Commemorative Flags

In 2019, City Council adopted a commemorative flag policy to allow for the rotating display of commemorative flags underneath the City flag at City Hall, the Public Library, and the Police Station. Commemorative flags may only be displayed as authorized by resolution of the City Council. City Council’s annual consideration of flags for display is in January of each year, and the represented party is responsible for providing the selected flag. For more information, see the Commemorative Flag Policy (PDF).

2026 Commemorative Flags

The following flags were authorized by the City Council to be displayed in 2025 in accordance with the Commemorative Flag Policy. 

Commemorating Black History Month
February 1 - February 28, 2026

Black History MonthBlack History Month is celebrated annually every February and recognizes the history and achievements of African Americans. It also pays tribute to the generations of African Americans who struggled with adversity throughout American history. Black History Month encourages us to continue to promote the study of Black history throughout the year. 

In 1925, Carter G. Woodson’s organization, The Association for the Study of Negro Life and History, conceived and announced Negro History Week. Over the years, Negro History Week became a central part of African American life, and across the country, more Americans came to appreciate the celebration. President Gerald R. Ford officially recognized African American History Month in 1976.

Learn more from the Association for the Study of African American Life and History here


Commemorating National Day of Prayer 
April 2, 2026 - May 2, 2026 

Commemorative Flag Design Pending 

The National Day of Prayer is an annual observance that invites people of all faiths to pray for the nation. Established by Congress in 1952 and recognized through yearly presidential proclamations, it encourages reflection, gratitude, and community unity.

Commemorating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month 
May 1 - May 31, 2026

Flag Reso Exhibit A 2026.pdf - Adobe Acrobat Pro DCAsian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month is celebrated annually every May and recognizes the history, culture, and achievements of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders. The observance also pays tribute to generations of AAPI individuals whose contributions have helped shape the United States.

In 1978, Congress established Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week, and in 1992 Congress expanded the observance by designating May as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month to honor two significant events in AAPI history: the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants to the U.S. and the completion of the transcontinental railroad, which was built largely by Chinese laborers.

Learn more from the U.S. Census Bureau’s Facts for Features webpage here

Commemorating LGBTQ+ Pride Month and LGBTQ+ Social Movements 
May 22 -July 1, 2026

Progress-Pride-FlagThe Pride Flag commemorates Harvey Milk Day, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) Pride month, and the contributions of the LGBTQ community.

LGBTQ Pride Month is currently celebrated each year in the month of June to honor the 1969 Stonewall riots in Manhattan, New York City. The Stonewall riots were a tipping point for the Gay Liberation Movement in the United States. The purpose of the commemorative month is to recognize the impact that LBGTQ individuals have had on history locally, nationally, and internationally.

"Progress" Pride Flag: Daniel Quasar created this flag in 2018 in response to Philadelphia’s updated pride flag. It consists of the colours and stripes from Philadelphia’s version of the pride flag and the colours of the transgender pride flag.

Commemorating Semiquincentennial
July 4, 2026

Commemorative Flag Design Pending 

Commemorating the Semiquincentennial (America’s 250th Anniversary) is an official observance recognizing the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States in 1776. This milestone honors the nation’s history and the countless contributions of Americans across generations.

The Semiquincentennial commemorations involve federal agencies, state and local governments, nonprofit partners, and community organizations working together on programs, events, and preservation initiatives leading up to July 4, 2026. Through these efforts, communities are encouraged to reflect on the nation’s past, celebrate its achievements, and engage citizens in civic life. 

Learn more from the National Park Service’s 250th Anniversary Commemoration page here

Commemorating Women's Equality Day 

August 26, 2026

Womens History MonthWomen's Equality Day is celebrated to commemorate the 1920 adoption of the Nineteenth Amendment (Amendment XIX) to the United States Constitution, which prohibits the states and the federal government from denying the right to vote to citizens of the United States on the basis of sex. It was first celebrated in 1971, designated by Congress in 1973, and is proclaimed each year by the United States President.

Learn more from the National Women’s History Alliance here.

Commemorating National Hispanic Heritage Month
September 15 - October 15, 2026
National Hispanic Heritage Month Flag

National Hispanic Heritage Month is observed annually from September 15 to October 15. The observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988.

We celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month to recognize the achievements and contributions of Hispanic American champions who have inspired others to achieve success. It is an honor to celebrate the histories, cultures, and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.

September 15 marks the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September 18 respectively. 

Learn more about National Hispanic Heritage Month here.

Commemorating National Immigrants Day 
October 16, 2026 - November 2, 2026

Commemorative Flag Design Pending 



Commemorating Native American Heritage Month
November 3 - November 20, 2026  

Flag Reso Exhibit A 2026.pdf - Adobe Acrobat Pro DCNative American Heritage Month is an annual observance each November that recognizes the history, cultures, traditions, and contributions of Native Americans and Alaska Natives. This month honors the rich heritage of Indigenous peoples who have shaped and strengthened the United States.

In 1990, President George H. W. Bush approved a joint resolution designating November as National American Indian Heritage Month, and since 1994 presidents have issued annual proclamations to recognize this observance.

Learn more from the Native American Heritage Month page here

Commemorating World Kindness Day
November 13, 2026 

Commemorative Flag Design Pending

World Kindness Day is celebrated annually on November 13 and highlights the importance of kindness, compassion, and goodwill among individuals, communities, and nations. This global observance encourages people to perform acts of kindness, whether simple or significant, to strengthen connections across diverse groups and inspire positive behavior throughout the year.