By Becky Bechtel, Indiana, NFRW Armed Services Committee

What is Flag Day and why is it important? Simply put, the flag of the United States of America represents a living country and is itself considered to be a living thing, according to the official Flag Code.

Wisconsin teacher, Bernard Cigrand, originated the idea for an annual Flag Day in 1885 to be celebrated across the nation every June 14th. During that year, he led his school in the first formal observance of the holiday. For Flag Day to be officially established, it took the efforts of three Presidents. Finally, in 1916, President Woodrow Wilson officially established June 14th as Flag Day. Since that time, flying “Old Glory” has served as a symbol of pride in our country. This annual observance reminds us of the dedication and sacrifices made by our military service members. This day is also a time to pray for our troops, both at home and abroad.

Given the importance of the celebration of our flag, a few rules regarding our flag’s display should be remembered. These rules are as follows:

1. The flag should never touch anything beneath it, such as the ground, floor, water, or other merchandise.
2. The Flag Code stipulates that the Stars and Stripes should not be used as apparel, bedding, or drapery.
3. Etiquette calls for American flags to be illuminated by sunlight or another light source while on display.
4. When the flags of cities, states, or other organizations are flown on the same staff as the American flag, Old Glory should always be at the peak. When flags of two or more nations are displayed, they should be the same size and flown from separate staffs of the same height.
5. The practice of draping coffins in the American Flag is not reserved for military veterans and government officials. Any burial may incorporate this tradition.
6. The Flag Code strictly prohibits adding an insignia, drawing or other markings to the Stars and Stripes. Some American politicians have been known to defy this regulation by signing copies of the United States Flag for their supporters.
7. To properly dispose of your worn flag, local Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) will take them, along with American Legion chapters, and Boy Scout and Girl Scout organizations. Walmart and Home Depot locations will also recycle your flag or burn them for you.

Flag Day is an important day for all Americans to show their pride in our country by displaying the flag from their homes or businesses. This day serves as a day of unity for all Americans, regardless of political affiliation, race, or creed. Our flag, consisting of 13 red and white alternating stripes and 50 stars, reminds us of our history, living nation, and serves as a symbol of hope for the future of the United States of America.