Flag Day

Statement

Q: What is the history behind Flag Day?

A: Americans unofficially began recognizing Flag Day in June of 1877, which marked the 100th anniversary of the adoption of the United States flag. In 1885, a Wisconsin teacher named B.J. Cigrand asked his students to observe Flag Day. In the years to follow, Cigrand traveled the nation, preaching the importance of the flag as our national symbol and encouraging communities to celebrate "Flag Birthday" or "Flag Day" each June 14. Cigrand's public campaign succeeded, and by 1887 Flag Day was being recognized nationwide. The informal celebration became official when Woodrow Wilson issued the first Presidential Proclamation for Flag Day in 1916. World War II saw many Americans rally around the flag as a symbol of freedom. In an act of solidarity, households coast to coast hung flags in their windows, yards, and porches to support our troops and display patriotic spirit. This sparked a 1949 Act of Congress which permanently established June 14 as Flag Day. Flag Day is not a national holiday, rather it serves as a time to acknowledge the historical significance and symbolism of our flag.

Q: What is the proper way to hang the flag?

A: The events of September 11, 2001 brought flags to many homes just as World War II had generations before. The flag was used to bring the nation together during a time of great peril in both instances. The Federal Flag Code outlines explicit instructions on the proper way to hang our Stars and Stripes. The flag is generally flown dawn to dusk, however flags can be flown 24 hours a day if they are properly lit when it becomes dark. Flags should not be flown in the presence of inclement weather, unless it is an all-weather flag. Several different events call for the flag to be flown at half-staff, including several federal holidays and following the deaths of statesmen. When flown at half-staff, the flag should first be hoisted to the top the staff then lowered to the half-staff position. On Memorial Day, the flag should be flown at half-staff until noon and full-staff after noon. Other guidelines state that no flag shall fly at equal or higher length than the U.S. Flag, including state flags and flags of other nations. And, the U.S. flag shouldn't touch the ground or floor beneath it. Last, but not least, flags are to be destroyed if they are no longer suitable to fly. In many areas, the local American Legion will help people properly destroy the flag. Iowans can find more information about flying the flag by visiting the Legion's website address: www.legion.org. Following these instructions will help insure we honor both flag and nation in the way intended.

Source