Flag Status and Retirement

Flag Retirement

American Flag at North Andover Town Hall

The American Flag is proudly displayed on the flagpole at North Andover Town Hall.  After sunset, the flag is illuminated by lighting on the top of the Fossa Block. While the flag is suitable for all-weather conditions, the flag is taken down when high winds are expected.

The flag is lowered to half-staff on certain scheduled days, upon a state or federal order, to honor local military veterans, honored community members, or a local hero.

Title 4, Section 7 of the United States Code dictates the position and manner of display of the National Flag. The Massachusetts Governor can also decide to fly flags at Half-Staff in the Commonwealth in the event of the death of a present or former official of the government of any State, territory, or possession of the United States, or the death of a member of the Armed Forces from any State, territory, or possession who dies while serving on active duty.

Status can be found here: https://www.mass.gov/news/when-do-flags-fly-at-half-staff

Scheduled Days When the American Flag is Half-Staff

  • Peace Officers Memorial Day, May 15th (sunrise until sunset)
  • Memorial Day, last Monday in May (sunrise until NOON)
  • Patriot Day, September 11 (sunrise until sunset)
  • Korean War Veterans Armistice Day, July 27th (sunrise until sunset)
  • National Firefighters Memorial Day, first Sunday in October (sunrise until sunset)
  • Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, first Sunday in October (sunrise until sunset

American Flag Retirement

Veterans Services collects worn and tattered flags for proper and respectful retirement.  American flags that have become faded, torn or weather-beaten can be brought to North Andover Town Hall and placed in our Flag Drop Box (located on the first floor).  The drop box is accessible during normal Town Hall business hours.

American Flag Protocol and Etiquette

How Display the American Flag Quick Reference

Guidelines for Display of the Flag

The Law about Proper Display of the American Flag