How to Celebrate Flag Day the Right Way

Every June 14th, Americans across the country have a chance to honor one of our most enduring symbols: the Stars and Stripes. But here’s the thing, Flag Day often flies under the radar compared to holidays like Memorial Day or the Fourth of July. That’s a shame, because it’s a day with real meaning and a rich history worth celebrating.

At AC Flag & Banner, we’ve spent over 21 years helping families, businesses, and organizations display their patriotism with pride. Whether you’re in Denver or ordering from across the nation, we understand that flying the American flag isn’t just about decoration. It’s about respect, tradition, and honoring the values our country was built on.

So how do you celebrate Flag Day the right way? It starts with understanding the day’s significance, knowing proper flag etiquette, and finding meaningful ways to mark the occasion. Let’s break it all down.

What Is Flag Day and Why Does It Matter?

Flag Day commemorates a pivotal moment in American history. On June 14, 1777, the Continental Congress officially adopted the design of our national flag: 13 red-and-white stripes and 13 white stars arranged on a blue field, representing the original colonies. That’s the day our flag was born.

But it took a while for Flag Day to become an official observance. The holiday gained momentum during the Civil War, when Americans rallied around the flag as a symbol of unity. President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation in 1916 calling for a nationwide celebration of Flag Day, and Congress finally established it as a permanent observance in 1949.

So why does Flag Day matter? Because the flag itself matters. It represents:

• Freedom – The liberties we enjoy as Americans
• Unity – The bond between states and citizens
• Sacrifice – The service members who’ve defended our nation
• National pride – Our shared identity and values

Unlike Memorial Day (which honors fallen soldiers) or Independence Day (which celebrates our nation’s founding), Flag Day is specifically about the flag itself and everything it stands for. It’s a day to reflect on what that piece of fabric really means to us as a nation.

Proper Flag Etiquette Every American Should Know

Flying the American flag comes with responsibilities. There’s a right way to do it, and knowing proper flag etiquette shows genuine respect for what the flag represents. Here’s what every American should know.

Displaying the Flag Correctly

The basics are pretty straightforward, but they matter:

• Timing: Display the flag from sunrise to sunset. If you want to fly it at night, make sure it’s properly illuminated.
• Weather: The flag shouldn’t be displayed during rain, snow, or other inclement weather unless you’re using an all-weather flag designed to handle the elements.
• Position: When displaying the flag on a wall or in a window, the union (that’s the blue field with stars) should be uppermost and to the flag’s own right, which means it appears on the left when you’re looking at it.
• With other flags: The American flag should always be positioned highest and in the center when displayed with other flags.
• Hoisting and lowering: Raise the flag briskly and lower it ceremoniously. There’s dignity in how you handle these moments.

One thing we see all the time: people displaying worn, faded flags. If your flag is looking rough, it’s time for a replacement. A tattered flag doesn’t honor our country, it does the opposite.

Handling and Caring for Your Flag

Your flag deserves proper care. Here’s how to keep it in good condition:

• Avoid contact with the ground: This is probably the most well-known rule, and it’s important. The flag should never touch the ground, floor, or water.
• Clean it gently: Most nylon and polyester flags can be hand-washed with mild detergent. Let it air dry completely before storing or flying again.
• Store properly: When not in use, fold your flag neatly. The traditional triangular fold is the standard for storage.
• Retire worn flags respectfully: When a flag is too worn to display, it should be retired with dignity. The proper method is ceremonial burning, which many organizations like the VFW, American Legion, and Boy Scouts perform. Don’t just throw an old flag in the trash.

These aren’t just arbitrary rules. They come from the U.S. Flag Code and reflect the respect our flag deserves.

Meaningful Ways to Celebrate Flag Day

Flag Day doesn’t have to be complicated. There are plenty of simple, meaningful ways to honor the occasion whether you’re at home or out in your community.

At Home With Family

The most obvious way to celebrate? Display your flag. If you don’t have a flagpole, a bracket-mounted flag on your porch or a small flag in your garden works just fine. The point is visibility and intention.

Here are some other ideas for celebrating at home:

• Share the flag’s history: Take a few minutes to talk with your family about why we celebrate Flag Day. The story of its adoption in 1777 is genuinely interesting.
• Recite the Pledge of Allegiance: It might feel a little formal, but doing this together can be a meaningful moment, especially for kids.
• Host a patriotic gathering: Invite neighbors over for a simple cookout. Red, white, and blue decorations are appropriate and festive.
• Reflect on what the flag means to you: This might sound cheesy, but taking a quiet moment to think about the freedoms the flag represents is a worthwhile exercise.

In Your Community

Many communities organize events for Flag Day, and participating connects you with neighbors who share your appreciation for American traditions.

Look for:

• Flag-raising ceremonies: Often held at city halls, schools, or veterans’ organizations
• Parades: Some towns host small Flag Day parades that are family-friendly
• Patriotic concerts or events: Libraries, community centers, and churches sometimes organize programs
• Flag retirement ceremonies: If you have an old flag that needs retiring, this is the perfect time to attend one of these respectful ceremonies

Even if your town doesn’t have organized events, you can still make an impact. Consider organizing a neighborhood flag display where everyone puts out their flags on June 14th. It creates a powerful visual statement of shared values.

