National Capital Flag Blog
Flags, History, and Protocol
Guides to flag etiquette, sizing, care, and repair, plus the history and vexillology behind the flags themselves.
Latest from the blog
195 Flags Fly on First Avenue During the 81st UN General Assembly
195 flags on six blocks of First Avenue, all the same size, all at the same height, in plain alphabetical order. Why the UN refuses to rank them, and the same rule in the US Flag Code.
Guide to Buying Flags for a Building
Buying flags for an agency, school, or commercial building is a standing obligation, not a one-time purchase. Specification, replacement cycles, Flag Code protocol, and the federal sourcing rule.
Flag Order of Precedence: Flying More Than One Flag Correctly
US flag with state, corporate, and foreign flags. Military service flag order including Space Force. The position of honor explained, with sources.
US Flag Etiquette: What the Flag Code Actually Says
A plain, sourced guide to US flag etiquette: display hours, weather, half-staff, multiple flags, and the myths worth dropping. Cited to 4 U.S.C. Chapter 1.
Flying a Flag at Half-Staff: Who Orders It and How to Do It Right
Who can order half-staff, how long it lasts, the two steps almost everyone skips, and where to check whether an order is in effect right now.
Patriot Day Flag Etiquette, and the Half That Gets Left Out
September 11 half-staff is not in the Flag Code. It exists by proclamation, one year at a time. What Patriot Day asks, how to fly the flag, and the service half most guides leave out.
Nylon, Polyester, or Cotton: How to Pick a Flag Material
Nylon flies in a light breeze. Polyester survives wind. Cotton is for ceremony. A straight comparison of flag materials and which one fits your location.
10 Historical Flags of the United States
Ten flags from St. George's Cross to the 50-star flag, with dates, designs, and the myths that do not hold up. Sourced to the Smithsonian, National Archives, and National Park Service.
7 Steps to Fold the American Flag
The seven steps for folding the US flag into a triangle, matching the VA procedure, plus a straight account of what the fold meanings are and are not.
25 Parts of a Flag, Named and Explained
Every named part of a flag and its pole, defined: 15 flag parts, 3 star construction methods, 7 pole parts, with labeled diagrams and a quick-reference table.
Understanding LGBTQ+ Pride Flags
LGBTQ+ Pride Flags A Comprehensive Guide to LGBTQ+ Pride Flags and Their
California Statehood Anniversary
California Statehood Anniversary On September 9, 1850, California officially became the 31st state, following the end of the
Hawaii Statehood Anniversary
Celebrating Hawaii Statehood Anniversary Today, we celebrate the anniversary of Hawaii’s statehood. The Aloha State officially became the
Missouri Statehood Anniversary
Happy Statehood Day, Missouri! On August 10, Missouri marked its 203rd statehood anniversary, commemorating its admission in 1821
Colorado Statehood Anniversary
Happy Statehood Day, Colorado! Join National Capital Flag as we celebrate Colorado's statehood anniversary on August 1, marking its
New York Statehood Anniversary
Happy Statehood Anniversary to the Empire State! On this special day, we celebrate the anniversary of New York joining
Wyoming Statehood Anniversary
Happy Statehood Day, Wyoming! On this special Statehood Anniversary, we celebrate the rich history and vibrant spirit of the
Idaho Statehood Anniversary
Celebrating Idaho Statehood! On July 3, 1890, Idaho proudly became the 43rd state to join the Union. Today, we
Virginia Statehood Anniversary
Celebrating Virginia Statehood! On June 25, 1788, Virginia proudly became the 10th state to join the Union, playing a
