FLAG DAY (cont.)

claimed June 14 for the observance. Likewise, President Calvin Coolidge issued his own proclamation in 1927. However, it would take Congress another 33 years to declare it a national day of remembrance, not quite a national holiday, which President Harry Truman signed into law on August 3, 1949.

“Today, more than ever, it is important for patriotic Americans to show appropriate reverence for the Flag. We live in an era of unheard of, unexpected disdain for the American way of life — particularly among the younger generations. Thus, it is important to show them the ‘whys’ and ‘hows’ and the reasons we take the time to reflect on and respect Old Glory on June 14,” Weber noted.

What better place to learn the dos and don’ts of the American Flag than at the American Legion Website. Here are a few interesting observations:

• The Flag Code is The American Legion Flag Code. On Flag Day, June 14, 1923, The American Legion and representatives of 68 other patriotic, fraternal, civic and military organizations met in Washington, DC for the purpose of drafting a code of flag etiquette. The 77th Congress adopted this codification of rules as public law on June 22, 1942. It is Title 4, United States Code Chapter 1.

• It has been claimed that a flag that has been used to cover a casket cannot be used for any other proper display purpose. Not so. A flag that has been used to cover a casket can be used for any proper display purpose to include displaying this flag from a staff or flagpole.

• Another bit of misinformation: You must destroy the flag when it touches the ground. False, as long as the flag remains suitable for display, the flag may continue to be displayed as a symbol of our great country.

• Claim: There has been a change to the Flag Code that no longer requires the flag to be properly illuminated during the hours of darkness. Aslo not true.

There has been no change to Flag Code section 6(a), which states: “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.”

• Another one: The Flag Code states that when the flag is no longer a fitting emblem for display it is to be disposed of by burning in private. The Flag Code as revised and adopted by the Congress of the United States in 1942 has never included the word(s) 'private' or 'in privacy.'

Section 8(k) of the Flag Code states: 'The flag, when it is in such a condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.' Since 1937, The American Legion has promoted the use of a public flag disposal ceremony.

This ceremony is a fitting tribute and an overt expression of patriotism, which enhances the public's understanding of honor and respect due the American flag.

Happy Flag Day, and God bless America.

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