History of the Flag 

The Flag of the United States is the third oldest of the National standards of the world; older than the Union Jack of Britain or the Tricolor of France.  
The Flag was first authorized by Congress June 14, 1777. This date is now observed as Flag Day  throughout America.  

The Flag was first flown from Fort Stanwix, on the site of the present city of Rome, New York, on August 3, 1777. It was first under fire three days later in the Battle of Oriskany, August 6, 1777.  

It was decreed that there should be a star and a stripe for each state, making 13 of both, for the states at that time had just been erected from the original 13 colonies.  

The colors of the Flag may be thus explained: The red is for valor, zeal and fervency; the white for hope, purity, cleanliness of life and rectitude of conduct; the blue, the color of heaven, for reverence of God, loyalty, sincerity, justice and truth.  

The star (an ancient symbol of India, Persia and Egypt) symbolizes dominion and sovereignty, as well as aspirations. The constellation of the stars within the union---one star for each state---is emblematic of our Federal Constitution, which reserves to the states their individual sovereignty, except as to rights delegated by them to the Federal Government.  

The symbolism of the Flag was thus interpreted by Washington: "We take the stars from heaven, the red from our mother country, separating it by white stripes, thus showing that we have separated from her, and the white stripes shall go down in posterity representing liberty."  

In 1791, Vermont, and in 1792, Kentucky were admitted to the Union and the number of stars and stripes were raised to 15 in correspondence. As other states came into the Union, it became evident there would be too many stripes. So in 1818, Congress enacted that the number of stripes be reduced and restricted to 13, representing the 13 original states, while a star should be added for each succeeding state. That is the law of today.  

The name 'Old Glory' was given to the Flag, August 10, 1831, by Captain William Driver of the brig Charles Doggett.  

The Flag was first carried in battle at the Brandywine, September 11, 1777. It first flew over foreign territory January 28, 1778, at Nassau, Bahama Islands; Fort Nassau having been captured by the Americans in the course of the war for independence. The first foreign salute to the Flag was rendered by the French admiral, LaMotte, off Quiberon Bay, February 13, 1778.  

The United States Flag is unique in the deep and noble significance of its message to the entire world---a message of national independence, of individual liberty, of idealism, of patriotism. 

It symbolizes national independence and popular sovereignty. It is not the Flag of a reigning family or royal house, but of over two hundred million free people welded into one Nation, one and inseparable, united not only by community of interest, but by vital unity of sentiment and purpose, a Nation distinguished for the clear individual conception of its citizens alike of their duties and their privileges, their obligations and their rights. 

It incarnates for all mankind the spirit of Liberty and the glorious ideal of human Freedom; not the freedom of unrestraint or the liberty of license, but an unique ideal of equal opportunity for life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, safeguarded by the stern and lofty principles of duty, of righteousness and of justice, and attainable by obedience to self-imposed laws. 

Floating from the lofty pinnacle of American idealism, it is a beacon of enduring hope, like the famous Bartholdi Statue of Liberty Enlightening the World to the oppressed of all lands. It floats over a wondrous assemblage of people  from every racial stock of the earth whose united hearts constitute an indivisible and invincible force for the defense and succor of the downtrodden. 

It embodies the essence of patriotism. Its spirit is the spirit of the American nation. Its history is the history of the American people. Emblazoned upon its folds in letters of living light are the names and fame of our heroic dead, the Fathers of the Republic who devoted upon its altars their lives, their fortunes and their sacred honor. Twice told tales of national honor and glory cluster thickly about it. Ever victorious, it has emerged triumphant for nine great national conflicts. It bears witness to the immense expansion of our national boundaries, the development of our natural resources, and the splendid structure of our civilization. It prophesies the triumph of popular government, of civic and religious liberty and of national righteousness throughout the world. 

The Flag first rose over thirteen states along the Atlantic seaboard, with a population of some three million people. Today it flies over fifty states, extending across the continent, and over great islands of the two oceans; and owe allegiance. It has been brought to this proud position by love and sacrifice. Citizens have advanced it and heroes have died for it. It is the sign made visible of the strong spirit that has brought liberty and prosperity to the people of America. It is the Flag of all of us alike. Let us accord it honor and loyalty.  *

* STANDARDS of RESPECT *.

.There are certain fundamental rules of heraldry, which if understood generally, would indicate the proper method of displaying the Flag of the United States of America. The matter becomes a very simple one if it is kept in mind that the Flag represents the living country and is itself considered as a living thing. The union of the Flag is the honor point; the right arm is the sword arm and therefore the point of danger and hence the place of honor.   

