Flag Day Celebration

When the American Revolution began in 1775, the colonists weren’t fighting united under a single flag.

Instead, most regiments participating in the war for independence against the British fought under their own flags.

In June of 1775, the Second Continental Congress met in Philadelphia to create the Continental Army—a unified colonial fighting force—with the hopes of a more organized battle against its colonial oppressors. This led to the creation of what was, essentially, the first “American” flag, the Continental Colors.

For some, this flag, which was comprised of 13 red and white alternating stripes and a Union Jack in the corner, was too similar to that of the British. George Washington soon realized that flying a flag that was even remotely close to the British flag was not a great confidence-builder for the revolutionary effort, so he turned his efforts towards creating a new symbol of freedom for the soon-to-be fledgling nation.

On June 14, 1777, the Second Continental Congress took a break from writing the Articles of Confederation and passed a resolution stating that “the flag of the United States be 13 stripes, alternate red and white,” and that “the union be 13 stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation.”

Over 100 years later, in 1916, President Woodrow Wilson marked the anniversary of that decree by officially establishing June 14 as Flag Day.

Displaying the Flag

Etiquette calls for American flags to be illuminated by sunlight or another light source while on display. The flag should be lit at night and the field of blue should always be to the top left when displayed on a wall both horizontally or vertically.

The Flag Code strictly prohibits adding an insignia, drawing or other markings to the Stars and Stripes.

The Flag Code also stipulates that the Stars and Stripes should not be used as apparel, bedding or drapery.

When hanging the flag horizontally, ensure the field of blue is in the top left. This is the ‘front’ of the flag and should be faced accordingly when hung over a walkway or in a room.

Flying the Flag with other Flags

The US Flag should be flown at the same height or higher than other flags. No other flag should be placed to the US Flag’s own right. You should place the US flag in the “stage right” position when setting up a room, with other flags to its left.

Flying the Flag on a single pole

You may fly the US Flag with the State flag on a single pole with the state flag below the US Flag. Flags should be the same size when displayed in this fashion.

When flags are taken down from their poles, care must be taken to keep them from touching the ground. In fact, the American flag should always be kept aloft, meaning that rugs and carpets featuring the Stars and Stripes are barred by the Flag Code.

Disposing of flags

When a flag becomes dirty and tattered or frayed it is no longer serviceable or suitable for display and should be retired appropriately.

There are flag disposal boxes located inside the Cass County Justice Center as well as inside the City Halls of Atlanta and Queen City. If you have an old flag, please feel free to dop them off at one of these locations and they will be respectfully retired.