Each year on the 14th day of June, we celebrate Flag Day, a time for Americans to count our blessings and pay tribute to the most prominent symbol of our great Nation. For many Americans, our flag is not only a symbol of our nationality; it also represents some of the most deeply cherished traditions and beliefs we hold dear to our hearts.

As a member of Congress, I am proud to see our flag flying over the United States Capitol every day.  It is the same flag I see waving in the clear mountain breeze as I travel through southern West Virginia. And it is the same flag that flies over each of the fifty states, a federal district, fifteen territories, and United States embassies around the world.

Today the flag consists of thirteen horizontal stripes, seven red alternating with six white, reminding us always of our Nation’s humble formation from the original thirteen colonies.  By contrast, the stars illustrate the federal binding together of fifty separate state governments, a bond that has persevered for more than 200 years.  The colors of the flag are symbolic as well; red symbolizes hardiness and valor; white symbolizes purity and innocence; and blue represents vigilance, perseverance, and justice.

The fifty stars and thirteen stripes design we see today was made the official flag of the United States on July 4, 1960, when it was so ordered by President Dwight D. Eisenhower with the addition of Hawaii as the 50th state. 

One of the many constituent services I am proud to offer to the citizens of West Virginia is a straightforward way to get an American flag that has been flown over the United States Capitol building.  For a small fee, flags can be requested by calling my Washington, DC, office or by visiting to my website: www.rahall.house.gov. 

Flags are flown over the Capitol every day of the year in honor of birthdays, retirements, anniversaries and any number of special achievements, as well as in the memory of loved ones lost.  These flags are then shipped directly from my office with an official certificate from the Architect of the Capitol, declaring the date and occasion for which the flag was flown, as well as an informational booklet on our American flag.

Should you choose to request a flag, please be sure to indicate the type of flag you would like, the date you would like it flown, and the special occasion for which it should be flown.  Flags are available in both nylon and cotton and a variety of sizes.  If you are hoping to fly your flag outside, I recommend you purchase a nylon flag so that it will last longer.

If you have any questions, please contact my Washington, DC office: (202) 225-3452.