For Constituents
Caucuses
Legislative Links
Privacy Policy
Translate This Site

Request a Flag

Information about our nation's flag

The Federal Citizen Information Center maintains a free, easy-to-read online edition of Our Flag by the Joint Committee on Printing. This Congressional publication briefly describes the history of the flag, and sets forth the practices and observances appropriate to its display. Our Flag is an important publication for students, veterans organizations and anyone else with interest in the history and proper display of our nation's flag.

Order flags that have flown over the Capitol Building

Official U.S. Flags flown over the Capitol Building are a great way to commemorate a special occasion or honor a loved one. The Architect of the Capitol issues an official certificate with a short, personalized message that accompanies each flown flag. For example, "This flag was flown in honor of John Doe's rank of Eagle Scout on February 3, 2003."

These high-quality, American-made flags are available in cotton or nylon and in varying sizes (3x5, 4x6 and 5x8). If you would like a flag flown on a specific date, it must be request four to six weeks in advance (alternative dates are recommended). Please note that our office cannot guarantee the delivery of flags by specific dates, ceremonies or occasions.

To purchase a flag that has flown over the Capitol, please complete the following four steps:

Note: Due to a high volume of flag requests, we can only accept requests from Illinois' 19th District. However, most Members of Congress offer this service to their constituents. If you are not sure what Congressional District you are in, please click here to find your Representative.

  1. Confirm that you are a resident of Illinois' 19th District.
  2. Complete a Flag Request Form (PDF)
  3. Make a check payable to John Shimkus Supply Account for the appropriate amount. Please do not send cash.
  4. Send a completed form and check to our District Office:

The Honorable John Shimkus
Attn: Flags
240 Regency Centre Street
Collinsville, IL 62234

If you have any questions or need additional information, please call our Washington office at (202) 225-5271 for assistance.

^ top of page