◼ Today marks the traditional Flag Day, memorializing the day in 1777 when the Continental Congress adopted a U.S. flag to replace the British Union Jack. - Grant Scott-Goforth/The Times-Standard
American Legion flag expert Mike Buss said “the birthday of our flag” went largely unnoticed until 1916 when President Woodrow Wilson enacted Flag Day as a national holiday.
Buss said it's still often overlooked, as it is sandwiched between two patriotic holidays -- Memorial Day and Independence Day -- and doesn't award people a day off of work.
Some myths about the Flag Code:
Myth: A flag that has been used to cover a casket cannot be used for any other proper display purpose.
Fact: It can be used for any display purpose including on a flagpole.
Myth: The Flag Code prohibits the display of a U.S. flag of less than 50 stars.
Fact: According to the Army Institute of Heraldry the United States, a flag never becomes obsolete. Any official U.S. flag, irrespective of the number or arrangement of the stars and/or stripes, may be displayed until no longer serviceable.
Myth: The Flag Code has penalties for violations of its provisions.
Fact: The Flag Code is a guideline for proper flag etiquette. There are no legal penalties for ignoring it.
Myth: You must destroy the flag when it touches the ground.
Fact: As long as the flag remains suitable for display, the flag may continue to be flown.
Myth: The Flag Code prohibits the washing or dry-cleaning of the flag.
Fact: People may wash or dry-clean flags as needed.
Myth: The mayor, a town official, or the post commander can order the flag to be displayed at half-staff.
Fact: The gesture of placing the flag at half-staff means that the nation or the state mourns the death of a highly regarded national or state figure, hence only the president of the United States or the governor of a state may order the flag to be displayed at half-staff.