The Flag Code, which formalizes and unifies the traditional ways in which we give respect to the flag, also contains specific instructions on:    
* How the flag is not to be used *

They are:  

* The flag should never be dipped to any person or thing. 
* It is flown upside down only as a distress signal.
* The flag should not be used as a drapery, or for covering a speakers desk, draping a platform, or for any decoration in general. Bunting of blue, white and red stripes is available for these purposes.
* The blue stripe of the bunting should be on the top.
* The flag should never be used for any advertising purpose.
* It should not be embroidered, printed or otherwise impressed on such articles as cushions, handkerchiefs, napkins, boxes, or anything intended to be discarded after temporary use.
* Advertising signs should not be attached to the staff or halyard
* The flag should not be used as part of a costume or athletic uniform, except that a flag patch may be used on the uniform of military personnel, fireman, policeman and members of patriotic organizations.
* The flag should never have placed on it, or attached to it, any mark, insignia, letter, word, number, figure, or drawing of any kind.
* The flag should never be used as a receptacle for receiving, holding, carrying, or delivering anything.
* When the flag is lowered, no part of it should touch the ground or any other object; it should be received by waiting hands and arms. 
* To store the flag it should be folded neatly and ceremoniously. 
* The flag should be cleaned and mended when necessary. 

. *Proper manner of displaying the Flag* 

It is the universal custom to display the Flag only from sunrise to sunset on buildings and on stationary flag staffs in the open. however, when a patriotic effect is desired the Flag may be displayed twenty-four hours a day if properly illuminated during the hours of darkness. It should be hoisted briskly, but should be lowered slowly and ceremoniously. The Flag should be displayed on all National and State holidays and on historic and special occasions. (However, being the emblem of our country. It ought to fly from every flagpole every day throughout the year, weather permitting.) Special care should be taken to see that the Flag is displayed on the following days: 

.    * Specific Dates To Display The Flag *

.New Year's Day, January 1st 
Inauguration Day, January 20th 
Lincoln's Birthday, February 12th 
Washington's Birthday, third Monday in February 
Easter Sunday 
Mother's Day, second Sunday in May 
Flag Day, June 14th 
Independence Day, July 4th 
Labor Day, first Monday in September 
Constitution Day, September 17th 
National POW/MIA Recognition Day, September 19th 
Columbus Day, second Monday in October 
Navy Day, October 27th 
Veterans Day, November 11th 
Thanksgiving Day, 4th Thursday in November 
Christmas Day, December 25th  *And any other days as may be proclaimed by the President of the United States; the birthdays of States (dates of admission); and State holidays. The Flag should be displayed daily on or near the main administration building of every public institution and or near school buildings. During inclement weather the Flag should not be displayed unless an all weather Flag is used. The Flag should be displayed in or near every polling place on election days.  *

. Displaying the Flag Outdoors

. When the flag is displayed from a staff projecting from a window, balcony, or a building, the union should be at the peak of the staff unless the flag is at half staff.  
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When it is displayed from the same flagpole with another flag - of a state, community, society or Scout unit - the flag of the United States must always be at the top except that the church pennant may be flown above the flag during church services for Navy personnel when conducted by a Naval chaplain on a ship at sea. 
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When the flag is displayed over a street, it should be hung vertically, with the union to the north or east. If the flag is suspended over a sidewalk, the flag's union should be farthest from the building. 
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When flown with flags of states, communities, or societies on separate flag poles which are of the same height and in a straight line, the flag of the United States is always placed in the position of honor - to its own right.  
..The other flags may be smaller but none may be larger.  
..No other flag ever should be placed above it.  
..The flag of the United States is always the first flag raised and the last to be lowered.  
When flown with the national banner of other countries, each flag must be displayed from a separate pole of the same height. Each flag should be the same size. They should be raised and lowered simultaneously. The flag of one nation may not be displayed above that of another nation.   *

  * Statues and Monuments *

.. When used in conjunction with unveiling of a statue or monument, the Flag should form a distinctive feature of the ceremony, but the Flag itself should never be used as the covering of the statue. 

