Fox Hall, c.1803, with our American flag blowing majestically in celebration of the 4th of July!
Have you noticed an abundance of American flags being displayed this 4th of July weekend? After the long year of quarantine Covid days, the Declaration of Independence, celebrated since July 4th, 1776, also complements the freedom we are presently feeling, in part due to the vaccine and the efforts of dedicated health workers worldwide! Do you agree?
The first American flag was officially adopted by Congress in 1777. There is no official record to substantiate that Betsy Ross was the first to create it, but she has been attributed to this task. Evidently, she had a penchant for red, white, and blue. (If I had designed it, I imagine it would be a pink and green flag… oh dear!) The 13 stripes originally represented the first 13 colonies, along with 13 stars, and now 50 stars for our states.
As my husband Stuart hung our flag over the door at Fox Hall, I stopped to savor the sentiments of freedom, along with my gratitude for good health for our family and friends, which also extends to you too.
American flags line historic Main Street in Farmington, deemed a “scenic mile” by the state of Connecticut. The flags grace our village from Memorial Day until sometime after Labor Day.
As I admire our flag each day, I thought I would share some time-honored flag protocol with you.
Presentation of the American flag:
When a flag is projecting out from a building on a pole, the Union should be at the top of the pole.
When the flag is hung flat, vertically on a wall, window, or door, the Union (the stars) should be to the observer's left.
Marine One, the helicopter for the U.S. President in office, has the American flag depicted correctly with the Union to the left. I know how to fly a helicopter and I have always been terribly impressed with how Marine One lands and takes off so precisely from the White House lawn, a daunting endeavor, especially with the POTUS on board! Photo credit: @svenvanroij.nl
Flag etiquette for when a flag is being hoisted up the flagpole:
Stop talking and stand reverently. If a man is wearing a hat, the hat is removed and held in his hand over his heart.
Spectators not in military uniform should face the flag and place a hand over their hearts.
Military spectators in uniform should render the military salute. Members of the armed forces and veterans who are present, but not in uniform, may give the military salute.
This week, Stuart and I took a leisurely drive through several charming historic towns on the Connecticut coast, which I highly recommend. The Griswold Inn is one of the oldest continuously operated inns in the United States, opening its doors in 1776! The flag and bunting decorations that adorn its front facade, celebrate Americana splendidly and appropriately!
Forbidden Faux Pas:
No-no: To use the actual American flag as a decoration, or to cover or carry something on the flag.
Instead, use what is referred to as a “bunting” as a decoration, with the blue on top, then white, and then red.
No-no: To let the flag touch the ground, become dirty, torn, frayed, or to make any marks on it.
When no longer in pristine condition, the flag should be destroyed in a dignified manner.
No-no: To use the flag as clothing.
A flag is to be honored. As a child of a military officer, this rule was strictly adhered to! These days, creative interpretations of our flag are reproduced on fabric for clothes, among other things, but one should never use any part of an actual flag in this manner. The U.S. Flag Code states:
“No part of the flag should ever be used as a costume or athletic uniform. However, a flag patch may be affixed to the uniform of military personnel, firemen, policemen, and members of patriotic organizations. The flag represents a living country and is itself considered a living thing. Therefore, the lapel flag pin being a replica, should be worn on the left lapel near the heart.”
“Near the heart” sums up my thankful sentiments when I behold an American flag flying proudly in the wind. Flying the American flag, the emblem of our identity as a sovereign nation, honors our great country and those who have served to protect it.
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