Yep, it's "Flag Day" . . . a day born out of love for the symbol of our freedom.
A teacher in Wisconsin chose June 14 . . . 1885 . . . to celebrate the birthday of the American Flag. It was on that day, back in 1777 that the first flag was adopted . . . 13 stars were all that appeared that year.
Since then, as territories became states, it's been in evolution . . . the number of stars have changed: from the original Betsy Ross flag with 13 stars representing the original colonies to the last state, Hawaii being added as our 50th star.
On July 4 . . . 1960 . . . our current 50 star flag was adopted as our national symbol.
We do have some nationally accepted etiquette and laws that concern the flag, and you need to be aware of them. First things first . . . remember these things . . . the flag should:
. . . never be dipped to any person or thing
. . . never be flown upside down EXCEPT as a distress signal
. . . never be used as drapery, covering a desk or platform (bunting is available for this purpose and the blue stripe should be on the top)
. . . never be used for advertising purposes (everyone breaks this rule)
. . . never be embroidered, printed or impressed on such articles as cushions, handkerchiefs, napkins, boxes, or anything intended to be discarded after use
. . . never be used as a costume or athletic uniform EXCEPT worn as a patch on the uniform of military personnel, firemen, policemen, and members of patriotic organizations
. . . never have placed on it, or attached to it, any mark, insignia, letter, word, number, figure, or drawing of any kind
. . . never be used as a receptacle for receiving, holding, carrying, or delivering anything
"I am what you make me; nothing more. I swing before your eyes as a bright gleam of color, a symbol of yourself." ~ Franklin K Lane, Secretary of the Interior, 1914
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