It's June 14... Do you know it's Flag Day today?

If it were not for my 10 year-old daughter, I wouldn't remember that it's Flag Day today. Like many Americans, I am guilty of not knowing how to celebrate it... How do we celebrate this event?

Flag Day, is supposed to be a day for all Americans to celebrate and show respect for our flag, its designers and makers. Our flag is representative of our independence and our unity as a nation, with a proud and glorious history. It was at the lead of every battle fought by Americans... Americans who have spilled their blood protecting it. Heck, it even stands proudly on the surface of the moon!

How do we properly display our flag? I found these guidelines from an old Boy Scout handbook...

• The flag is normally flown from sunrise to sunset.
• In the morning, raise the flag briskly. At sunset, lower it slowly. Always, raise and lower it ceremoniously.
• The flag should not be flown at night without a light on it.
• The flag should not be flown in the rain or inclement weather.
• After a tragedy or death, the flag is flown at half staff for 30 days. It's  called "half staff" on land ,and "half mast" on a ship.
• When flown vertically on a pole, the stars and blue field , or "union", is at the top and at the end of the pole (away from your house or building).
• The American flag is always flown at the top of the pole. Your state flag and other flags fly below it.
• The union is always on top. When displayed in print, the stars and blue field are always on the left.
• Never let your flag touch the ground, never...period.
• Fold your flag when storing. Don't just stuff it in a drawer or box.
•  When your flag is old and has seen  better days, it is time to retire it. Old flags should be burned or buried. Do not throw it in the trash.

Did you know that there is a very special ceremony for retiring the flag by burning it? It is a ceremony everyone should see.Your local Boy Scout group knows the proper ceremony and performs it on a regular basis. If you have an old flag, give it to them. And, attend the ceremony. 


So raise the flag today... and everyday with pride!


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