There are many locations in the United States where the 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.
Let’s see why these proclamations chose those specific places and what significance each location holds in the U.S. history.
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.
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.
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.
Flag House Square
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.
United State Marine Corp Memorial
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.
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