidelines from the National Flag Foundation, here’s a seasonal guide to flying the U.S. flag on holidays, along with tips to ensure you’re doing so respectfully.
Why Fly the Flag?
Flying the U.S. flag is one of the simplest yet most meaningful ways to show your patriotism. While the flag can be flown any day of the year, certain holidays call for its display to honor important moments in American history, recognize those who have served, or celebrate national unity. At Henry’s Home, we encourage our community to fly the flag proudly on these special days, observing proper etiquette to show respect.
Winter Holidays to Fly the U.S. Flag
Winter is a season of reflection and celebration, with several holidays that call for displaying the American flag:
- January 1: New Year’s Day
Start the year by uniting as a community under the flag, symbolizing our shared hope for another year of American greatness. - Third Monday in January: Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s contributions to racial justice by proudly displaying the flag. - January 20: Inauguration Day
Celebrate the peaceful transfer of power, a cornerstone of American democracy, with the flag raised high. - February 12: Lincoln’s Birthday
Pay tribute to Abraham Lincoln, who preserved the Union and abolished slavery, by flying the flag. - February 22: Washington’s Birthday
Show appreciation for George Washington, the nation’s first president, with a flag display. - Third Monday in February: Presidents’ Day
Recognize the leadership and contributions of all U.S. presidents by raising the flag.
Spring Holidays to Fly the U.S. Flag
Spring brings opportunities to honor service members and celebrate American heritage:
- April 6: Army Day
Show your appreciation to the brave servicemen and women of the U.S. Army by flying the flag. - Second Sunday in May: Mother’s Day
Celebrate the mothers who nurture our nation’s future by displaying the flag in their honor. - May 15: Peace Officers Memorial Day
Pay tribute to fallen or disabled peace officers by flying the flag at half-mast. - Third Saturday in May: Armed Forces Day
Recognize all members of the U.S. military with a proud flag display. - Last Monday in May: Memorial Day
Honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country by flying the flag at half-mast until noon, then raising it to full height. - June 14: Flag Day
Commemorate the adoption of the American flag in 1777 with a special display of Old Glory.
Summer Holidays to Fly the U.S. Flag
Summer is a time to celebrate America’s independence and resilience:
- July 4: Independence Day
Fly the flag proudly to mark the birth of the United States and show your pride in being American. - July 27: Korean War Veterans Day
Honor the sacrifices of Korean War veterans by flying the flag at half-mast. - First Monday in September: Labor Day
Celebrate the labor movement and the workers who built America by displaying the flag. - September 11: Patriot Day
Commemorate the lives lost in the 2001 terrorist attacks by raising the flag. - September 17: Constitution Day
Celebrate the U.S. Constitution, the foundation of our democracy, with a flag display. - September 17: Air Force Day
Show appreciation for the U.S. Air Force’s servicemen and women by flying the flag.
Fall Holidays to Fly the U.S. Flag
Fall is a season to honor service, democracy, and gratitude:
- First Sunday in October: National Firefighters Memorial Day
Pay tribute to firefighters who died in the line of duty by displaying the flag. - October 12: Columbus Day
Remember Christopher Columbus’s discovery of the Americas with a flag display. - October 27: Navy Day
Recognize the service of the U.S. Navy by flying the flag. - First Tuesday in November: Election Day
Support the democratic process by displaying the flag on this cornerstone day. - November 11: Veterans Day
Honor all veterans, past and present, with a proud flag display. - Fourth Thursday in November: Thanksgiving Day
Give thanks for our nation’s blessings by flying the flag. - December 7: Pearl Harbor Day
Remember the victims of the Pearl Harbor attack by flying the flag at half-mast.
Flag Etiquette Tips for Henry’s Home Residents
To ensure your flag display honors the symbol of our nation, follow these etiquette guidelines:
- Raising and Lowering the Flag: The flag should be hoisted briskly and lowered ceremoniously. If flown at night, it must be illuminated.
- Half-Mast Protocol: On holidays like Memorial Day (until noon), Peace Officers Memorial Day, Korean War Veterans Day, and Pearl Harbor Day, fly the flag at half-mast to honor the fallen. To do this, raise the flag to the top of the pole briefly, then lower it to the halfway point.
- Flag Condition: Ensure your flag is clean, undamaged, and in good condition. A worn or faded flag should be retired with respect, preferably through a local veterans’ organization.
- Respectful Display: Never let the flag touch the ground, and avoid displaying it in inclement weather unless it’s an all-weather flag.
A Note on Additional Holidays
While the holidays listed above are the most common for flying the U.S. flag, you may also wish to display it on state, local, or religious holidays that hold special meaning for you and your family. At Henry’s Home, we encourage you to fly the flag whenever you feel inspired to show your patriotism, as long as it’s done with respect and care.
Join Us in Honoring the Flag
At Henry’s Home, we’re proud to be a community that values patriotism and unity. Flying the U.S. flag on these holidays is a way to connect with our shared history and values. If you have questions about flag etiquette or would like to share your own traditions, please reach out to us. Let’s make Henry’s Home a place where the Stars and Stripes shine brightly, honoring our nation’s past, present, and future.
