Celebrating Flag Day

SUSSEX COUNTY — President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation in 1916 that officially established today, June 14, as Flag Day. While it is not an official federal holiday, every year there are Flag Day parades held in towns across the United States. On this day, thousands of Americans pass along the tradition of respecting and caring for the flag and sharing the meaning behind the symbolism. With its 13 red and white stripes representing the 13 British colonies that declared independence from Great Britain, the American flag is a symbol of the country's history. The blue rectangle in the upper left corner is called the "union" which has 50 white stars that represent the current states. According to the Flag Code, created in 1923 and passed into law in 1942, there are specific ways the flag is to be cared for and displayed. An American flag should not be used as a part of a costume, as drapery or decoration, for any advertising purpose or impressed on anything that will be discarded after temporary use. The flag should never be used as a receptacle for receiving, holding, carrying, or delivering anything and should be folded neatly when stored and cleaned or mended whenever necessary. When the flag is lowered, no part of it should touch the ground or any other object; it should be received by waiting hands and arms. The flag should only be flown upside down as a distress signal. When flown with other flags, no other flag should ever be positioned above the American flag and no other flag may be larger. Ordinarily it should be displayed only between sunrise and sunset but should be illuminated if displayed at night. There is a certain manner in which the flag should be raised and lowered. If flown with other flags, it is always the first flag raised and the last to be lowered and is saluted as this happens. To salute, those not in uniform should place their right hand over their heart and remove any head coverings, including hats. On Memorial Day, the flag is displayed at half-staff until noon and at full staff from noon to sunset. When the flag passes by in a procession, when it is raised or lowered, or when the Pledge of Allegiance is recited, citizens should stand at attention, face the flag, and salute. When a flag is so worn it is no longer fit to serve it should be destroyed, by burning, in a dignified manner. Veterans groups, such as American Legion Posts and VFW halls, usually work with local Boy and Girl Scout troops to retire flags in a dignified flag burning ceremony, usually held on June 14. To obtain information on where to properly dispose of an American flag, contact a local American Legion post, VFW post or Scout troop. Information on the proper handling of American flags can also be found online at www.flagkeepers.org.