Flying the American Flag on September 11 - Patriot Day

Homeowner associations in Phoenix AZ Retirement Communities already have American flags flying throughout each community. At the initial close of escrow, homeowners in Arizona retirement communities of were given an American flag that can be affixed to the garage side of the home. Many homeowners will be flying their American flag tomorrow. Some homeowners in Sun City West and Sun City have flagpoles; the American flag will be flown at half-staff from these flagpoles tomorrow. Flags at the Maricopa Sheriff Posse's office in Sun City West will also be flown at half-staff on September 11, 2011.

September 11 is one of the five days that the American Flag is flown at half-staff on flagpoles.  On December 18, 2001 public law No. 107-89 designated September 11th as Patriot Day. In observance of the 2,977 individuals who lost their lives during the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, the United States flag should be displayed on flagpoles at half-staff from sunrise to sunset each September 11.

When raising the American flag on a flagpole at half-staff at sunrise, the flag should be first hoisted to the peak for a second or two, and then lowered to half-staff position. At sunset, the flag should again be raised to the peak for a second or two, and then lowered. Half-staff is lowering the flag to one-half the distance between the top and bottom.

If you don't have a flagpole, just fly your American flag as you would normally. 

Flag Etiquette

• The American flag is only displayed upside down ONLY during extreme danger to life or property
• The American flag should never touch the ground, the floor or water
• The American lapel flag pin being a replica, should be worn on the left lapel near the heart
• The American flag, when it becomes worn and weathered, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning