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On October 13, 1775, the Continental Congress authorized the acquisition and outfitting of armed vessels, establishing what would become the United States Navy.

From the wooden sailing ships of the Revolutionary War to today's aircraft carriers, submarines, and naval aviation, the Navy has spent more than two centuries protecting American interests at sea.

The Navy's birthday is also recognized as a US flag-flying holiday, making October 13 a fitting day to raise the Stars and Stripes in honor of the sailors who have served throughout the Navy's long history.

Observed on the second Monday in October, today is recognized both as Indigenous Peoples’ Day and Columbus Day.

Columbus Day commemorates Christopher Columbus’ 1492 voyage. Indigenous Peoples’ Day honors the histories, cultures, and contributions of Native peoples throughout the Americas.

The day is also recognized as a flag-flying holiday, so Americans are encouraged to display the Stars and Stripes from sunrise to sunset. If your flag remains flying after dark, remember to keep it properly illuminated.

Observed on the last Sunday in September, Gold Star Mother’s and Family Day honors the mothers and families of US service members who gave their lives in service to our country.

Gold Star Mother’s and Family Day is also observed as a flag-flying holiday. Americans are encouraged to raise the Stars and Stripes in remembrance of our fallen service members and in honor of the families who carry their legacy forward.

Today, we fly the flag with gratitude and remembrance for those who made the ultimate sacrifice, and for the families who will always keep their memory alive.

On September 18, 1947, the United States Air Force officially became an independent branch of the US Armed Forces with the implementation of the National Security Act of 1947.

Since then, generations of Air Force servicemembers have served our nation in the skies and beyond, carrying forward a proud tradition of service, innovation, and courage.

The Air Force's birthday is also celebrated as a US flag-flying holiday. It's a fitting occasion to raise the Stars and Stripes and honor the people who have served—and continue to serve—in the Air Force.

Observed each year on the third Friday in September, National POW/MIA Recognition Day honors American prisoners of war and remembers those who remain missing in action.

The day serves as a powerful reminder of the service and sacrifice of our nation’s military personnel and their families. The black-and-white POW/MIA flag, bearing the words “You Are Not Forgotten,” has become an enduring symbol of that commitment to remembrance.

National POW/MIA Recognition Day is also recognized as an official flag-flying holiday. Americans are encouraged to display the Stars and Stripes today in honor of those who were held as prisoners of war and those whose fate remains unknown.

On September 17, 1787, delegates to the Constitutional Convention signed the United States Constitution in Philadelphia, creating the framework of government that continues to guide our nation today.

Each year, Constitution Day and Citizenship Day commemorate that historic moment and celebrate the naturalization of US citizens.

September 17 is recognized as a US flag-flying holiday, making it a fitting day to raise the Stars and Stripes and reflect on the principles of unity established in the Constitution.

This year, September 11, 2026, is the 25th anniversary of the joint attacks on the World Trade Center, Pentagon, and Flight 93 of September 11, 2001.

Nearly 3,000 lives were lost that day in New York City, at the Pentagon, and aboard Flight 93 in Pennsylvania. In the years since, September 11 has been a day to remember the victims, honor the first responders, and recognize all those whose lives were forever changed.

As we observe Patriot Day, Americans should fly the US flag at half-staff from sunrise to sunset. When displaying the flag at half-staff, first raise it quickly to the peak, then lower it to the half-staff position. At the end of the day, raise it to the peak again before lowering it completely.

Learn more about this year's milestone observance of Patriot Day on our blog: https://vist.ly/5i4kc

On August 4, 1790, the United States Coast Guard was born when Congress authorized the construction of the nation's first fleet of revenue cutters at the request of Alexander Hamilton.

For more than 236 years, the Coast Guard has safeguarded America's shores and waterways, carrying out missions that range from search and rescue and maritime law enforcement to environmental protection, national defense, and homeland security.

Today, we celebrate the long tradition of service, courage, and commitment that has defined the Coast Guard since the earliest days of the United States. August 4 is also recognized as an official US flag-flying holiday. The American flag should be displayed from sunrise to sunset in honor of the Coast Guard's enduring service.