Flag Day ceremony in Pinedale June 14
June 10, 2021
The American Legion will be having Flag Day ceremonies in Pinedale with a BBQ on Monday, June 14th. Please bring your worn-out and tattered flags for respectful and proper disposal. Everyone is invited. The program will be at 6:00PM in the American Legion Park Veterans Memorial.
Flag Day USA, Monday, June 14
By Michael Edison, Commander, Pinedale American Legion Post 47
In the United States, Flag Day is celebrated on June 14. It commemorates the adoption of the flag of the United States on June 14, 1777 by resolution of the Second Continental Congress. The United States Army also celebrates the U.S. Army birthday on this date; Congress adopted "the American Continental Army" after reaching a consensus position in the Committee of the Whole on June 14, 1775.
In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation that officially established June 14 as Flag Day; 0n August 3, 1949, National Flag Day was established by an Act of Congress.
Flag Day; however, it is at the president's discretion to officially proclaim the observance.
The flag of the United States of America is our nation's symbol and identifies us as Americans. It is the umbrella which represents every underlying aspect of our country. It actually takes on a different context or meaning wherever it is displayed; Public buildings, private homes, sports stadiums, Olympic events, caskets or even the moon. Like any other nation’s flag it does not stand for anything specific. Ask any citizen what our flag means to them and you will get a dozen different responses. Does it represent sacrifice? Absolutely! However, the American flag also stands for our constitution, the unity of our people, the diversity of our nation, the triumph of our accomplishments and the right to protest or to be burned. It is the symbol of freedom many die to defend, rather than a tangible emblem to specifically honor those who gave their lives.
Our sons and daughters, throughout history, died to preserve its meaning but it does not particularly represent them, they represent the flag, which represents our entire country.
"The colors of the pales (the vertical stripes) are those used in the flag of the United States of America; White signifies purity and innocence, Red, hardiness & valor, and Blue, the color of the Chief (the broad band above the stripes) signifies vigilance, perseverance & justice."
The 50 stars stand for America's 50 states, while the 13 red and white stripes represent the 13 colonies.
The current flag, with 50 stars and 13 stripes, was designed in 1958 by 17-year-old high school student, Robert G. Heft, of Lancaster, Ohio. President Dwight D. Eisenhower chose his design out of 1,500 entries.
According to Federal flag laws and regulations, the flag should be displayed from sunrise to sunset, except during inclement weather. It may be displayed 24 hours a day as long as it’s "properly illuminated" while it’s dark out.
If a flag can no longer be used or repaired, it must be destroyed in a respectful manner, such as by burning. It can be washed and dry cleaned if it gets dirty or if it touches the ground and is soiled.
Our local American Legion in Pinedale will have a flag disposal ceremony at the American Legion Park by the Veterans Memorial on Monday, June 14, at 6:00 pm. Please bring your old, tattered or torn flags for proper disposal.
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