It's Flag Day June 14th

6/14/2022 (Permalink)

Today is Flag Day. I really never knew the history of Flag Day, so I did a little research. Fly your flags proudly and here is a bit of history. You never know when any of this information, might be an answer on Jeopardy! 

When the American Revolution broke out in 1775, the colonists weren’t fighting united under a single flag. Instead, most regiments participating in the war for independence against the British fought under their own flags. In June of 1775, the Second Continental Congress met in Philadelphia to create the Continental Army—a unified colonial fighting force—with the hopes of a more organized battle against its colonial oppressors. This led to the creation of what was, essentially, the first “American” flag, the Continental Colors. 

For some, this flag, which was comprised of 13 red and white alternating stripes and a Union Jack in the corner, was too similar to that of the British. George Washington soon realized that flying a flag that was even remotely close to the British flag was not a good idea for the revolutionary effort, so he began to think of a new design. 

On June 14, 1777, the Second Continental Congress took a break from writing the Articles of Confederation and passed a resolution stating that “the flag of the United States be 13 stripes, alternate red and white,” and that “the union be 13 stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation.” In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson marked the anniversary of that decree by officially establishing June 14 as Flag Day. 

Over 100 years later, in 1916, President Woodrow Wilson marked the anniversary of that decree by officially establishing June 14 as Flag Day.  

In 1885  Bernard Cigrand, teacher from Wisconsin, came up with the idea for an annual flag day, to be celebrated across the country every June 14th.  Bernard Cigrand  advocated respect for the flag throughout his life.  

 We were taught that Betsy Ross, who assisted the Revolutionary War effort by repairing uniforms and sewing tents, made the first American flag. It is now widely believed that Francis Hopkinson, a delegate from New Jersey who signed the Declaration of Independence, designed the American flag. 

The lyrics of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” America’s national anthem since 1931, are taken from a patriotic poem written by Francis Scott Key after he witnessed the Battle of Fort McHenry during the War of 1812.  

On January 3, 1959 Alaska officially became a state and was admitted to the Union. Designers began redesigning  the American flag to add a 49th star to the flag. Bob Heft, a 17 year old student from Ohio   disassembled his family’s 48-star flag and stitched on 50 stars in the pattern we see today. He handed in his creation to his history teacher for a class project, explaining that he expected Hawaii would soon achieve statehood as well.  Heft also sent the flag to his congressman, Walter Moeller, who presented it to President Eisenhower after both new states joined the Union. Eisenhower selected Heft’s design, and on July 4, 1960, the president and the high school student stood together as the 50-star flag was raised for the first time. Heft’s teacher promptly changed his grade from a B- to an A. 

The Flag Code stipulates that the Stars and Stripes should not be used as apparel, bedding or drapery. We see shirts, jackets, hats with everywhere, not sure how this developed but it is obviously not policed. 

Draping The American Flag over a coffin is a common practice in the military. This can actually be done for anyone, not limited to government officials or veterans.   

Flags are only supposed to be flown during daylight hours.  

 During the Vietnam War era, some demonstrators burned American flags as an act of protest. The Flag Protection Act of 1968 was enacted in response, making it illegal to burn or otherwise deface the Stars and Stripes. In two landmark decisions 20 years later, the Supreme Court ruled that the government couldn’t curb individuals’ First Amendment rights by prohibiting desecration of the U.S. flag. Respectful burning of damaged flags according to established protocol has always been acceptable. 

When flags are taken down from their poles, care must be taken to keep them from touching the ground. In fact, the American flag should always be kept aloft, meaning that rugs and carpets featuring the Stars and Stripes are barred by the Flag Code. 

 When the flags of cities, states, localities or groups are flown on the same staff as the American flag, Old Glory should always be at the peak. When flags of two or more nations are displayed, they should be of equivalent size and flown from separate staffs of the same height. 

The Flag Code strictly prohibits adding an insignia, drawing or other markings to the Stars and Stripes. Some American politicians have been known to defy this regulation by signing copies of the U.S. flag for their supporters. 

 Ever wondered how to correctly fold an American flag? You need 2 people to face each other, each holding both corners of one of the rectangle’s shorter sides. Working together, lift the half of the flag that usually hangs on the bottom over the half that contains the blue field of stars. Next, fold the flag lengthwise a second time so that the stars are visible on the outside. Make a triangular fold at the striped end, bringing one corner up to meet the top edge. Continue to fold the flag in this manner until only a triangle of star-studded blue can be seen. 

SERVPRO of White Plains, invites you to contact your local fire department if you have a flag that is torn, in disrepair or any other reason you have to get rid of a flag.   Stay tuned for the next blog which will highlight the local FD burning ripped and dirty flags here on our property on Flag Day