“No disrespect should be shown to the flag of the United States of America.”
– US Flag Code
As Americans prepare to celebrate 241 years of freedom, though we may have our differences in many areas of life, there is one symbol that unites all of us. The Red White and Blue. For almost a quarter century, Old Glory has flown proudly over ball fields, battlefields and back porches. This July 4, display our colors proudly and follow the flag code guidelines.
The U.S. flag was adopted on June 14, 1777 and is the fourth oldest national flag in the world. Denmark’s flag is the oldest. At first, the U.S. added stripes and stars to the flag when welcoming new states. At one time, the flag displayed 15 stripes and 15 stars. As the country continued to add new states, they returned to the 13 stripes representing the original 13 colonies.
The colors of the flag have important meanings. Red symbolizes hardiness and valor, white symbolizes purity and innocence and blue represents vigilance, perseverance and justice. The blue area on our flag is called the Union. When the flag is displayed on a wall, the Union should be at the uppermost left corner.
When several flags are flown from the same flag stand pole, the US flag should always be at the top except during church services by navy chaplains at sea when the church pennant may be flown above the U.S. flag on the ship’s mast.
When the flag is displayed as a lapel pin, it should be worn on the left lapel – near the heart.
Often people seem uncertain what to do when the Star-Spangled Banner is being played or the flag goes by in a parade. Here are the guidelines:
When the anthem is being played or sung, citizens should stand and face the flag to show their respect for the United States. A non-uniformed person wearing a hat should remove it with the right hand and hold it against the left shoulder; right hand resting over the heart. Those in uniform and veterans should stand at attention and salute the flag.
In parades or reviews, at the moment the USA Flags passes, a non-uniformed person should stand at attention facing the flag with their right hand over their heart. Persons in uniform and veterans should face the flag and render the military salute.
You may wash or dry clean the American Flag. If it should touch the ground, it is not necessary to destroy it. Just launder it if it is dirty.
When the flag can no longer be repaired or used, it should be destroyed in a dignified matter, such as burning. If your flag needs to be retired, contact the city of Coral Springs, which has this service available throughout the year.
The American flag has long been a source of pride and inspiration. From tots just learning the Pledge of Allegiance to family members receiving the folded triangle of red white and blue at a military funeral, Old Glory inspires emotions of every kind. She is loved….and sometimes loathed. She is a symbol that inspires passion, pride and often, the ultimate sacrifice.
In loving tribute to the men and women who have fought and died that we may abide in freedom.