by Sara A Broers

Created on: June 03, 2008

Courage, loyalty, and purity represent our great country, The United States of America. Red, white and blue flow through the skies as our flag is flown throughout the year. It wasn't until 1916 that President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed Flag Day as a national holiday. On August 3, 1949, President Harry S. Truman designated June 14th of each year as National Flag Day. "Old Glory" is how we often refer to our flag, this name was given to the stars and stripes on August 10, 1831.

Many believe that Besty Ross made the first flag, although that has never been factually proven. This flag has 13 stars and stripes which represented the first 13 colonies. The stars were arranged in a circle, representing unity among the states. Today there are 50 stars which represent the 50 states. The 13 red and white stripes represent the 13 original colonies of 1776.

When flying our flag the flag should always be clean and should only be flown from sunrise to sunset. Extra care should be taken when the flag is being folded and it should never be used for a tablecloth. It is also of the utmost importance that the flag never touch the ground. Our flag is to be respected and treated with dignity.

There are designated days to fly the flag in the United States, some of these important days are: Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Day, Easter Sunday, Constitution Day, Navy Day, Washington's Birthday, Lincoln's Birthday, Christmas Day, Veterans Day, and Armed Forces Day. Flag Day continues to be on June 14th, today in 2008, just as it was in 1949.

When attending a sporting event it is not uncommon to hear our National Anthem, "The Star Spangled Banner" played. Francis Scott Key wrote this musical piece on September 14, 1814. Attendees should face the flag and remove all hats while this is played. Francis Bellamy wrote another famous piece that we refer to as "The Pledge of Allegiance" in 1892. This is often recited at school functions, scouting functions, military events, and other venues throughout our great country.

Supporting the red, white, and blue is something that we can all do each day. June 14th is rapidly approaching and this is a special day to fly "Old Glory." This is a great day to reflect on what our freedom means to us and to remember the men and women of our military. Because of these brave men and women, we can proudly support the flag and the opportunities that we take for granted each day. Fly the American flag proudly and salute this great symbol of the United States of America with pride.

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