
Flag Day, is a day for all Americans to celebrate and show respect
for our flag, its designers and makers. Our flag is representative
of our independence and our unity as a nation.....one nation, under
God, indivisible.
Our flag has a proud and glorious history. It was at the lead of
every battle fought by Americans. Many people have died protecting
it. It even stands proudly on the surface of the moon.
As Americans, we have every right to be proud of our culture,
our nation, and our flag. So raise the flag today and every day
with pride! Properly Display Our Flag There is a right way and a
wrong way to display the flag. The American flag should be held in
the highest of regards.
It represents our nation and the many people who gave their
lives for our country and our flag.
Here are the basics on displaying the American flag:
The flag is normally flown from sunrise to sunset. In the
morning, raise the flag briskly. At sunset, lower it slowly.
Always, raise and lower it ceremoniously. The flag should not be
flown at night without a light on it. The flag should not be flown
in the rain or inclement weather. After a tragedy or death, the
flag is flown at half staff for 30 days. It's called "half staff"
on land ,and "half mast" on a ship. When flown vertically on a
pole, the stars and blue field , or "union", is at the top and at
the end of the pole (away from your house). The American flag is
always flown at the top of the pole. Your state flag and other
flags fly below it. The union is always on top. When displayed in
print, the stars and blue field are always on the left. Never let
your flag touch the ground, never...period. Fold your flag when
storing. Don't just stuff it in a drawer or box.
When your flag is old and has seen better days, it is time to
retire it. Old flags should be burned or buried. Please do not
throw it in the trash. Did you Know? There is a very special
ceremony for retiring the flag by burning it. It is a ceremony
everyone should see.Your local Boy Scout group knows the proper
ceremony and performs it on a regular basis. If you have an old
flag, give it to them. And, attend the ceremony.
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Famous Flag People: Betsy Ross was a seamstress who made clothes
for George Washington. In June, 1776, Washington approached her to
make the country's first flag and the rest is history.
Francis Scott Key Inspired by the British bombardment of Fort
McHenry, Francis Scott Key penned the lyrics to our national anthem
as he witnessed the event as British rockets whizzed in the air
while our American Flag flew in the breeze
Did you Know? If you like to study flags, then you are a
Vexillologist!