It’s cruel to people who want to fly U.S. flags often, but only on designated flag-flying dates. (April is also National Poetry Month, so it’s a good time to look up poetry references we should have committed to heart; April is also Jazz Appreciation Month).
For 2026, these are the three dates for flying the U.S. flag; Easter is a national date, the other two are dates suggested for residents of the states involved.
One date, nationally, to fly the flag. That beats March, which has none (in a year with Easter in April and not March). But March has five statehood days, to April’s two.
Take heart! You may fly your U.S. flag any day you choose, or everyday as many people do in Texas (though, too many do not retire their flags every evening . . .).
Three dates to fly Old Glory in April, by the Flag Code and other laws on memorials and commemorations.
- Easter, April 5 (already passed, if you’re counting)
- Maryland, April 28, 1788, 7th state
- Louisiana, April 30, 1812 – 18th state
Some people have abused the flag in April.
Caption from The Guardian: Ted Landsmark (centre): ‘I had a sense that something really significant had happened.’ Boston, April 5, 1976. Photograph: stanleyformanphotos.com
See “That’s me in the picture: Ted Landsmark is assaulted in Boston, at an ‘anti-bussing’ protest, 5 April 1976,” Abigail Radnor, The Guardian, April 17, 2015; and “The U.S. Flag in the 20th Century (Part 2),” The Portland Flag Association.
More:
- Video at top: U.S., Texas and Circle 10 Council BSA flags flying at Circle 10 headquarters, Dallas, Texas
- “Congress redesigns U.S. flag, April 4, 1818,” Politico, story of the 15-striped flag’s demise
- Chicago Cubs’ Rick Monday saved the American Flag at Dodger Stadium, April 25, 1976, Dodgers Nation
Millard Fillmore's Bathtub 
Ed, I thank you for your continued posting. I am torn by two feelings. One, as a veteran I used to literally get a chill at Retreat to Colors formations, and the Colors passing in review. However, I am so sickened by what Trumpism and MAGA have made of the flag, and in fear of being identified with them, that I cannot bring myself, these days, to display a flag.
I hope that changes once we are rid of this pox on our nation.
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