Flags and Fireworks on the Fourth

Wednesday, July 4, is Independence Day, one of the six days each year postal facilities are required to fly the POW–MIA flag. The flag and its display at postal facilities honor the sacrifices made by members of the armed forces held as prisoners of war or listed as missing in action.

The POW–MIA flag must fly below the U.S. flag. If a postal facility is closed July 4, the facility is required to display the POW–MIA flag on the last business day before July 4.  Additional information may be found in the Administrative Support Manual Section 476 "POW–MIA Flag Display.”

On July 4, 1776, the thirteen colonies claimed their independence from England, an event which eventually led to the formation of the United States. John Hancock, President of the Continental Congress, signed the Declaration of Independence.  Today, the original copy of the Declaration is housed in the National Archives in Washington DC.  Each year on July 4, Americans celebrate Independence Day with fireworks, parades, barbecues, baseball games, and family reunions.