How to Order a Flag Flown Over the US Capitol for Retirement

How can I contact my U.S. Representative or Senator to request a flag?

You can locate your representative or senator by entering your zip code on the official websites House.gov or Senate.gov to find their specific constituent services portal.

1. Navigate to the contact page of your official's website and look for a link labeled "Flag Requests" or "Constituent Services."
2. Fill out the digital request form, which typically asks for the recipient's name and the specific date you want the flag flown.
3. Select the desired flag material, such as cotton or nylon, and the specific size from the dropdown menu provided.
4. Provide a valid mailing address for the final delivery, as many offices do not allow in-person pickups at their D.C. or district locations.

What information is required to process a flag request through a congressional office?

Yes, you must provide the full name of the recipient, the requested date of flight, and the shipping address for the final delivery. Most offices require payment via credit card or check before they will finalize the order, which usually costs between $20 and $50 depending on the flag size.

Is there a fee associated with purchasing a flag flown over the Capitol?

Yes, there is a fee for the flag itself, which covers the cost of the flag and the shipping expenses incurred by the office. A lot of people assume that because the flag is flown over a government building, it is provided free of charge by the taxpayer, but the actual cost of the physical flag is always passed on to the requester. You should verify the current price list on your representative's website, as these costs are updated periodically to match the vendor's wholesale pricing.

How long does the process take from the date of the request to the delivery of the flag?

The total turnaround time typically ranges from four to eight weeks, depending on the volume of requests the office receives and the specific flag size ordered. Once the flag is flown on your chosen date, it must be processed, packaged, and mailed by the staff, which adds significant time to the final delivery window. For example, a request submitted in early spring often clears the process faster than one submitted during the busy summer months when tourism and demand are at their peak.

An important nuance is that the date of the flight and the date of delivery are entirely separate events. You might have the flag flown on a Tuesday, but it could take another three weeks to arrive at your doorstep due to internal congressional mail security screening protocols, which are mandatory for all outgoing packages from Capitol Hill.

Can I choose a specific date for the flag to be flown to coincide with a retirement ceremony?

Yes, you can request a specific date, but it is subject to availability and weather conditions at the Capitol. Because only a limited number of flags can be flown on the roof each day, you should submit your request at least 30 days in advance to increase your chances of securing your preferred date.

What documentation is provided to verify that the flag was flown over the U.S. Capitol?

Every flag comes with an official certificate of authenticity signed by the Architect of the Capitol to verify its flight.

• Authentication number: This unique identifier links your specific flag to the official logbook maintained by the Architect’s office.
• Recipient name: The certificate is personalized with the name you provided during the initial request phase to make sure it matches the retirement honoree.
• Flight date: The document clearly states the exact calendar day the flag was hoisted above the building.
• Official seal: The document features the embossed seal of the Architect of the Capitol, which serves as the primary proof of the flag's provenance.

Are there restrictions on the size or material of the flags available for purchase?

Most offices offer a standard selection of sizes, typically ranging from 3x5 feet to 5x8 feet, in both heavy-duty nylon and traditional cotton materials. Nylon is generally preferred for outdoor display because it is more resistant to fading and damage from wind or rain, while cotton is often chosen for indoor display cases due to its matte finish and classic aesthetic. You should check the specific inventory list on your legislator’s website, as some offices limit their stock to the most popular sizes to streamline their procurement process.

A notable exception is that some offices may occasionally offer specialized flags, such as those made for specific military branches or commemorative events, but these are rarely kept in stock. If you have a highly specific requirement, such as a non-standard size, you will likely need to contact the office several months in advance to see if they can accommodate a special order through their supplier.

Can flags be flown over the Capitol for occasions other than retirements?

Flags can be flown to commemorate a wide variety of personal and public milestones beyond just retirement ceremonies.

• Birthdays: Many people request a flag to mark a significant milestone birthday, such as an 80th or 90th celebration.
• Anniversaries: These are frequently requested for golden or diamond wedding anniversaries to honor long-term commitments.
• Eagle Scout: Achieving the rank of Eagle Scout is a common reason for families to request a flag as a memento.
• Memorials: Flags are often flown to honor the memory of a deceased loved one or a veteran who served the country.
• Graduations: Families often request a flag to celebrate a student completing a college or advanced degree program.