Americans will be kicking off summer this weekend by celebrating Memorial Day.  Many people will celebrate with parades and barbecues.  Memorial Day is a federal holiday that marks the remembrance of the men and woman who died while serving their country in the Military.  It is also celebrated by proudly displaying the American Flag.

For more than 200 years, The American Flag has been the symbol of our Nation’s strength and unity.  In May of 1776 Betsy Ross of Philadelphia sewed the first American Flag.  There have been many versions of the American Flag.  Today the flag consists of thirteen horizontal stripes, seven red and 6 white stripe which represent the Thirteen Colonies.  There are 50 stars to represent the Fifty States.  The colors are also symbolic, Red symbolizes Valor and Hardiness. White symbolizes purity and Blue represents Vigilance, Perseverance and Justice.

There is a federal Law which determines the United States Flag Code.  Here are some of the general guidelines for the use of The American Flag.

The Flag should be lighted at all times by sunlight during the day and a light at night.

  • The American Flag should never be used as a decoration, red white and blue bunting should be used instead.
  •  When raising the American Flag it must be raised briskly.
  • When the flag is lowered it should never touch the ground and it should be lowered slowly and ceremoniously.
  • The Flag should never be used as part of a costume or athletic uniform.
  • When the flag is worn it is no longer fit to serve as a symbol of our country, it should be destroyed by burning in a dignified manner.
  • When displayed with other flags the United States Flag must be in the center and flown at the highest point of the group.
  • To store an American flag it should be folded neatly and ceremoniously.
  • The Flag should be cleaned and mended when necessary.
  • Flag Day is June 14th and many American Legion posts conduct a flag burning ceremony on that day.

So display your American Flag proudly and take time to remember all the men and women who have given their lives to protect our freedoms.

Have a safe and fun Memorial Day.