Flag Etiquette on Patriot Day

Flag etiquette for Patriot Day

Each year on September 11, Americans observe Patriot Day to remember the lives of civilians and military personnel who lost their lives in the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.

History

On Dec. 18, 2001, President George W. Bush signed Public Law 107-89, which institutes Patriot Day as a national holiday and calls for display of the United States flag in concordance with proper flag etiquette.

Flag Guidelines

Section 144 (b) (2) of Public Law 107-89 calls upon interested parties and government organizations to fly United States flags at half-staff all day.

Time Frame

When raising your flag to half-staff, raise it by sunrise the morning of Sept. 11. Keep it there until sunset. Some Americans prefer to gather around the flag at 8:46 a.m. Eastern Standard Time--the time of the first plane crash--for a moment of silent remembrance.

Considerations

Hoist your flag briskly to the half-staff position. Lower the flag slowly when taking it down. In case of inclement weather, use an all-weather flag.

Misconceptions

Patriot Day should not be confused with Patriot's Day, a New England holiday. Remember that while the flag is kept at half-staff only until noon on Memorial Day, it is kept at half-staff all day on Patriot Day.

References

• Public Law 107-89
• TimeandDate.com; "Patriot Day in United States"

Resources

• The Flag Guys