Since our founding in 1922, American Insurance and the Sullivan family has promoted a generational legacy focused on service to our nation and our community. That is why, as we were planning the construction of the new Lewiston office building that opened in 2004, it seemed important to include a US flagpole for several reasons…

WHY? THE US FLAG DISPLAY AT AMERICAN INSURANCE: 

•     1.  to honor our nation and our veterans (like 1st Generation, Harry Christy, a veteran of WWI and 2nd Generation, Frank Sullivan, a veteran of WWII & Korean War). 
  •     2. to continue the patriotic legacy included in our business name, American Insurance NW Inc and,
•     3. the new Lewiston location is at a prominent intersection for the public to see a flag display in the roundabout of Snake River Ave and Southway Ave.

HOW? US FLAG LAWS, RULES & ETTIQUETTE: Please Note: Private US flag displays have different rules and more limitations than US Government or State Government flag displays.  Private US flag displays will not always match US Government displays and Presidential Proclamations. This is because Private flag displays, at homes and businesses, don’t have 24 hr / 7 days-a-week operations. Because of this, rules are relaxed, especially in regards to special half-mast observances, sunrise to sunset timing and Saturday or Sunday displays. On those occasions, the American Insurance private flag display may not match Government building displays.  Like a home display, our US Flag may remain at full mast.  Please know that no disrespect is intended. The American Insurance flag display is to always be a sign of unity and never political or partisan.

 It is important to understand that the rules for flag displays are divided between US Government flag displays (only US Military, Federal agencies, US Parks & miscellaneous agencies) and private citizen flag displays (private property – individuals and businesses), that are asked to follow some general rules and guidelines.  Private flag displays are voluntary and there are no laws (except Public Law 94-344 with no legal penalties), regulating their display. This distinction is confused by many in the general public, but there are very sound and practical reasons why private flag displays are not fully regulated by law.

       US Government Flag Displays:  US Congress and the US President by Proclamation may order Special Occasions for Flag Display . These Flag Days only apply to US flags “flown at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions.”  Public building means a building used by Federal, State, or local government that is open to the general public.

      US Private Flag Displays: Even though private flag displays are only regulated with some guidelines, there is an expectation that some general rules will be followed. Click and read Veterans Affairs Guidelines for Display of the Flag.

WHEN? WHEN AMERICAN INSURANCE DISPLAYS THE US FLAG – American Insurance chose to display the US Flag every day, 24 hours a day, with a spotlight on the flag at night. Putting the flag up at dawn and down at dusk would have been an unworkable burden.  Who was going to get up at dawn and wait around until dusk to take the flag up and down daily?  This issue (among others) is why flag regulations for private flag display are not strictly enforced and regulated. For example, flags at home or not on a pole can’t be placed at half-mast and aren’t expected to follow strict rules. 

1.  Special Occasions for Flag Display are all observed (17 days) including the four special half-staff displays for Peace Officers Memorial Day (May 15^th), Memorial Day (Last Monday in May), Patriot Day (September 11^th) and Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day (December 7^th).  NOTE: Floating holidays may occur on a Saturday or Sunday when our offices are not open.   
2.  Presidential Proclamations for US Flag at half-staff –Even though not required to do so as a Private Flag Display, we are committed to the 4-major national holiday half-staff flag observances.  We observe and honor those who are “Lain in State” at National Statuary Hall or in the Capitol Rotunda, including past US Presidents, Supreme Court Justices and others. However, other Proclamations of National Mourning that are observed by Government facilities are too numerous for a Private Flag Display to observe properly and consistently.

We hope you enjoy seeing our American flag display as a living symbol and reminder of our unity as “one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. “

If you have any comments, questions, or concerns about our private US Flag Display, please feel free leave a comment, Contact Us or email Community@Am-Ins.com.