Flag Events and Holidays

When it comes to when to display the American flag, there are a few things you need to know. While you can certainly display it year-round, there are a few flag events and holidays where you should absolutely have the red, white, and blue front and center for all to see. Let’s take a look at a few of the most important flag events and holidays.

New Year's Day

This is the start of a new year full of hope for our nation, so it makes sense to display the flag on this day! It is also to honor the previous year and all that meant for our nation and citizens.

Inauguration Day

As a day when one president passes the torch so to speak to a new president, displaying the flag is a display honoring this patriotic establishment. In fact, to not display the flag on this day could be seen as a sign of not supporting the new president and a divided nation.

Martin Luther King’s Birthday

An influential figure in the history of our nation, Dr. King is one of the few Americans, and the only non-president, with a national holiday made out of their birthday. Displaying the flag on this day is important for all Americans to show a united citizenship trying to live up to the hopes for the future this brave man held and shared with us.

Lincoln’s Birthday

Another influential man in American history, the flag should be flown on Lincoln’s birthday to honor all he did in shaping our nation. The flag should be flown on this day for the many contributions he made to our country such as ending slavery.

Washington’s Birthday

The only other president worth noting in a list of flag events and holidays is the first of them all, George Washington. As one of the founding fathers of our nation, it makes absolute sense to honor his birthday and fly the flag.

Easter Sunday

If you are Christian, then you already understand the significance of Easter Sunday. This day should have the flag flown to show reverence for Jesus and the resurrection story.

Patriots Day, April 19

This is a national holiday to honor the battles of Lexington and Concord, which were fought near Boston in 1775, and were major turning points in American history. The flag should be flown on this day to honor the sacrifices of the brave soldiers who died fighting for freedom from tyranny and oppression.

Patriot Day, September 11

The terrorist attacks on September 11th, 2001 changed our nation forever. This is a day to fly the flag to remind others we are still united in the face of grave tragedy and to honor the victims as well as the brave fire department and police department members who gave their lives that day saving others.

Memorial Day (half-staff until noon)

This is a day when the nation honors all those brave men and women who have given their lives defending our nation. Many people confuse the meaning behind this day with the meaning behind Veterans Day. It is important to note that this holiday honors those who have died while serving in our Armed Forces whereas Veterans Day honors all those who have served.

Flag Day

This day is celebrated on June 14th and is one of the more important occasions to fly the flag. Celebrating the day the adoption of the official United States flag on June 14th, 1777, this day was historic in our national identity.

Independence Day

The Fourth of July celebrates our independence from Britain and was first celebrated on July 4th, 1776. There is no better day to fly your red, white, and blue with pride than this special day!

Labor Day

Celebrated on the second Monday in September, this holiday honors the American workforce and all it means. Originally founded to honor those who fought hard for unions for workers at a time when working conditions were unfair, the holiday today is also for workers to take a day off to be with family.

Veterans Day

Since veterans fought and died to protect the flag, it would be a grave show of disrespect to not fly the flag on this day. Observed on November 11th, this day honors the members of the Armed Forces for all their contributions.

Election Days

An election day is a great day to fly the flag. The flag stands as a marker of democracy and freedom to govern ourselves, so you should absolutely fly the red, white, and blue on this special day.

State Birthday

Another important day to display the flag is the birthday of your state. This will vary based on when your state officially achieved statehood or joined the union, but this is a patriotic way to celebrate the role of your state in the larger picture of our great nation.