Flag Day this week marked 240 years of Old Glory. Since the flag’s adoption by Congress on June 14, 1777, its design has been modified 27 times, with President Eisenhower ordering the current 50-star version of our flag in 1959. Symbolizing independence and solidarity, the Stars and Stripes are a powerful reminder of what it means to be an American.
Here are some ways the American Legion says you should display your flag, not only on June 14, but throughout National Flag Month in July:
- Display the flag from sunrise to sunset on buildings and on stationary flagstaffs in the open.
- When a patriotic effect is desired, the flag can be displayed 24-hours a day if illuminated during hours of darkness.
- If it’s made from all-weather material such as nylon, the flag can be displayed in the rain.
- The stripes can be displayed horizontally or vertically against a wall, with the union or blue field uppermost and to the observer’s left. When shown in the window of your home or business, the flag should be displayed the same way with the blue field to the left of the observer in the street.
- Although there is no proper way to fold a flag, there’s a traditional method of folding that produces a triangular-shaped form, like that of a three-corner hat, with only the blue union showing. Click here for directions.
- When a flag has served its purpose, it should be destroyed, preferably by burning. Many American Legion posts, among other organizations, dispose of unserviceable flags.
Lastly, celebrate by thanking a member of our Armed Forces for their service. It’s their sacrifices that have made our freedom possible.