Since 1947 or 1948 , the bridge has flown the world 's largest free-flying American flag , measuring at long , wide , and . Until 1976 , the flag was taken out of a garage in New Jersey and manually erected on national holidays . During the United States ' bicentennial , a mechanical hoisting system was installed , and the flag was stored along the bridge 's girders when not in use . It is hoisted on special occasions when weather allows , and appears on Martin Luther King , Jr . Day , Presidents Day , Memorial Day , Flag Day , Independence Day , Labor Day , Columbus Day , and Veterans Day . Since 2006 , the flag is also flown on September 11 of each year , honoring those lost in the September 11 attacks . On events where the flag is flown , the tower lights are lit from dusk until 11:59 p.m
September 11 attacks
September 11 attacks
George Washington Bridge