TERRE HAUTE —
Today -- June 14 -- is Flag Day in America.
It’s not an official federal holiday, but it is a day to commemorate the adoption of the flag of the United States, which occurred June 14, 1777, by the Second Continental Congress.
Many veterans organizations around the nation are calling on the public to take a look at the flags that are currently flying, to retire and replace any flags that are tattered or worn, and to correctly display the American flag.
“A lot of people are patriotic and fly a flag,” said Mike Buss, deputy director of the American Legional national headquarters in Indianapolis. “But there is a time when it becomes tattered, and they should replace it with a new one, and properly dispose of the old one by taking it to a local Legion post for a burning ceremony.”
Recently, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 972 in Terre Haute conducted a retirement ceremony for flags. Both VFW and American Legion posts will accept retired flags for proper disposal.
The American Legion is recognized as a top source of information on the U.S. Flag Code. It publishes and distributes the pamphlet, “Let’s be Right on Flag Etiquette,” a comprehensive guide on how to properly display the U.S. flag under all conditions.
Deputy Director Buss said many people have heard misinformation about the flag for many years, so the Legion believes it is important to educate the public. Flag Day is not a commonly celebrated holiday, he stated, but it is an important date in American history.
The effort to establish a Flag Day was first recorded in 1861 in Hartford, Conn.
In 1937, Pennsylvania became the first state to make Flag Day a legal holiday.
The week of June 14 is designated as National Flag Week, when the president issues a proclamation urging U.S. citizens to fly the American flag for the duration of the week.
Lisa Trigg can be reached at (812) 231-4254 or lisa.trigg@tribstar.com.
News
Related Photos
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Tribune-Star/Jim Avelis Still flying: Tuesday, June 14 is Flag Day.
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Tribune-Star/Jim Avelis Symbols: The American flag flies in front of the Vigo County Courthouse with several other flags. The Indiana and Vigo county flags are there along with flags representing each branch of the Armed Services. A POW-MIA flag is also among them.
Discussion
Today’s Flag Day: Honor its appearance and display, veterans say
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