“Resolved: That the flag of the United States shall be of thirteen stripes of alternate red and white, with a union of thirteen stars of white in a blue field, representing the new constellation”.

What is Flag Day, and why does the United States celebrate it on June 14? Well, on this date in 1777, the Second Continental Congress (the same men who signed the Declaration of Independence) adopted the above design for its first national flag. Although this occurred on June 14, 1777, the United States did not recognize the day as a holiday until 1885. The holiday was first proposed shortly after the 1861 attack on Fort Sumter that started the Civil War.

The flag flying over the fort was saved by Union soldiers during the Confederate takeover. The Fort Sumter Flag became a symbol of opposition to the Confederate rebellion. Years later, President Woodrow Wilson officially announced that June 14 would be a national holiday forever celebrating the history and importance of the United States Flag. Although a national holiday, Flag Day is not considered a federal holiday. "National holiday" is an unofficial term frequently used to describe widely celebrated cultural or patriotic observances that do not mandate federal closures.

Handling the U.S. flag respectfully means treating it as a living symbol of the nation. Proper handling requires keeping it aloft and free, ensuring it never touches the ground, and storing it properly. When a flag is so worn or torn that it is no longer fit to serve as a symbol of the country, it should be destroyed in a dignified manner, preferably by burning.

The Union County American Legion Post 212 will be ceremoniously burning old and tattered flags on Sunday, June 14. If you have an old flag, please drop it off at the Legion Post on Veterans Rd between now and then. There is a box outside the lower door for your flag.

Is it time to purchase a new flag? Sure, you can get one on Amazon. But if you order it from the American Legion Flag and Emblem (888-453-4466), your purchase of a flag provides direct financial support to your American Legion Post 212. And our Veterans need our support. Please call 888-453-4466 and order a flag for your home or business.