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  * Raising and Lowering the Flag *

.. The flag should be raised briskly and lowered slowly and ceremoniously. Ordinarily it should be displayed only between sunrise and sunset. It should be illuminated if displayed at night. The flag of the United States of America is saluted as it is hoisted and lowered. The salute is held until the flag is unsnapped from the halyard or through the last note of music, whichever is the longest.   . . . *

  * Displaying the Flag Indoors *

.. When on display, the flag is accorded the place of honor, always positioned to its own right. Place it to the right of the speaker or staging area or sanctuary. Other flags should be to the left.  

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The flag of the United States of America should be at the center and at the highest point of the group when a number of flags of states, localities, or societies are grouped for display. When one flag is used with the flag of the United States of America and the staffs are crossed, the flag of the United States is placed on its own right with its staff in front of the other flag.  
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When displaying the flag against a wall, vertically or horizontally, the flag's union (stars) should be at the top, to the flag's own right, and to the observer's left. 
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Bunting of the national colors should be used for covering a speaker's desk, draping over the front platform and for decoration in general. Bunting should be arranged with the blue above, the white in the middle and the red below. 
 
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  * Parades *
When carried in a procession, the flag should be to the right of the marchers. When other flags are carried, the flag of the United States may be centered in front of the others or carried to their right. When the flag passes in a procession, or when it is hoisted or lowered, all should face the flag and salute.  

* Saluting **  

.To salute, all persons come to attention. Those in uniform give the appropriate formal salute. Citizens not in uniform salute by placing their right hand over the heart and men with head cover should remove it and hold it to left shoulder, hand over the heart. Members of organizations in formation salute upon command of the person in charge.  * * The Pledge of Allegiance and National Anthem * *The pledge of allegiance should be rendered by standing at attention, facing the flag, and saluting. When the national anthem is played or sung, citizens should stand at attention and salute at the first note and hold the salute through the last note. The salute is directed to the flag, if displayed, otherwise to the music.    *

  * The Flag in Mourning *

..To place the flag at half staff, hoist it to the peak for an instant and lower it to a position half way between the top and bottom of the staff. The flag is to be raised again to the peak for a moment before it is lowered. On Memorial Day the flag is displayed at half staff until noon and at full staff from noon to sunset. The flag is to be flown at half staff in mourning for designated, principal government leaders and upon presidential or by a gubernatorial order. 
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When used to cover a casket, the flag should be placed with the union at the head and over the left shoulder. It should not be lowered into the grave. 

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  * Folding the Flag *

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1. Two persons, facing each other, hold the flag waist high and horizontally between them.  
2. The lower striped section is folded, lengthwise, over the blue field. Hold bottom to top and edges together securely.  
3. Fold the flag again, lengthwise, folded edge to open edge.  
4. A triangular fold is started along the length of the flag, from the end to the heading by bringing the striped corner of the folded edge to meet the open edge.  
5. The outer point is turned inward parallel with the open edge, forming a second triangle.  
6. Repeat the triangular folding until the entire length of the flag is folded.  
7. When the flag is completely folded, only the triangular blue field should be visible.  
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After the flag is completely folded and tucked in, it takes on the appearance of a cocked hat, ever reminding us of the soldiers who served under General George Washington and the sailors and marines who served under Captain John Paul Jones who were followed by their comrades and shipmates in the Armed Forces of the United States,preserving for us the rights, privileges,and freedoms we enjoy today.     *

  * Flag Disposal *

Note: When a flag is so worn it is no longer fit to serve as a symbol of our country, it should be destroyed by burning in a dignified manner.Most American Legion Posts regularly conduct an official flag burning ceremony, often on Flag Day, June 14th. Contact your local American Legion Post and inquire about the availability of this service. Thank you.  *

  * Order 'The Flag Code' *

.ADDED NOTE: To order your copy of 'The Flag Code' in it's professionally completed printed format (11 x 15"), which makes an excellent wall display for either a classroom, office or home, also printed on the reverse side is  'The American's Creed' by William Tyler Page, 'History of the Flag',  'The Star Spangled Banner' by Francis Scott Key and 'Respect the Flag'.  The cost is $5.00 ea. Bulk Orders are available in multiples of 25 ea. at a cost of $4.00 ea. It is well worth the investment. If you are interested, please send your request along with a personal check or Money Order in the amount specified to the following address:   'Prairie Ridge' 3805 Teresa Dr.,Moore, Oklahoma 73160-7705  attn.: 'The Flag Code'  Proceeds generated from this offer are donated to the 'Child and Youth Welfare' programs sponsored and supported by the American Legion. Thank you. *