Page 4 - FlagEtiquette2017

PAGE 4 | EL DORADO NEWS TIMES | JUNE 14, 2017
The Significance of Flag Day
FLAG ETIQUETTE
| HISTORY
On June 14, 1777, the Conti- nental Congress passed the Flag Resolution which stated:
“Resolved, that the flag of the United States be 13 stripes, alter- nate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constel- lation.”
While today’s flags still alternate red and white, the number of stars has increased as new states came into the union. The current version featuring 50 stars was introduced in 1960, when the Ad- mission Act officially recognized Hawaii as the 50th state of the United States.
FLAG DAY HISTORY
The National Flag Day Founda- tion credits Bernard J. Cigrand for the first public celebration of Flag Day. In 1885, Cigrand dis-
played a 38-star flag on his desk at the school in which he taught. He then assigned his students to write essays about the flag and in its importance.
It wasn’t until 1916 that President Wilson issued a proclamation stating that a nation-wide obser- vance was in order.
Many states and communities held Flag Day celebrations after Wilson’s proclamation. It wasn’t until 1949 that President Truman signed an act of Congress de- claring the 14th of every June as National Flag Day.
HOW TO CELEBRATE
There are many ways to show your respect to the American flag on National Flag Day. Properly dis- playing the flag outside your home or business is a great way to cel- ebrate Flag Day. Look around for
Each year on June 14, Americans celebrate National Flag Day to commemorate the inception of our flag. This day reminds Americans that our flag is more than just a banner but speaks for America’s rich history and development as a free country.
local Flag Day ceremonies. This is a good chance to celebrate an Amer- ican tradition and have the chance to donate to a great cause. Have a community barbecue with neigh-
bors to honor Old Glory. You also might be able to find a flag burning ceremony. It can be a humbling experience to watch an American symbol being properly retired.
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