Today is Flag Day and we thought we would share some fun facts about our country’s symbol of freedom.
- The first flag was not sewn by Betsy Ross.
- Congress adopted the American flag by resolution of the Second Continental Congress on June 14, 1777.
- The colors of the flag have important meanings. Red symbolizes hardiness and valor, white symbolizes purity and innocence and blue represents vigilance, perseverance, and justice.
- A new star is added for each new state to the Union with the last star added in 1959 for Hawaii.
- When the flag can no longer be repaired or used, it must be destroyed in a dignified matter, such as burning.
- The flag should never touch the ground but if it does, it can be laundered.
How to display the American flag.
Traditionally, the American flag is displayed only from sunrise to sunset. However, many Americans choose to display the flag on our homes, and in or around our businesses 24 hours a day. This is acceptable if properly illuminated during the hours of darkness.
The flag should be raised quickly and lowered slowly and ceremoniously.
Coming from a military family, in was instilled into our heads that no flag flies higher than the American Flag and while my garage proudly waives my children’s college flags from RIT and The University of Alabama, the American flag flies higher and is fully illuminated at night.
My dad would be proud. Happy Flag Day.
Resources: https://www.wheelsforwishes.org/news/fun-facts-about-our-flag/
https://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/us/flag-day
Photo by Benjamin Earwicker from FreeImages
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