1. Happy Birthday to the USA Flag!
On June 14, 1777, the Marine Committee of the Second Continental Congress signed the resolution reading: “Resolved, that the flag of the United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field representing a new constellation.”
Happy Birthday to “Old Glory!”
2. Honoring our Fallen Heros
“Old Glory” embodies patriotism, honor, and respect. She honors the valiant men and women who sacrificed it all. In fact, the Secretary of the Department of Veteran’s Affairs is required to provide a flag to be draped over the casket. It must be wholly American (unless deemed in the interest of the nation). Thus, it must be made of materials produced in the United States and manufactured in the United States. Additionally, the union (the blue square with white stars) should be placed at the head of the casket covering the left shoulder or the heart of the veteran.
May we always remember and honor their legacy! We are the land of the free, because of the brave!
3. Guidelines you Unknowingly Break
Remember, “The United States Flag: Federal Law Relating to Display and Associated Questions” are suggestions for properly respecting the flag. There are no ramifications for breaking the guidelines.
Here is one guideline you most likely break…
In order to respect the flag, no flag shall be used in advertising or embroidered on articles of clothing, furniture, napkins, paper, or anything for discard.
Again, these guidelines help Americans respect and honor the flag. Wearing or using materials with stars and stripes on them are not disrespectful. Simply the flag itself on the material or clothing.
4. Wear it over your Heart!
The flag should never be worn as a costume or as an athletic uniform. Only military personnel, police officers, firemen, or “patriotic organizations” may display a flag patch.
Ultimately, “the flag represents a living country and is itself considered a living thing. Therefore, the lapel flag pin being a replica should be worn on the left lapel near the heart.”
While I was teaching, each Wednesday students dressed in their formal wear. My heart would melt when my young students proudly brought my attention to their lapels with their beautiful American pins proudly displayed!
5. Flag Day is NOT an “official” Holiday
Despite the congressional and presidential push, The Flag Day has remained an “unofficial federal holiday.” Each year, it is up to the discretion of the president to proclaim the observance of the holiday.
6. The Flag can be used as a Distress Signal!
Be on alert!
If the union (the blue square with white stars) is upside down, this symbolized extreme distress and danger to life or property. This is reserved for “extreme distress and danger to life or property” and should respectfully be avoided in demonstrations of personal opinions or biases.
7. The Flag once had 15 Strips!
Stripe, Stripes, and More Stripes!!
Today we recognized the USA flag with 50 stars and 13 strips. However, this was not always the case! At one time, there were 15 strips and 15 stars representing the 15 states (the original 13 colonies plus, Vermont and Kentucky).
However, in July 1818, Congress instituted a new flag representing the new growth of the country. 20 states were in the Union. So, Congress created a resolution for the flag to have 20 stars and 13 strips to represent the original 13 strips.
Can you name all 13 colonies?
8. Did Betsy Ross really create the first flag?
We may never know!
Betsy Ross is an American household name. She truly is a legend! Interestingly enough, no historical evidence has proved or disproved her involvement in creating the design of the circle of 13 stars and 13 red and white strips. Nevertheless, she will remain known throughout America’s posterity!
9. Happy Birthday to the United States Army!
Two years before the Continental Congress passed a resolution to create the flag, the Continental Congress created the United States Army. Though there is no written discussion of the resolutions, the Continental Congress with a consensus of The Committee of the Whole created the army. This resolution formally recognized the Boston troops as the “American Continental Army.” The following day, they appointed George Washington as Commander-in-Chief of the army!
So remember to wish Happy Birthday to the United States Army!! The Army turns 244 today! (June 14, 2019)
10. Fly your own Stars and Strips over Washington D.C.!
Order your flag today! Did you know that you can request a flag to fly over the United States Capitol in honor or in commemoration of someone you love? What an honor!!
Contact your United States Representative or your United States Senators today!
As a former United States Senate Aide, I loved getting calls from constituents with such wonderful requests! Don’t hesitate; this is an honor and privilege!
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I’d love to hear from you! Feel free to contact me!
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