The layout of the U.S. flag wasn’t codified until 1912, so flags dating before this period sometimes show odd proportions and unusual arrangements of the stars, the Smithsonian says, but most flag makers used straight rows of stars and similar proportions. While Flag Day has been celebrated since 1885, the U.S. Flag Code was published on June 14, 1923 to help establish a set of rules for civilian flag ceremonies, display and maintenance. While 1989’s Texas v. Johnson declared flag federal anti-desecration laws unconstitutional, most people continue to follow recommendations on treating the American flag with respect. #FlagDay
Tag: flag
How the Flag’s 13 Stripes Came to Be
Long credited for designing and sewing the first U.S. flag, Philadelphia upholsterer Betsy Ross probably didn’t have anything to do it, says Reader’s Digest. Grandson William Canby appears to have invented that account, presenting it to the Historical Society of Pennsylvania in 1870. That first official design included 13 stripes for the original 13 states, but when Vermont and Kentucky joined the Union, a new flag with 15 stars and 15 stripes debuted — and that’s the version that was immortalized in Francis Scott Key’s “Star-Spangled Banner.” Later designs returned to the original 13 stripes and added stars for new states. #FlagDay
Celebrate the Start of Summer
The unofficial start to #summer, Memorial Day is ideal for a family activity, even if it’s just a short road trip or staycation. Celebrate those who gave their lives for the country by paying your respects at a cemetery, flying the flag, and making red-white-and-blue treats for a picnic or cookout, Country Living suggests. Parades are another great option, as are quick jaunts to a beach, park or nature preserve. It was a long and likely stressful winter, so take advantage of the extended weekend and — as Grandma used to say — go get some air in your fur. #MemorialDay
The Meaning of POW/MIA Bracelets
While the POW/MIA flag “reminds us to never forget our prisoners of war and missing in action,” says Military.com, bracelets were introduced in the 1970s as a more personal form of remembrance. They are still worn by the friends and relatives of Vietnam’s 725 POWs and more than 1,600 MIAs, as well as those remembering service members imprisoned or missing in action from other wars. Voices in Vital America (VIVA) “distributed nearly 5 million bracelets during the 1960s and 1970s to draw attention to the missing men,” says POW/MIA Families, which continues its work today.
Remembering America’s POWs and MIAs
Celebrated on the third Friday of September, POW/MIA Recognition Day ensures that America remembers to account for those who never returned from war. While Vietnam veterans were instrumental in making the day an annual observance, World War II had the most POWs (130,201) and MIAs (73,515). The POW/MIA flag flies with the Stars and Stripes at the White House on POW/MIA Recognition Day, Armed Forces Day, Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Day and Veterans Day, and is the only other flag allowed to do so.