Teaching Children About Flag Day

Kids are naturally curious, and Flag Day offers a great opportunity to teach them about American history and values in a tangible way.

Start with the basics. Explain that the flag has 50 stars (one for each state) and 13 stripes (representing the original colonies). Talk about the colors: red for valor, white for purity, and blue for justice. These symbols mean something.

There are some great stories you can share:

• Betsy Ross: While historians debate some details, the legend of Betsy Ross sewing the first flag captures kids’ imaginations and introduces them to colonial America.
• The story of “Old Glory”: Captain William Driver’s beloved flag, which he named “Old Glory,” is a compelling tale of one man’s devotion to the flag during the Civil War.
• Francis Scott Key: The story of how he wrote “The Star-Spangled Banner” while watching Fort McHenry withstand British bombardment is dramatic and powerful.

Practical activities work well too:

• Teach proper folding: Show kids how to fold the flag into a triangle. It’s a skill they can use their whole lives.
• Create flag art: Drawing or painting the flag helps younger children connect with its design.
• Visit a veterans’ memorial: Seeing flags at memorials makes the connection between the flag and service concrete.

The goal isn’t to lecture kids, it’s to help them understand why the flag matters to so many Americans. When they see you treating the flag with respect, they’ll learn to do the same.

Honoring Veterans and Service Members on Flag Day

While Flag Day isn’t specifically a veterans’ holiday, there’s a natural connection between honoring the flag and honoring those who’ve served under it. Service members swear an oath to defend what the flag represents, and many have sacrificed greatly in that service.

Here are some ways to acknowledge that connection on Flag Day:

• Thank a veteran: If you know veterans in your community, Flag Day is a perfect time to express gratitude for their service.
• Attend a ceremony: Many veterans’ organizations hold Flag Day events. Your presence shows support.
• Display your flag proudly: For many veterans, seeing flags flying in their neighborhood is meaningful. It signals that their service is remembered and valued.
• Support veterans’ causes: Consider donating to or volunteering with organizations that serve veterans.

The flag’s role during the Civil War is particularly relevant here. During that conflict, the flag became a powerful symbol of the Union cause, and soldiers carried it into battle at great personal risk. The tradition of honoring the flag and those who serve under it is deeply intertwined.

At AC Flag & Banner, we work with veterans’ organizations, military families, and businesses that want to show their support for service members. Quality matters when you’re flying a flag that represents such important values. A well-made flag that holds up to the elements is a small but meaningful way to show ongoing respect.

Conclusion

Celebrating Flag Day the right way doesn’t require a lot of effort or expense. It starts with understanding what the day represents, displaying your flag with proper etiquette, and finding meaningful ways to honor the occasion, whether that’s a family conversation at home or participating in community events.

The important thing is intention. When you fly your flag on June 14th, you’re participating in a tradition that goes back to 1777. You’re honoring the values of freedom, unity, and sacrifice that the flag represents. And you’re showing your neighbors, your community, and your country that these things still matter.

If your current flag is looking a little worn, or if you’ve been thinking about installing a flagpole, now’s a great time to make that happen. AC Flag & Banner carries a wide selection of high-quality American flags, flagpoles, and accessories, and we ship nationwide. Whether you’re a homeowner in Denver or a business across the country, we can help you find exactly what you need to display your patriotism with pride.

Browse our online selection today, or reach out to our team if you have questions. We’ve been helping Americans fly their flags for over 21 years, and we’d be honored to help you celebrate Flag Day the right way.

Frequently Asked Questions About Flag Day

What is Flag Day and when is it celebrated?

Flag Day is celebrated every June 14th to commemorate the adoption of the American flag by the Continental Congress on June 14, 1777. It honors the Stars and Stripes as a symbol of freedom, unity, sacrifice, and national pride. Congress established it as a permanent observance in 1949.

How do you properly display the American flag?

Display the flag from sunrise to sunset, or illuminate it if flying at night. Position the union (blue field with stars) uppermost and to the flag’s own right. Never fly a worn or tattered flag, and avoid displaying it during inclement weather unless using an all-weather flag.

What is the proper way to retire an old American flag?

When a flag becomes too worn to display, it should be retired through ceremonial burning. Organizations like the VFW, American Legion, and Boy Scouts regularly hold flag retirement ceremonies. Never simply throw an old flag in the trash—it deserves a dignified retirement.

What do the colors and symbols on the American flag represent?

The American flag features 50 stars representing each state and 13 stripes for the original colonies. The colors carry meaning: red symbolizes valor, white represents purity, and blue stands for justice. These elements combine to represent American freedom and unity.

Is Flag Day a federal holiday?

Flag Day is a national observance but not a federal public holiday, meaning government offices and businesses typically remain open. President Woodrow Wilson first proclaimed Flag Day in 1916, and Congress established it as a permanent annual observance in 1949.

What are meaningful ways to celebrate Flag Day at home?

Display your American flag prominently, share the flag’s history with family members, recite the Pledge of Allegiance together, or host a patriotic cookout with red, white, and blue decorations. Taking a moment to reflect on the freedoms the flag represents is also a meaningful tradition.