Flag Day
On June 14, 1777, the Flag Resolution was adopted, which stated, "Resolved, That the flag of the thirteen United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation."
In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation designating June 14th as Flag Day, and on August 3, 1949, National Flag Day was established by an Act of Congress.
There are rules which regulate the display of the flag and its use in ceremonial situations, called the Flag Code, which was first adopted in 1923.
Some interesting articles to note:
- The flag should never be used for advertising purposes in any manner whatsoever. It should not be embroidered on such articles as cushions or handkerchiefs and the like, printed or otherwise impressed on paper napkin or boxes or anything that is designed for temporary use and discard. Advertising signs should not be fastened to a staff or halyard from which the flag is flown.
- The flag should not be displayed on days when the weather is inclement, except when an all weather flag is displayed.
- The flag is flown at half-staff to honor patriots as a sign of respect for those who have made sacrifices on behalf of the country. Half-staff notices come from the office of the President of the United States and/or from the offices of the governor of any state of the United States.
- The flag should not be draped over the hood, top, sides, or back of a vehicle or of a railroad train or a boat. When the flag is displayed on a motorcar, the staff shall be fixed firmly to the chassis or clamped to the right fender
- No other flag or pennant should be placed above or, if on the same level, to the right of the flag of the United States of America, except during church services conducted by naval chaplains at sea, when the church pennant may be flown above the flag during church services for the personnel of the Navy.
So, in celebration of Flag Day, here are some resources on the American Flag and its history!
