Flag Day- Celebrating the Stars and Stripes!
It's June and that means summer at Old Town is in full swing! With 4th of July just around the corner, we'd like to take this time to shine some light on another national holiday that celebrates our country's patriotism and history. In fact, this holiday honors what is recognized around the world as a symbol of freedom and democracy. That's right, we're talking about Old Glory, the beautiful Flag of the United States of America. The original flag had 13 alternating stripes of red and white and 13 stars on a field of blue. It now has 50 stars representing all of the states in America. The colors also have significance. Red signifies hardiness and valor, white is for purity and innocence, and blue means vigilance, perseverance and justice. Flag Day, while designated to honor the nation’s flag, is also significant in other ways! When Congress authorized soldier enlistment for the Continental Army days before the Battle of Lexington and Concord two years earlier, it was done on this same date in 1775. In other words, the establishment of the U.S. Army and the national flag shares the anniversary date. This is a double reason to celebrate! As you get ready to hang or display your flag, remember there is a certain etiquette and respect to go along with showing off our star spangled banner.
Only display it outside from sunrise to sunset and never during bad weather!
If you are hanging it on a wall or window, the Union (field of stars) should always be at the top and left to the observer.
Never let the flag touch the ground and always give it the respect it is due.
How will you be showing off your flag today?
