How to Get an American Flag That Has Flown Over the U.S. Capitol

The Capitol Flag Program began in 1937. A member of congress requested a flag that had flown over the nation's capitol. Thus began the possibility of getting an American flag of your own that has flown over the capitol. More than 100,000 flag requests are made each year.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• United States House of Representatives or United States Senate website (see Resources section below)
• $13.25 to $22.55 plus shipping and handling

1. To get a United States flag through the Capitol Flag Program, you will need to contact your State Representative or State Senator. (See Resources section below.) Complete the form either online or by mail or by phone through the Representative or Senator's office.

2. When you are on the Representative or Senator's website, a little searching is necessary to find the link to order your American flag. Some of the requests for flags are found under the following headings: Constituent Services, Services and Programs, and one Senator had the words Flag Request on the main page, which was the easiest to find. Be persistent and keep looking.

3. Within this link, the flag link is called a variety of names including the following: Flag Request, Flags Flown Over the Capitol, and Capitol Flags.

4. Follow the directions on your Representative's or Senator's website to order your American flag. Various sizes are available and if you would like to request a flag to be flown over the capitol on a certain date, send your request at least four weeks before that date.

Tips & Warnings

• Be persistent when looking for the link. It's there; it just may be hidden.
• Take pride in your American flag and give this one-of-a-kind gift to a special person.
• Allow eight weeks to receive your American flag in the mail.

Resources

• United States House of Representatives
• United States Senate
• A Grand Old Flag: A History of the United States Through Its Flags

[art2cee2]

on 7/22/2009 I have one of those flags that my girl scout troop obtained several years ago and I still have it. Thanks for sharing this useful information! ;-) 5* and rec

[lilolladystuff]

on 7/21/2009 This is a great idea and i will attempt it.nice article on how to get a flag that flew over the Capitol. Thanks.

[maryanne09]

on 7/13/2009 Great article on How to Get an American Flag That Has Flown Over the U.S. Capitol! 5*'s and a recommend! :o)

[91preludesi]

on 3/16/2009 I didn't know about this. I will definately order a flag that has flown over the Capitol. Thanks for the information.

[JanieWrites]

on 3/16/2009 I did this for my father's 80th birthday. At that time I was told that the flags were only available for veterans who were 80 or older. He has the flag in a triangle shaped case hanging on the wall along with a framed copy of the letter from the President (Clinton) honoring his veteran's status and his birthday. I did not have to pay anything at all.