Our Symbol of Independence – how to respect our Flag. Learn from my Mistakes

“FLAG ETIQUETTE” – Yes, there’s such a thing.

On June 14, 1777, the Continental Congress passed an act establishing an official flag for the new nation.

The flag consists of 13 horizontal stripes, seven red alternating with six white. The stripes represent the original 13 Colonies and the stars represent the 50 states of the Union. The colors of the flag are symbolic as well; red symbolizes hardiness and valor, white symbolizes purity and innocence, and blue represents vigilance, perseverance and justice. On Aug. 3, 1949, President Harry S. Truman officially declared June 14 as Flag Day.

After a British bombardment, amateur poet Francis Scott Key was so inspired by the sight of the American flag still flying over Baltimore’s Fort McHenry that he wrote “The Star-Spangled Banner” on Sept. 14, 1814. It became Our National Anthem in 1931. Click here to test of your American history 🙂

General Flag Display Rules –

It is the universal custom to display the American flag only from sunrise to sunset on buildings and on stationary flagstaffs in the open. However, when a patriotic effect is desired, the flag may be displayed twenty-four hours a day if properly illuminated during the hours of darkness.

Displaying the Stars and Stripes – Did you know this?

• The flag is usually displayed from sunrise to sunset. It should be raised briskly and lowered ceremoniously. In inclement weather, the flag should not be flown.
• The flag should be displayed daily and on all holidays, weather permitting, on or near the main administration buildings of all public institutions. It should also be displayed in or near every polling place on election days and in or near every schoolhouse during school days.
• When displayed flat against a wall or a window, or in a vertical orientation, the “union” field of stars should be uppermost and to the left of the observer.
• When the flag is raised or lowered as part of a ceremony, and as it passes by in parade or review, everyone, except those in uniform, should face the flag with the right hand over the heart.
• The U.S. flag should never be dipped toward any person or object, nor should the flag ever touch anything beneath it.
• 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…for personnel of the Navy…when the church pennant may be flown above the flag.
• No person shall display the flag of the United Nations of any other national of international flag equal, above, or in a position of superior prominence or honor to, or in place of, the flag of the United States at any place within the United States or any Territory of possession thereof;

When other flags are on the same halyard or next to US FLAG – When flags of states, cities, or localities, or pennants of societies are flown on the same halyard with the US flag, the US flag should always be at the peak. When the flags are flown from adjacent flagpoles, the US flag should be hoisted first and lowered last. No such flag or pennant may be placed above the US flag, or to the right of the US flag

DISPLAYING FLAG OVER A STREET – When the flag is displayed over the middle of the street, it should be suspended vertically with the union (blue field of stars) to the north over an east-west street, or to the east over a north-south street.

Did you know The meaning for each fold of our Flag – 13 Folds; 13 Colonies:

• “The first fold of our flag is a symbol of life.”
• “The second fold is a symbol of our belief in the eternal life.”
• “The third fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veteran departing our ranks who gave a portion of life for the defense of our country to attain a peace throughout the world.”
• “The fourth fold represents our weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in times of war for His divine guidance.”
• “The fifth fold is a tribute to our country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, “Our country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right; but it is still our country, right or wrong.”
• “The sixth fold is for where our hearts lie. It is with our heart that we pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”
• “The seventh fold is a tribute to our Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed Forces that we protect our country and our flag against all her enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of our republic.”
• “The eighth fold is a tribute to the one who entered in to the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day, and to honor mother, for whom it flies on Mother’s Day.”
• “The ninth fold is a tribute to womanhood; for it has been through their faith, love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great have been molded.”
• “The tenth fold is a tribute to father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of our country since they were first born.”
• “The eleventh fold, in the eyes of a Hebrew citizen, represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon, and glorifies, in their eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.”
• “The twelfth fold, in the eyes of a Christian citizen, represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in their eyes, God the Father, the Son, and Holy Ghost.”
• “When the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost, reminding us of our national motto, “In God we Trust.”

HAVE A SAFE AND HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY! LET’S KEEP AMERICA STRONG AND FREE

If you are looking to purchase a new flag be sure to check out our American Flags for sale. We carry only flags made to the flag manufacturers of America guidelines to ensure that from top to bottom our flags are 100% made in the USA.

** CREDIT TO- The Flag Code of The United States and the National Flag Foundation, https://www.aflag.com/flag-etiquette/united-states-flag-specifications/; PBS