This coming Friday, June 14, marks America’s celebration of Flag Day.
Many Coloradans will recall when in elementary school, at houses of worship, Scout meetings, and other ceremonies a tribute to honor Old Glory, our American flag.
History of the flag
The holiday commemorates June 14, 1777, when the nation’s founders and leaders stated, “Resolved: that the flag of the United States be made of thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new Constellation.”
In 1861, George Morris, of Connecticut, is said to have organized the first formal celebration of America’s flag in Hartford.
In 1885, Wisconsin schoolteacher Berbard J. Cigrand urged his students to observe a “Flag Birthday.” Two years later, William T. Kerr founded the American Flag Association of Western Pennsylvania.
In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed June 14 as the official date for Flag Day, and in 1949 U.S. Congress permanently established the date as National Flag Day.
Although Flag Day is not an official federal holiday, Pennsylvania celebrates the day as a state holiday.
Each year the president delivers an address proclaiming the week of June14 as National Flag Week. Encouragement is offered for all Americans to fly U.S. flags during that week.
Since America’s flag original design by Betsy Ross in 1777, it has undergone 26 modifications. During the Revolutionary War, Ross was recognized for repairing military uniforms and tents.
Flag etiquette
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania based National Flag Foundation (NFF) offers the following guidelines for various occasions:
• Speaking engagements: The American flag is always placed to the right of the speaker with other flags to the left.
• Flagpoles: When with a group of other flags, the American flag should be at the center and at the highest point amongst the group.
• Crossed: When the American flag is crossed with another flag, its placement should be the observer’s left.
• Wall display: When the American flag is displayed vertically or horizontally, the star field is to be placed at the top.
• Outdoor display: When displayed or hung from a staff, the star field is at the staff’s peak.
• Street display: When the American flag is hung over a street, it should be hung vertically, with the union to the north or east. If the flag is suspended over a sidewalk, the starfield should be farthest from the building.
• Raising and lowering of the flag: America’s flag should be raised briskly, and lowered slowly and ceremoniously. Ordinarily it should be displayed only between sunrise and sunset. It should be illuminated if displayed at night. America’s flag is saluted as it is hoisted or lowered. The salute is held until the flag is unsnapped from the halyard or through the last note of music, whichever is the longest.
• Folding America’s flag – visual details can be found at www.nationalflagfoundation.org.
• The American flag should never touch anything beneath it such as the ground, floor or water. The flag is to never be used as apparel, bedding or drapery.
• The president, state governor, or District of Columbia mayor have the authority to place the flag at half-staff.
• The American Legion’s website states the flag may be draped upon a coffin with others besides veterans. It is suggested you consult with your funeral director for specifics.
Disposing of the flag
With a 1942 law passed by Congress, the U.S. Flag Code says, “The Flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.”
When an American Flag is worn beyond repair, it should be retired in a respectful manner.
Here in Pagosa, flags for disposal may be dropped off at Town Hall, Fire Station 1 on North Pagosa Boulevard or given to a member of the American Legion for disposal.
