by Barbara Latta @barbaralatta
Have you ever wondered where the American flag came from?
During the Revolutionary War, there was no flag representing the 13 colonies. Each regiment served under their own banner. George Washington set out to design a flag that could unify the army and the country.
The first design was comprised of 13 alternating red and
white stripes with a union jack in the corner. This was too similar to the
British flag so General Washington nixed that idea. You can imagine the
confusion in battle if an army can’t recognize their own standard. They also
didn’t want to identify with the enemy they were fighting.
On June 14, 1777 the Continental Congress passed a resolution “that the flag of the United States be 13 stripes, alternate red and white, the union be 13 stars white in a blue field, representing a new constellation.”
What is Flag Day? To commemorate the anniversary of the adoption of our national standard, President Woodrow Wilson designated
June 14 as Flag Day, in 1916.
What is the Flag Code? The Flag Code was established for
instructions in the care, observance, and the disposal of worn out flags.
Here are a few facts from the Flag Code you may be unaware
of and ways we can honor our national banner on Flag Day:
- The flag should not be dipped to any person or thing unless it is responding to a salute from a foreign ship. This became a tradition after the 1908 Summer Olympics in London. When all countries were asked to dip their flag to King Edward VII, the American flag bearer refused, and a teammate responded with “this flag dips for no earthly king.”
- The flag should not be used as wearing apparel, furniture coverings, draperies, or pillows. Red, white, and blue bunting is used as platform décor with the blue color on the top.
- When it is displayed on the same flagpole as another flag, the United States flag should always be on top. An exception to this code is during church services conducted by a Navy Chaplain for Navy personnel while at sea. In that case, the church banner can be on top.
- When used in a parade or procession, the flag should be to the right of those marching.
What is the proper way to fold a flag?
Here is a video of soldiers that demonstrates the proper way to fold
an American flag.
Old Glory is the banner that represents over two centuries
of fighting and defending freedom. The freedom that God gave to us because
oppressed people traversed harsh seas and life-threatening circumstances to
come to this land and establish a country where people could worship God as
they pleased.
As the Memorial Day post showed us, revering the flag is one way
we as Titus 2 women can teach the younger generation respect for our
country and memorializing the sacrifices of those who have died defending her.
May we be reminded of the honor we should give to the Stars
and Stripes as the banner flies across the land to proclaim liberty and justice
for all.
June 14, 2021 is also the 246th birthday of the United States Army. Happy Birthday, Army!
Please feel free to share your thoughts.
Well said Ms. Barbara. Am sure you know, but each of the 13 folds made in folding an American flag holds special meaning. It has pained me for many years to see our flag desecrated by fellow Americans, but many died to give them that right. I just wish they truly understood what their actions represent.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate the continued education, J.D., as I didn't know that about the folds in the flag. It pains me also to see how our flag is treated. Thanks for sharing. Blessings!
DeleteGreat history lesson, Barbara. One of the saddest things of today's generation is that most don't know enough history to love America. Thank you for reminding us of our heritage.
ReplyDeleteYou are right, Jackie. Our history is not taught in schools anymore, or what may be taught has been changed to fit an agenda that makes America look evil. The only ways students can learn the truth about our heritage is for us as parents and grandparents to take the lead and show them. Thanks for sharing. Blessings!
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ReplyDeleteWhat a timely post. There’s never been a better time to reflect on the history and meaning of Old Glory.
ReplyDeleteYes, Old Glory's meaning never goes away. Thanks for sharing, Candyce. Blessings!
DeleteThanks so much for sharing this meaningful message, Barbara. It is sad that so many in our country do not know or care about the history of our flag or the guidelines for its care. Thank you for your love, faith, and dedication to our country.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your thoughts, Katherine, and also for your dedication to our country. Blessings!
DeleteThanks for sharing useful insights on how to honor the flag. We thank God for His banner that He holds over us to identify us as His own.
ReplyDeleteJoanna, we can be thankful for what the banner stands for because it is what God has given us. Thanks for sharing. Blessings!
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