Congressional offices proudly offer their constituents the opportunity to purchase flags that have been flown over the U.S. Capitol. The dedicated Flag Office bills itself as a meaningful way to recognize significant life events, "For example: In honor of Joe Smith on his 65th birthday or In memory of….".

Once it has been flown over the Capitol, the veracity of each flag is documented with a "keepsake Certificate of Authenticity by the Architect of the Capitol." Many of these flags are no doubt treasured by combat veterans, Cub Scout groups and union halls across the nation.

The reality of the flag program is a little less glamorous. 

This is the flag elevator that hauls crates of flags up from the basement to the west front of the Capitol. There is a single small flagpole there. The flag goes up, the flag goes down. It has now been flown over the Capitol. Staffers and interns can sit outside the Republican cloakroom and watch it in the afternoon.

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