Flags at the White House facts for kids

The U.S. flag atop the White House flying at half-staff in 2019 in honor of Elijah Cummings; the U.S. flag atop the White House is often flown at half-staff to commemorate certain events such as the death of important people.

The White House in Washington, D.C., is where the president of the United States lives and works. Since it is the home of the U.S. head of state, the U.S. flag flies on a flagpole on its roof. This flag flies all day and all night, every day of the week.

The White House Flag

The United States' national flag is always displayed on the White House rooftop. Many people think the flag is taken down when the president leaves the building. However, this is not true; the flag stays flying. This practice started in September 1970. The president at that time, Richard M. Nixon, decided this after his wife, Pat Nixon, suggested it.

Other Flags Flown

Artistic depiction of a July 1918 event in which a Serbian flag was flown over the White House alongside the U.S. one in a show of wartime solidarity; the only non-U.S. flags to have ever been flown over the White House are those of Serbia and France.

Sometimes, other flags have flown from the White House rooftop flagpole. Only two foreign flags have ever been flown there: the flag of Serbia and the flag of France.

The Serbian flag was flown in July 1918. It flew next to the U.S. flag to show support for the people of Serbia during World War I. The French flag was flown in July 1920. This was to celebrate French Bastille Day, a national holiday.

Flag at Half-Staff

The U.S. flag on the White House roof is often lowered to half-staff. This happens when the U.S. president gives the order. It is done to remember a special event or person. For example, it is lowered when important people in the United States, like political leaders, have recently passed away.