Source: Holiday Insights
Submitted by Missie S., Sprout Contributor
Flag Day is a day for all Americans to celebrate and show respect for out flag, its designers, and its 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, and 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 on June 14th and every day with pride.
How to Properly Display the American 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 have given their lives for our country. Here is some basic information for displaying your 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 other 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 the house)
- The American flag is always flown at the top of your pole. Your stage 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
- Fold your flag when storing, don't just stuff it in a drawer or box
- When your flag is old and worn, it is time to retire it.
Famous Flag People
- Betsy Ross- 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.
