Grand Ole’ Flag
Sandwiched between Memorial Day and Independence Day, Flag Day is sometimes forgotten. This June 14th, give this special day a little extra attention. Brush up on your flag knowledge and serve up some patriotism.
History of Flag Day
The American Flag was officially created on June 14, 1777. The Second Continental Congress passed a resolution declaring that the flag would have thirteen stripes, alternating red and white, and thirteen white stars in a blue field. In 1885, a Wisconsin schoolteacher began observing June 14 with his students as a day to honor the Flag. President Woodrow Wilson officially established Flag Day in 1916, but it wasn’t until August 3, 1949 that President Truman signed an Act of Congress designating June 14 as National Flag Day.
What Betsy Ross Knew
Need a review of the rules you once learned in Scouts for the American Flag? Most people do. Here are some reminders:
1. When suspended from a pole, the Flag should be allowed to hang freely, with the union (blue field) at the top.
2. In a grouping of flags, the American Flag should be displayed higher than the rest.
3. If displayed flat on a wall, horizontally or vertically, the union should be to the observer’s left.
4. The Flag should be raised no earlier than sunrise and lowered no later than sunset.
5. The Flag should never touch the ground, floor, water, or anything beneath it.
6. The American Flag should never be altered from its original state.
7. When the Flag is no longer fit for display, it should be destroyed, preferably by burning. Here’s a more complete list of flag guidelines.
