Page Hero

FLAGS OVER THE PENTAGON

Fly Your Flag Over the Pentagon!

The Flags Over the Pentagon program offers a unique opportunity for individuals and organizations to honor a special occasion, milestone, or loved one by having a United States flag flown over the headquarters of the Department of War. This long-standing tradition provides a meaningful keepsake, as each flag is flown atop the Pentagon and returned with an official Certificate of Authenticity documenting the specific date and the person or event being honored. Whether celebrating a retirement, a promotion, or a patriotic holiday, this program serves as a powerful symbol of service and national pride.

 

Program Overview & Requirements

Before starting the process, ensure your request meets the following PFPA Flag Guidelines:
 
  • Flag Sizes: Standard sizes are 3’x5’, 4’x6’, and 5’x7’. While most sizes are accepted, a 3’x5’ flag is considered the standard for this program.
     
  • Submission Deadline: Requests must be received at least 5 business days before your requested fly date. If mailing, add an extra week for transit.
     
  • Quantity Limit: There is a strict limit of 5 flags per request.
     
  • Provision of Flag: The requestor must provide the actual flag to be flown; the PFPA does not sell flags.
     
  • We cannot accept United Parcel Service (UPS) nor FedEx (Ground or Home) return requests.

Choosing A Date


Plan Ahead for Key Dates: Many requestors choose to have their flag flown on federal holidays or military anniversaries to add a layer of significance to their keepsake. Popular dates include:

- Military Birthdays: Army (June 14), Marine Corps (Nov 10), Navy (Oct 27), Air Force (Sept 18), Coast Guard (Aug 4), and Space Force (Dec 20).

- Patriotic Holidays: Independence Day (July 4), Veterans Day (Nov 11), Flag Day (June 14), and Armed Forces Day (3rd Saturday in May).

- Commemorative Days: Vietnam Veterans Day (Mar 29), Patriot Day (Sept 11), POW/MIA Recognition Day (Sept 19), or Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day (Dec 7).

Important: If you have a specific date in mind, remember your request must arrive at least 5 business days (plus mailing time) before that date to ensure it can be scheduled.
 

The 3-Step Process:

Request iconRequest


Prepare your documentation.
Download PFPA Form 55: Every request must include a completed PFPA Form 55.

Required Details: You must specify the recipient's name, the special occasion (e.g., retirement, birthday), and the requested fly date. Certificate Verbiage: The dedication message on the certificate is limited to 32 characters.

[Download Form 55]

Submit iconSubmit


Deliver your flag to the Flag Coordinator.
Choose the method that applies to you:
 
  • Option A: Pentagon Access (In-Person)
    • Drop off your flag and Form 55 directly at the Flag Coordinator’s office.

      Pentagon Room 5B890 on the 5th floor between corridors 8 and 9 (half corridor).
      Hours of Operation: Monday - Thursday 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (closed Fridays and Federal Holidays)
      Questions: 703-692-7842.
       
  • Option B: No Pentagon Access (By Mail)
    • Timeline: You must allow an additional 10 business days on top of the standard 5–15 business day processing time.
       
    • Required Documentation: Along with your flag, you must include a typed or printed letter containing:
      1. Recipient’s Name
      2. The Occasion
      3. The Specific Fly Date (if blank, it will fly within 15 days of receipt)
      4. POC Contact Info (Name, Address, Phone, Email)
         
    • Return Shipping: You must provide pre-paid return postage and packaging (e.g., stamps or FedEx account). 

      PFPA cannot accept cash, checks, or money orders. Requests without postage will be held, and the POC will be notified to arrange shipping.

      Written Requests Can Be Submitted to:
      Pentagon Force Protection Agency
      9000 Defense Pentagon, Room 5B890
      Washington, DC 20301-9000
       

Receive iconReceive


Honor the occasion.
● Fly Date: If no specific date is requested, the flag will be flown within 15 business days of receipt.

● Notification: The Flag Coordinator will email your Point of Contact once the flag has been flown and is ready for pickup or return shipping.

● The Keepsake: Every returned flag is accompanied by an official Certificate of Authenticity.

Once flags are flown they are folded into a traditional triangle fold. This increases the bulk of the flag and therefore WILL NOT be able to ship in priority mail cardboard mailers.

For 1 standard 3X5 flag with accompanying certificate the suggested size shipping box for return service is 13.25" (L) x 11.5"(W) x 2.38" (H) or larger.

For flags of larger size (4x6, 5x7, etc.) please provide larger return shipping box(s).

Frequently Asked Questions
 

How much time should I allow for my request?
With Pentagon Access: Submit your flag at least 5 business days prior to the fly date. Without Pentagon Access (Mailing): Allow an additional 10 business days on top of the standard 5-15 day processing time.

What must I include if I am mailing my flag?
Include a typed/printed letter with the recipient's name, occasion, requested date, and contact details (name, address, email, phone).

How is my flag returned to me?
You must provide a pre-paid shipping label or stamps and a box. Note: Cash, checks, or money orders are not accepted. A 13.25" x 11.5" x 2.38" box is recommended for a 3’x5’ flag.

Can I drop off my flag in person?
Yes, if you have Pentagon access, visit Room 5B890 (Mon–Thu, 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.; closed Fridays/Holidays).

What if I forget return postage?
The Flag Coordinator will contact you, but the PFPA is not responsible for providing postage.

Is there a limit on how many flags I can send?
Yes, a maximum of 5 flags per request.

How long will PFPA hold my flag?
Due to space constraints, flags are only held for 30 days after flown date.