Flag Day started off this week, June 14th. I was driving to church on Sunday and it was amazing seeing all of the American flags lining the city parks. I really appreciate how towns around here celebrate Flag Day.

As a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, in celebration, I figured I would share some highlights of the Flag Code, as well as 10 fun facts about our flag.

Highlights (1):

• Fly sunrise to sunset (night only if lit), and don’t fly in bad weather (unless all-weather flag)
• Raise briskly; lower slowly
• Show on holidays, public buildings, schools, polling places
• Half-staff for mourning (raise to top first, then lower)
• U.S. flag always gets top/priority position
• Never use a flag as cover, decoration, or vehicle drape

Fun Facts (2):

1. What do the colors of the flag mean?
   • According to custom and tradition, white signifies purity and innocence; red, hardiness and valor; and blue signifies vigilance, perseverance, and justice.
2. What are the exact shades of the colors blue and red?
   • The exact shades of blue and red are numbers 80075 and 80180 in the Standard Color Card of America published by the Color Association of the United States. In the Pantone system the colors are: Blue PMS 282 and Red PMS 193. The RGB numbers are: #002868 (blue) and #BF0A30 (red).
3. Is it correct to say that certain stars in the blue field represent certain States?
   • While there is no legal or other authority for saying that any particular star in the blue union of the flag represents any particular state, many people feel it is natural and logical to consider, or assume that the first star represents the first state admitted into the Union (or rather, that ratified the Constitution) and that the last star represents the last State admitted. So from the upper left-hand corner, reading from left to right, top to bottom row would represent the various States in order of their admission into the Union.
4. Is gold fringe permitted on the U.S. Flag?
   • Records indicate that fringe was first used on the flag as early as 1835. It was not until 1895 that it was officially added to the national flag for all regiments of the Army. For civilian use, fringe is not required as an integral part of the flag, nor can its use be said to constitute an unauthorized addition to the design prescribed by statute. It is considered that fringe is used as an honorable enrichment only. (Military tradition)
   • The courts have deemed without merit and frivolous, lawsuits that contend that the gold fringe adorning the flag conferred Admiralty/Maritime jurisdiction.
5. When should the flag be at half-staff?
   • The flag is half-staffed on Memorial Day, from sunrise until noon; it is displayed at full-staff from noon until sunset.
   • By order of the President of the United States, or by the Governor of any State, territory or possession. On occasion, heads of several departments and agencies of the U.S. Government may direct the flag to half-staff if deemed proper to do so.
6. Is the flag to be half-staffed for National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day (December 7th), and Patriot’s Day (September 11)?
   • In accordance with U.S. Code, Title 36, Chapter 1, the President of the United States is requested to issue a proclamation to display the flag at half-staff for the entire day.
7. What happens to the State flag when the flag of the United States is half-staffed?
   • The State flag or any other flag or pennant in a display is lowered or removed when the flag is at half-staff. As indicated in the Flag Code, no flag or pennant should be placed above the flag of the United States.
8. Can the mayor order the flag to be half-staffed?
   • No, only the President of the United States or the Governor of your State may order the flag to be half-staffed.
   • Those individuals and agencies that usurp authority and display the flag at half-staff on inappropriate occasions are quickly eroding the honor and reverence accorded this solemn act.
9. Can the U.S. flag be used in advertising?
   • The flag should never be used for advertising purposes in any manner whatsoever. Our organization places emphasis of its interpretation and opinion upon the U.S. Flag Code’s very specific language of “never” and “in any manner whatsoever” when considering use of the flag, or image of the flag, in association with advertising purposes. Those having concern with interpretation of this section of the U.S. Flag Code might instead consider opting for use of stars and stripes, as well as red, white, and blue colors, to convey a patriotic tone instead using a pattern of the flag.
10. Are you required to destroy the flag if it touches the ground?
    • You are not required to destroy the flag if it touches the ground. The U.S. Flag Code states that the flag should not touch anything beneath it, including the ground, and indicates that care should be exercised in the handling of the flag to protect it from becoming soiled or damaged. As long as the flag remains suitable for display, even if washing or dry-cleaning is required, you may continue to display the flag as a symbol of our great country.

The last point always makes me laugh. I was president of my 4-H archery club for two terms in a row (taking after my namesake, President Reagan), and I was teaching the younger kids about proper flag etiquette. I thought it was necessary they understood the gravity and importance of properly respecting the American flag. One of the littler boys was helping his sister put away the American flag after the meeting, and it grazed the floor. He immediately yells that the flag must be burned as it has touched the ground. Needless to say, we did not end up disposing of the flag that night, but I thought it was sweet that he cared at such a young age.

Did you learn anything new today? Remember, the American flag is just a piece of fabric – but it represents all of those who have given their life to protect us and fight for our freedoms. Disrespecting the flag disrespects the ones who were willing to give up everything to fight for this country.

If you are not 100% sure that you’ll go to Heaven when you die, now is the time to repent and put your faith and trust in Christ Jesus. If you have any questions or doubts about your salvation, click here to learn how to be saved. 

I love hearing from you! If you have any comments or questions, feel free to leave them below!

Sources:

1. https://www.legion.org/advocacy/flag-advocacy/flag-code
2. https://www.legion.org/advocacy/flag-advocacy/frequently-asked-questions