Flag Day, June 14, 2017… FLAG ETIQUETTE & RESPECT

This past Wednesday was the 240^th birthday of our Country’s Beautiful Flag.  On Flag Day and other holidays, many homeowners across America display the flag proudly outside their doorsteps.  As you raise your flag for a holiday, here are some historical facts about our flag and information on proper flag etiquette and care - courtesy of the Veterans of Foreign Wars:

Historical facts about our Flag:

·       It was believed that New Jersey’s Francis Hopkinson, signer of the Declaration of Independence, designed the first  American flag , although many believe that  the original "Stars and Stripes" version of the U.S. flag that was adopted by Congress on June 14, 1777 was designed by Betsy Ross.

·       The original flag had "13 stripes alternate red and white: that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation."

·       Today the flag still has its 13 stripes representing the original 13 Colonies and 50 stars representing all the states of the Union.

·       According to usflag.org, the colors of the flag signify purity, valor, and justice- white for purity, red for valor and blue for justice.

Etiquette and Care of our Flag:

• Never let the flag touch the ground.
• When flown on the same staff as other flags, the U.S. flag should be at the top.
• If grouped among other flags, the U.S. flag should be flown to the observers' left.
• When flown over a street, the stars should face north or east, depending on the direction of the street.
• Do not fasten or tie the flag back, but always let it fall free.
• If marching with the flag, it should be held on the marcher's right.
• The flag should not be carried flat.
• Don’t affix anything to the flag or mark it with any type of insignia, letter, word, number, figure, or drawing.
•  A flag flown upside-down is a sign of distress or emergency.
• The flag should not be used as clothing or as a cover or used for any type of advertising or costume and you should never use it to carry anything.

What a beautiful Flag we have!  As we display it outside our home or place of business and let’s all take care and show respect for our  symbol of a united, free Country and mindful of the blood, sweat and tears that have been expended to give us the freedom we enjoy every day of every year.

We also want to wish all the Fathers out there a Happy Fathers Day! Hope your day is filled with Joy!!