The Flags That Fly 24 Hours a Day

There are many locations in the United States where the American flag flies 24/7 as per the Flag Code. But the last 60 years have seen a number of proclamations being made that mandated a few locations to fly the flag 24 hours a day, every day.

Where Does The US Flag Fly 24 Hours/Day?

Flying the United States flag 24/7 is a significant gesture of patriotism and respect. In America there are thousands of locations where the flag flies 24 hours a day, but there is a certain group under law or executive order, for the flag to be flying 24 hours a day. These include many different local government buildings, from courthouses to military bases at different U.S. states. Each one holds a symbol of patriotism and pride, and represents respect for our nation.

Let’s see why these presidential proclamations chose those specific places and what significance each location holds in the U.S. history.

Let’s explore!

1. The White House

This one is pretty obvious since it’s the heart of governmental operations. Starting from President John Adams in 1800, every president since then has resided at the White House. According to flag regulations, a U.S. flag should be flying on site 24 hours a day.

The custom of flying flags at the White House started back when World War I was taking place. U.S. flags were flown over the east and west wings of the White House. And the tradition still continues to this day.

2. The Washington Monument

Built in 1848 to commemorate one of the nation’s most influential presidents, George Washington, the Washington Monument is one of America’s most iconic architectural structures. It also holds the record of being the world’s tallest obelisk and tallest stone structure, standing at 555 feet tall.

A total of 50 U.S. flags are flown around the monument throughout the day, representing the 50 states of the country. A presidential proclamation was passed in 1971 that authorized 50 flags to fly 24 hours a day on site.

3. Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine

Located in Baltimore, Maryland, Fort Henry played a key role in 1812 War when the British Navy attacked the Baltimore Harbor. The Star-Spangled Banner was flown at the fort at the time of their victory. This sight was also what inspired Francis Scott Key to write the national anthem, the Star-Spangled Banner.

4. Flag House Square (Mary Pickersgill's "Star Spangled" House)

Also located in Baltimore, Maryland, the Flag House Square was once the residence and workplace of Mary Pickersgill who had sewn the Star-Spangled Banner. The House of Representatives and the Senate passed an act in 1954 which authorized the flag to be flown 24 hours a day there.

5. United State Marine Corp Memorial (Iwo Jima)

The United States Marine Corp War Memorial was built in Arlington, Virginia in 1954. The monument was inspired by an iconic photo taken during the World War II. President John F. Kennedy proclaimed in 1961 for a flag to be flown there 24 hours a day.

6. On the Green of the Town of Lexington

Lexington's Battle Green is a National Historic Landmark that is the location of the Battle of Lexington which took place on the morning of April 19, 1775. It was here, that “the first blood was spilt in the dispute with Great Britain,” as George Washington wrote in his diary. The battle green is one of only eight locations in the United States where the U.S. flag is specifically authorized by law to fly 24 hours a day, all-year-round. (Public Law 89-335, approved November 8, 1965).

7. United States Customs Ports of Entry

Presidential proclamations and laws authorize the flag to fly for 24 hours a day at the United States Customs Ports Of Entry, which are continually open (Presidential Proclamation No.4131, May 5, 1972).

8. Grounds of the National Memorial Arch in Valley Forge State Park

The National Memorial Arch, located in Valley Forge State Park in Pennsylvania, is a historical site commemorating the sacrifices and perseverance of the Continental Army during the harsh winter encampment of 1777-1778, a pivotal period in the American Revolutionary War. As ordered by law, the National Memorial Arch in Valley Forge State Park is flown continuously. (Public Law 94-53, approved July 4, 1975).

Flag Flying Etiquette and Rules

It's important to note that when flying the flag 24/7, proper flag etiquette should be observed, including providing sufficient illumination during nighttime hours and ensuring that the flag is in good condition. Additionally, the flag may be flown at half-staff on certain occasions to honor specific individuals, groups, or events, following the guidelines provided by the U.S. Flag Code and any local regulations.

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