By Sterling McGinn
This Sunday is Flag Day: A day that we honor our nation’s symbol.
On June 14, 1777, the Second Continental Congress adopted a resolution approving the Stars and Stripes as the official flag. It wasn’t until 1916, when U. S. President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation designating June 14 as Flag Day.
The flag has changed in design numerous times over the last 250 years. What hasn’t changed is the proper protocol for handling and displaying the flag.
The flag should be treated with the highest respect—never as a political symbol and never left in a faded or worn condition.
When displayed outdoors, keep the flag lit at night, or bring it inside at dusk. The flag should also be taken down in inclement weather.
Never fly a torn or faded flag. Please bring tattered flags to the American Legion for proper and dignified disposal. There is a collection box at the right side of the main entrance to the Post.
The American Flag should always be flown above other flags on a pole. When the American Flag is carried in a parade with a group of other flags, it is carried to the marcher’s right (the observer’s left.)
The flag should never be carried flat or with anything on or in it.
On a speaking platform, if the flag is displayed flat, it should be displayed above and behind the speaker. If on a staff, it is to be displayed on the speakers’ right.
Flags hung vertically or horizontally on a wall should be displayed with the union (blue star field) to the observer’s left.
Other flag etiquette rules are: Do not let the flag touch the ground or anything beneath it; never fly the flag upside down unless it is an emergency; do not use the flag as clothing; do not fasten, or tie the flag back—always let it fall free.
There are more ways to show respect to the Stars and Stripes.
Parade season is around the corner, and local parades always begin with the American Flag in the lead. It is proper to stop all conversations and place your hand on your heart as the flag passes by. Veterans are encouraged to render the appropriate salute.
The annual Flag Day Ceremony held jointly by the Newberry Elks Lodge 1705, the American Legion Post 74, and BSA Scout Troop 130 is one of them.
It is held each year on June 14, and the Elks and Legion take turns hosting the program. This year it is at the American Legion at 1 p.m. on Sunday.
At the program, Elks members give humble readings and describe in detail the history behind each flag used throughout history. Scouts proudly carry those flags and post them as the description is read.
American Legion members follow next with a ceremony of their own. Legion officers, accompanied by Scouts, carry flags tattered and worn from use. The flags are presented for inspection and given final approval for proper retirement. A retired flag is then draped and burned for proper disposal.
One thing often missing at the ceremony is civilian spectators. They have dwindled considerably in the last decade. Photos of past ceremonies from 15 to 20 years ago show standing room only crowds. Last year no more than five witnessed the event. It is hoped that many more will attend this year.
All veterans and community members are encouraged to attend the Flag Day ceremony and to properly respect the flag every day. It is the living symbol of what so many service members fought and died for.
