Americans across the country can celebrate a vital part of their history and tradition Thursday during Flag Day, a day when patriots celebrate a symbol that represents independence and unity.
To celebrate this special day, Turnbow-Higgs American Legion Post 240 will conduct a ceremony on the proper way to retire a flag by burning it. The ceremony will take place at 6 p.m. Thursday at 801 E. Washington Street. The public is invited to attend and to bring old flags that need retiring.
Anyone interested in displaying a flag should know there is a right and wrong way to do so. Here are the basics on displaying the American flag.
The flag is normally flown from sunrise to sunset. In the morning, raise the flag briskly. At sunset, lower it slowly. Always raise and lower it ceremoniously. The flag should not be flown at night without a light on it. The flag should not be flown in rain or inclement weather. After a tragedy or death, and at the order of the president, the flag is flown at half staff for 30 days. It�s called �half staff� on land and �half mast� on a ship. When flown vertically on a pole, the stars and blue field, or �union,� is at the top and at the end of the pole (away from your house). The American flag is always flown at the top of the pole. Your state flag and other flags fly below it (with the exception of the state of Texas flag). The union is always on top. When displayed in print, the stars and blue field are always on the left. Never let your flag touch the ground. Fold your flag when storing. Don�t just stuff it in a drawer or box. When your flag is old and has seen better days, it is time to retire it. Old flags should be burned or buried. Do not throw them in the trash.