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OPINION
Flag Day was first observed in 1877 on the 100th anniversary of the Continental Congress’ adoption of the Stars and Stripes. It is our official flag of the United States. Congress asked that all public buildings fly the flag on June 14. The idea quickly caught on and many people wanted to participate in waving the flag. One early supporter was B. J. Cigrand, a Wisconsin schoolteacher who wanted June 14 to be known as “Flag Birthday.” One hundred years later, public buildings started displaying the flag to recognize the 100th Birthday of the US Flag (http://www3.kumc.edu/diversity/national/flagday.html). In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed Flag Day as a national celebration. However, the holiday was not officially recognized until 1949 when President Harry Truman signed the National Flag Day Bill. In 1996, President Bill Clinton issued the following proclamation: Flags are used all over the world to represent countries, clubs, even school groups. The US flag has special names: Stars and Stripes, Old Glory, and Star-Spangled Banner. The flag has 13 stripes that represent each of the 13 original colonies and fifty stars: one for each US state! (http://www.kidsdomain.com/ holiday/flagday/) 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. Many people may not know that there is right way to display a flag and the specific way to fold it. The American flag should always be held in the highest of regards. It represents our nation and the many people who gave their lives for our country and our flag (http://www.holidayinsights.com/other/flagday.htm). Other Flag Facts: • Betsy Ross was a seamstress who made clothes for George Washington., Washington in June, 1776approached her to make the country’s first flag and the rest is history. • Francis Scott Key was inspired by the British bombardment of Fort McHenry. Francis Scott Key penned the lyrics to our national anthem as he witnessed the event as British rockets whizzed in the air while our American Flag flew in the breeze • Did you know that if you like to study flags, then you are a Vexillologist! Bonnie Nelson is a freelance writer living in Fountain, CO. If you have any comments or questions, email her at waltbon@comcast.net. CONTACT THE WRITER • WALTBON@COMCAST.nET |
