Hoist Your Flags, Houston County

By TERESA SETTLE NORRIS
Tennessee Express News Writer
Well, it has almost crept up on us again. No, not Father’s Day, even though that seems to be awfully early as well this year… but rather, the not-so-celebrated “FLAG DAY.”
Every year the United States observes Flag Day on June 14, commemorating the adoption of the U.S. flag in 1777 by a resolution of the Second Continental Congress.
In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation establishing June 14 as Flag Day, and in 1949, an act of Congress clarified it as National Flag Day.
It’s not an official federal holiday, so we won’t be waving flags in a parade in downtown Erin, but hopefully you will see many flags on display throughout the county. With that in mind, below are a few flag “rules” and “regulations” to keep in mind:
1. All U.S. citizens are urged to fly the American flag for the duration of the week. The flag should also be displayed on all government buildings.
2. The flag should never be displayed with the union down, except as a signal of dire distress in instances of extreme danger go life or property.
3. The flag should never touch anything beneat it, such as the ground, the floor, water, or merchandise.
4. The flag should never be carried flat or horizontally, but always aloft and free.
5. The flag should never be fastened, displayed, used, or stored in such a manner as to permit it to be easily torn, soiled, or damaged in any way.
6. The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.
7. When the flag is lowered, no part of it should touch the ground or any other object. It should be received by waiting hands and arms.
8. To store the flag it should be folded neatly and ceremoniously.
9. The flag should be cleaned and mended when necessary.
NOTE: Most American Legion Posts regularly conduct dignified flag burning ceremonies.