AN ACT relating to allowing the Freedom Flag to be flown as a Flag of Remembrance each September 11, which is known as Patriot Day.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Myron Dossett

Allows Kentucky to fly the Flag of Remembrance (Freedom Flag) on Patriot Day alongside the American and state flags to commemorate 9/11.

to State Government (H)

#commendationsandrecognitions #statesymbolsandemblems

Summary of HB 269 (2026RS) – Kentucky

Purpose and intent

Establishes that the “Freedom Flag,” designated by Virginia in 2018 as the official Flag of Remembrance for September 11, 2001, may be flown in Kentucky on Patriot Day (September 11) alongside the American flag and the Kentucky state flag.

The flag is intended to serve as a remembrance of the events and individuals connected to September 11, 2001.

Key provisions

Creation of a new section under Kentucky Revised Statutes Chapter 2 defining the Flag of Remembrance (the Freedom Flag) and its use on September 11.

Definition of the Flag of Remembrance:

Inner blue field to symbolize unity for freedom.
A white star within the blue field representing all who lived and died for freedom.
Five white bars surrounding the star to represent the Pentagon and the protection of American freedom.
Outer portion with three white stripes and two narrow red stripes plus two broad red stripes.
Specific symbolism for the outer stripes:
Three white stripes honor rescue workers, firefighters, police officers, Port Authority employees, and others who worked during and after 9/11.
Two broad red stripes symbolize the Twin Towers and the loss of those who perished at the World Trade Center and aboard American Airlines Flight 11 and United Airlines Flight 175.
The top narrow red stripe represents the loss at the Pentagon and aboard American Airlines Flight 77.
The bottom narrow red stripe represents the loss of those aboard United Airlines Flight 93 in Pennsylvania.

Adoption and display:

The Flag of Remembrance may be flown along with the American flag and Kentucky’s state flag each September 11 (Patriot Day) as a remembrance of 9/11.

Scope:

Applies to the Commonwealth of Kentucky; it does not specify any state additional funding or regulatory burdens beyond authorization to fly the flag.

Who/what is affected

States and state facilities, schools, and other government entities in Kentucky would have the option to fly the Freedom Flag on Patriot Day in addition to the American and state flags.

Individuals and organizations in Kentucky that participate in flag displays may choose to include the Flag of Remembrance on September 11.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Introduction and referral:

Introduced in the Kentucky House of Representatives on January 8, 2026.
Referred to the Committee on Committees (H) on January 8, 2026.

Action history indicates preparation for committee consideration and potential floor action within the 2026 legislative session.

No specific funding, enforcement provisions, or regulatory procedures are outlined in the text provided.

Additional notes

The bill borrows the concept and design of the Flag of Remembrance as recognized by Virginia, incorporating its defined symbolism into Kentucky law.

The text provides explicit symbolism for each element of the flag, aligning commemorative meaning with events of September 11, 2001.

If you’d like, I can add a brief comparison to existing flag display laws in Kentucky or Virginia’s current status on the Freedom Flag.