One of the noblest and most recognized symbols in the history of the United States, the American Flag holds some of the strongest symbolism our country has to offer. Going through several different alterations since its inception in the late 1700s, the United States settled on the current American flag in 1960 after the addition of Hawaii as the 50th state in the union. There are many reasons every American should own a flag, and there are also certain occasions when it should be flown, that many people may not be completely aware of.
As far as reasons to own a flag that is American, this is relatively simple. Sheer pride for your country and what thousands of men and women have sacrificed their lives for in order to provide freedom for an entire nation. Many of us may take this for granted at times, but proudly flying a flag may be one of the best ways we have to truly show our appreciation for these brave souls and show the world that we are proud to be Americans.
When it comes to the flying of the American flag, which should always be 100% made in USA, there are many different reasons and occasions to do this, and even a code of conduct set down by the United States Senate. There are also specific regulations for how a flag should be physically raised, as the Senate states that the flag should be hoisted briskly and lowered ceremoniously. As far as the days a flag should be flown, in public places, it is generally stated that the flag should be flown on every recognized holiday during the year, everything from Christmas to Lincoln’s Birthday. The flag should also be flown on state holidays and specific days that are proclaimed by the President of United States of America.
When it comes to residential flying of the flag, it is more common that the homeowner will not adhere to the same rules set down by the Senate in terms of how often that the flag is flown, but there are general rules and regulations that should be followed in order to show respect. The flag should not be flown at night unless there is a specific light that is adequately illuminating it through the night for patriotic purposes. The flag should also never touch the ground, and always flown at full staff.
There are many rules and regulations to flying the American flag, but much of it comes down to respect. If you follow some simple rules and are proud of the flag and what it represents, you should certainly own one for yourself.
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About the author
Barry Mason is a proud third-generation American whose grandfather served in World War II. Born and raised in small-town Tennessee, Barry developed a deep appreciation for American history and traditions from an early age, learning about the sacrifices made by previous generations. Barry has spent over a decade writing about flag etiquette, patriotic traditions, military history, and the stories behind America's most cherished symbols. When he's not researching the fascinating history of Old Glory, you can find Barry volunteering at veterans' events, coaching youth baseball, or exploring America's national parks with his family. A firm believer in supporting American manufacturing and small businesses, Barry is passionate about celebrating the craftspeople who keep American traditions alive. He lives with his wife and two children in a home where the American flag flies proudly every day. Favorite quote: "Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction." - Ronald Reagan
