GOLDEN VALLEY, Minn. – Happy Flag Day! It was on June 14, 1777 when the Second Continental Congress adopted the stars and stripes as our national symbol.
President Woodrow Wilson formally established Flag Day on June 14,1916.
The current design of the American flag, with 50 stars representing the 50 states and 13 stripes for the original colonies, is the 27th version of Old Glory.
When Francis Scott Key was inspired to pen the Star Spangled banner, the flag was much less spangled; having just 15 stars at the time.
There is a code of etiquette that comes along with flying the colors:
— The flag should never be allowed to touch the ground.
— If flown at night, the flag must be illuminated.
— If you must dispose of an American flag, it should be properly destroyed, preferably by burning.
— The United States Flag Code also prohibits using the flag for advertising.
— It also states that the flag should not be embroidered, printed or impressed on things like cushions, handkerchiefs, napkins, boxes or anything intended to be discarded after temporary use.
— The flag should never be used as apparel, bedding or drapery or as part of an athletic uniform or costume.
But, while the Flag Code is federal law, there is no penalty for violating it.
(via: Kare 11)
