On June 14th, the United States will observe Flag Day. This special day commemorates the United States’ approval of the first national flag in 1777. President Woodrow Wilson mandated June 14th as the official date in 1916. However, in 1949 Flag Day was permanently established by the US Congress, and the date was set as National Flag Day. Typically, Americans fly the US Flag during the week of June 14th.

The US Flag is used for various occasions and is held very dearly by Americans. One place to see the flag displayed every day, 24 hours per day is the United States Capitol Building. Something that may not be commonly known is the flag flown over the Capitol is changed out numerous times per day and is available for purchase.

How Can I Purchase a Flag Flown Over the Capitol?

Flags flown over the Capitol may be purchased by contacting your Member of Congress. This means your US Senate or US Congress member is easily able to facilitate the purchase of a flag. As the purchaser, you can request a specific date for the flag to be flown, or one that has already been flown. Flags may be purchased in a variety of sizes and materials. Make sure your request is done well in advance of when you want to receive your flag. Flag orders typically take 6-12 weeks from the order to receipt of the purchase. Each flag comes with a certificate of authenticity.

Flags are purchased for a variety of events. Some are: Eagle Scout Ceremonies, the birth of a child, birthdays, anniversaries, gifts, and military ceremonies. However, if a flag is needed for the death of a military service person (burial flag), you are encouraged to go to your local post office with a completed application (VA Form 27-2008) to pick up the flag at no cost. (Get VA Form 27-2008 to download )

How Should I Care for a Flag?

Once you have your flag, the care of a US Flag warrants respect. For instance, flags should be retired when old and torn. This must be done in a dignified manner. The US Flag code mandates flags be destroyed by burning. To find out more about caring for your flag, visit the National Flag Foundation at: https://nationalflagfoundation.org/ .

While Flag Day is not a national holiday in the state of Florida or most of the country, it is nonetheless a day to remember all of the history the US Flag has and means to our Nation.

Local Contacts for US Members of Congress:

US Senator Marco Rubio: https://www.rubio.senate.gov/public/

US Senator Rick Scott: https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/

US Congressman Daniel Webster: https://webster.house.gov/

US Congressman Maxwell Frost: https://frost.house.gov/