Flag Day, celebrated on June 14^th which is the anniversary of the official adoption of The Stars and Stripes, is the 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.

History and Meaning of Old Glory

According to “Our Flag” published in 1989 by the House of Representatives, the flag of the United States of American entails thirteen equal horizontal stripes of red alternating with white representing the original 13 colonies who declared their independence from Great Britain to become the first states of America. 

There is a blue rectangle in the upper left corner call the “union” that has fifty small, white stars arranged in nine offset horizontal rows which represent the 50 states of our country.

The colors in the flag did not have meaning when the design was first planned by Francis Hopkinson and sewn by Betsy Ross.  The colors have come to have meaning over time, specifically when it comes to the Great Seal of the United States.  White signifies purity and innocence; Red indicates hardiness & valor; and Blue signifies vigilance, perseverance and justice.

When we honor our flag we honor what we stand for as a Nation — freedom, equality, justice, and hope.  ~ Ronald Reagan

Other names for the flag include the Stars and Stripes, Old Glory, and the Star-Spangled Banner coined by Francis Scott Key after seeing it still waving after a brutal battle of Fort McHenry in 1814.  His famous poem became our National Anthem in 1936 by congressional resolution.

The flag is displayed at half-staff as a sign of respect or mourning. This is proclaimed by the president for the nation or the governor for the state. This was originally meant for government officials and those that died in combat but the practice can be done for any citizen.  To correctly fly the flag at half-staff, first briefly hoist it top then lower it to the half-staff position which is halfway between the top and bottom. Likewise, when the flag is to be lowered it should be first taken to the top of the pole before lowering.

I believe our flag is more than just cloth and ink. It is a universally recognized symbol that stands for liberty, and freedom. ~ John Thune

Proper Display of the 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 according to the United States Code:

• The flag is normally flown from sunrise to sunset.  You can raise it any time after sunrise but it should be brought down by 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 unless there is a light on it.
• The flag should never fly in the rain or inclement weather.  Always lower it, if it is safe to do so, unless it is an all-weather flag.
• 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 next to the pole.
• The American flag is always flown at the top of the pole. Your state flag and any 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 ceremonially. Please do not throw it in the trash.  You can always contact a local Boy Scout Troop to take your old flag as they conduct flag retirement ceremonies periodically.

Martin Luther King, Jr. didn’t carry just a piece of cloth to symbolize his belief in racial equality; he carried the American flag.  ~ Adrian Cronauer

Our flag has a proud and glorious history.  It was created in freedom. She made her first appearance in a battle for human liberty.  It was at the lead of every battle fought by Americans. Many people have died protecting Old Glory. 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 Stars and Stripes on Flag Day and every day with pride!

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