Summer Sun & Flag Fact Fun
Jul 26, 2021
Summer brings about sunshine, picnics, outdoor parties, and, you guessed it, the American flag. The late spring and summer months are filled with patriotic holidays including Armed Forces Day, Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Day, and Constitution Day, just to name a few. Flags can be seen far and wide all over the country at places like:
- RV Camp Sites
- BBQs
- On motorcycles
- Baseball Games
- The Beach
- Community Festivals
- Concerts
Flag Etiquette
With so many holidays to celebrate by flying our American flag, it is important to follow proper etiquette to show respect to our flag, our country, and what our flag represents.
Basic flag etiquette includes:
- Never let the flag touch the ground.
- Never use the flag as clothing.
- Only flying the flag from sunup to sundown in good weather UNLESS the flag is properly illuminated during hours of darkness.
- Always be sure the flag is clean and in good repair. If your flag is damaged from the sun, or otherwise, be sure to dispose of it properly. Many government offices in the community have resources for proper flag disposal.
For more details about proper flag etiquette, dates to fly the American flag, and proper flag disposal, head over to our Flag Care page.
Did You Know?
In honor of these holidays, we wanted to celebrate by sharing some fascinating facts about our American Flag. The National Flag Foundation lists several flag facts, but these are our favorites.
- An American flag can still be used if it touches the ground. Yes. You read that correctly! There is a myth that once the American flag touches the ground, it can no longer be used. That simply is not true. While the flag should never touch the ground, it does happen. If the flag is dirty, it can be cleaned, dry cleaned, and continue to be used.
- There have been 27 versions of the American flag to date. That’s right! Our flag has certainly evolved from the original 13 stars and stripes sewn by Betsy Ross. As our nation grew, our flag transformed. Each time a new state was added to our country, so was a star to our flag.
- Our current flag is the only version that has lasted over 50 years. With Hawaii being the last state to join the union in 1959, there has been no reason to change our current flag.
- Our current flag was designed by a high school student. In 1958, 17-year-old Robert G. Heft of Lancaster, Ohio submitted the design we know and love today in a contest. His design was chosen out of over a thousand submissions by President Dwight D. Eisenhower himself.
- Our flag is filled with symbols. You’re probably familiar with each star of the American flag representing a state in our country and the 13 stripes representing the original colonies. But did you know the founding fathers were careful and intentional when choosing the colors of our flag? The colors of our flag have meaning. The red represents hardiness and valor. The white represents innocence and purity. The blue represents justice, vigilance, and perseverance.
- More than one American flag has made it to the moon. You’re probably familiar with the flag Neil Armstrong and his crew brought when they became the first people to set foot on the moon. However, there were five other American flags placed on the moon, from the Apollo missions 12, 14, 15, 16, and 17.
It is clear that our flag has had a fascinating history, with several holidays to commemorate it. As you’re celebrating the summer holidays, reflect on the meaning behind them. The history behind our flag. The reason why we are celebrating. And be sure to get your 100% American made American flag to help you celebrate.