Flag Days 2026
| New Year’s Day | January 1, 2026 | |
| Martin Luther King’s Day | January 19, 2026 | |
| Lincoln’s Birthday | February 12, 2026 | |
| Presidents Day | February 16, 2026 | |
| Washington’s Birthday | February 22, 2026 | |
| National Vietnam War Veterans Day | March 29, 2026 | |
| Army Day | April 6, 2026 | |
| National Former POW Recognition Day | April 9, 2026 | |
| Easter Sunday | April 5, 2026 | |
| Patriots’ Day | April 20, 2026 | |
| Fallen Firefighters Day | May 3, 2026 | |
| VE Day | May 8, 2026 | |
| Mother’s Day | May 10, 2026 | |
| Peace Officers Memorial Day | May 15, 2026 | |
| Armed Forces Day | May 16, 2026 | |
| Memorial Day | May 25, 2026 | |
| D-Day | June 6, 2026 | |
| Flag Day | June 14, 2026 | |
| Army Birthday | June 14, 2026 | |
| Father’s Day | June 21, 2026 | |
| Juneteenth National Independence Day | June 19, 2026 | |
| Independence Day | July 4, 2026 | |
| Korean War Day | July 27, 2026 | |
| Coast Guard Day | August 4, 2026 | |
| Purple Heart Day | August 7, 2026 | |
| Labor Day | September 7, 2026 | |
| VJ Day | September 2, 2026 | |
| Patriot Day | September 11, 2026 | |
| Constitution Day | September 17, 2026 | |
| Air Force Birthday | September 18, 2026 | |
| National POW/MIA Recognition Day | September 18, 2026 | |
| Gold Star Mother’s and Family Day | September 27, 2026 | |
| Navy Birthday | October 13, 2026 | |
| Columbus Day or Indigenous Peoples Day | October 12, 2026 | |
| Navy Day | October 27, 2026 | |
| Marine Corps Day | November 10, 2026 | |
| Veterans Day | November 11, 2026 | |
| Thanksgiving Day | November 26, 2026 | |
| Pearl Harbor Day | December 7, 2026 | |
| Space Force Birthday | December 20, 2026 | |
| Christmas Day | December 25, 2026 |
DID YOU KNOW? Red, White and Blue colors are carefully choices made by the founding fathers. Red symbolizes hardiness and valor, white symbolizes purity and innocence and blue represents vigilance, perseverance and justice.
Proper Care and Handling of the US Flag
The United States flag is a powerful symbol of our nation’s history, values, and unity. Whether proudly displayed at homes, businesses, or public spaces, it’s essential to treat the flag with the respect and dignity it deserves. Our flag symbolizes the ideals of freedom and democracy.
Choosing the Right Flag
It’s important to choose high-quality, durable materials. Choose nylon or polyester, as these materials are known for their resilience against the elements. Consider the size you choose in relation to the size of the flagpole and the location where it will be displayed.
Proper Display
The proper display of the US flag is crucial to show respect. Here are some key guidelines to follow:
- The union (the blue field with stars) should always be in the top-left corner when displayed vertically or horizontally.
- When displayed with other flags, it should be at the center and higher than the others.
- If you are displaying at night, it should be properly illuminated.
- US Government guidelines for proper display
Raising and Lowering the Flag
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- When raising the flag, do it briskly and ensure it reaches the top of the flagpole, and lower it ceremoniously and respectfully.
- The flag should never touch the ground, floor, or water. Handle it with clean hands, and avoid letting it come into contact with anything that might soil it.
Half-Staff Protocol
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- Lowering to half-staff is a symbol of mourning. Only the President of the United States or state governors can order this, typically in response to the death of a government official or national tragedy.
Folding
- If you need to store or transport the flag, it should be folded properly. The traditional method involves a series of folds that result in a triangular shape resembling a cocked hat, symbolizing the tricorn hats worn by colonial soldiers.
Proper Cleaning and Maintenance
- Keep the flag clean by washing it regularly. Hand wash with a mild detergent, and always allow it to dry thoroughly before storing it.
- Repair any tears or frayed edges promptly to keep it in good condition.
Retirement Ceremony
Retire your flag in a dignified manner when it becomes worn or tattered. Many organizations, such as the Boy Scouts of America, conduct retirement ceremonies. This involves burning the flag in a respectful and solemn manner.
Conclusion:
Follow these guidelines for flying, caring, and handling the US flag. Be proud that this influential symbol of our nation’s unity and values is handled with the respect it merits. By showcasing it proudly and observing proper etiquette, we pay homage to the ideals it represents—liberty, justice, and the pursuit of happiness.