U.S. #4235

2008 42¢ Flag at Midday

American Flags 24/7

Issue Date: April 18, 2008

City: Washington, DC

Printed By: Ashton-Potter

Printing Method: Lithographed

Perforations: 9½ Die Cut

Color: Multicolored

In 2008, U.S. Postal Serv...  more

U.S. #4235

2008 42¢ Flag at Midday

American Flags 24/7

Issue Date: April 18, 2008

City: Washington, DC

Printed By: Ashton-Potter

Printing Method: Lithographed

Perforations: 9½ Die Cut

Color: Multicolored

In 2008, U.S. Postal Service issued a set of stamps titled American Flags 24/7, showing the American flag at different times of day. Three printers produced these flags in three different coil sizes. This stamp is part of a coil of 100. 

In 1942, Congress issued the Flag Code as a set of guidelines concerning how the American flag should be treated and displayed. Except during periods of mourning, the flag should be flown from the top of the flagpole, or at “full-mast.”

Only the President can declare that the flag be flown at half-mast, usually due to the death of an important figure, such as a political or religious leader. To display the flag at half-mast, it must first be hoisted quickly to full-mast, and then drawn down to half-mast.

The official holidays when the flag should be flown at half-mast include Memorial Day (the flag is flown at half-mast until noon, and then at full-mast until sunset); Patriot Day; and Pearl Harbor Day.

The Flag Code also details the rules concerning alternate uses of the flag. The code states that the American flag should never be used for advertising purposes, and should never be printed on or placed on anything that will likely be discarded after its use.