See Tips That Will Make Sure You Fly U.S. Flag Properly Today
The Stars and Stripes is 246 years old today! One of the most iconic symbols in the entire world, the United States Flag, means so much to so many. From the pursuit of happiness and freedom to baseball, hot dogs and apple pie.
In an article on pbs.org we get a little history lesson on the American flag:
On June 14, 1777, the Continental Congress passed an act establishing an official flag for the new nation. The resolution stated: “Resolved, that the flag of the United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation.” On Aug. 3, 1949, President Harry S. Truman officially declared June 14 as Flag Day.
And today, National Flag Day, is the day set aside each year, that we observe this symbol of American pride and the American way of life.
According to the National Flag Day Foundation:
American Flag Day all began on June 14 of 1885 when Bernard J. Cigrand, a 19 year old teacher at Stony Hill School, placed a 10 inch, 38- star flag in a bottle on his desk and then assigned essays on the flag and its significance.
This observance, commemorated Congresses adoption of the Stars and Stripes as the flag of the United States on June 14, 1777.
While scores of Americans plan to proudly display their American Flag today, there are some who will unwittingly make some common mistakes in the displaying of that flag.
According to starspangledflags.com these are the five most common errors made in displaying Old Glory.
Don't Reverse the Union
When flying Old Glory on a pole, the position of the union is irrelevant, however if you plan to display the flag on a wall, always position the union (the area with the stars) in the upper left corner
Don't Display During Inclement Weather
Though today's local forecast doesn't predict anything of the sort, according to the U.S. Flag Code states, "The flag should not be displayed on days when the weather is inclement, except when an all weather flag is displayed."
Don't Display a Worn or Tattered American Flag
Never display an American flag that is torn or ripped or physically worn. Should your flag get to the point where it is no longer suitable for display, it should be properly retired. The video below describes the process for proper disposal of that flag.
Don't Forget to Illuminate a Flag Flying at Night
Yes, it's perfectly acceptable to fly your American flag at night, as long as it's illuminated. It's as simple as placing a spotlight that will shine directly on it during the hours of darkness.
Don't Ever Allow the Flag to Touch the Ground
One of the most grievous of flag etiquette no-no's, the American Flag should never be allowed to touch the ground, or anything below it, including a piece of furniture or shrubbery.