Happy Flag Day! Here's what to know about the U.S. holiday from meaning to if it's federal
Happy Flag Day! Here's to the biggest holiday that you didn't know you were supposed to celebrate.
It's true that mail delivery might not stop for Flag Day and you definitely won't be receiving a day off from work. But that doesn't mean the holiday isn't worth celebrating.
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Here's what you need to know about Flag Day:
When is Flag Day 2024?
Flag Day is on June 14 every year. In 2024, Flag Day is on Friday.
What is the meaning of Flag Day?
On this day 246 years ago, Congress created our national flag by commemorating Betsy Ross' creation of the Stars & Stripes.
There have been a total of 27 variations in flag design over the years, as colonies grew into states making the 50 states that are represented on the flag today by the white stars.
What do the symbols of the national American flag mean?
According to the National Flag Foundation, there is a star sewn into a blue background representing every state. The star represents justice, perseverance and vigilance. As for the colors, the red stripes are for valor and the white stripes are for purity and innocence.
Is Flag Day a federal holiday in the U.S.?
No. Flag Day is not considered a federal holiday.
Is mail delivered on Flag Day?
Yes. Mail should be delivered like any other day since Flag Day is not a federal holiday.
Are banks closed on Flag Day?
No. Similarly to the mail, banks will continue to operate normally with Flag Day not being a federal holiday.
Are schools open on Flag Day?
Yes. Schools that are still in session should still host classes for students.
How to display the American flag
Here is how the American Flag should be displayed based on the U.S. Code:
The flag should not be flown with the union down, except in rare emergencies as a sign of distress.
The flag should not touch anything beneath it including the ground, floor, water or merchandise.
The flag should never be carried flat or horizontally but always aloft and free.
The flag should never be used as apparel, bedding or drapery. It should always be allowed to fall free. Decoration bunting of blue, white, and red should always appear with the blue arranged above with the white in the middle and the red below.
The flag should never be displayed, fastened, stored or used in a way that could lead to the flag being easily damaged, soiled or torn in any way.
The flag should never be used as a ceiling covering.
The flag should never have any design, drawing of any nature, figure, insignia, letter, mark, picture or word placed upon it.
The flag should never be used for carrying, delivering anything, holding items or be used as a receiving receptacle.
The flag should never be used for any kind of advertising purposes, and advertising signs should not be fastened to a flag's staff or halyard. The flag should also not be embroidered on items such as cushions, handkerchiefs and the like, impressed on paper napkins or boxes or otherwise printed as a design for temporary use and discard.
Any part of the flag should never be used as an athletic uniform or costume, but a flag patch may be sewn to the uniforms of firemen, members of patriotic organizations, military personnel and policemen. Representing a living country and considered a living thing in itself, a lapel flag pin being a replica should be worn near the heart on the left lapel.
When the flag is in such a condition that it is no longer fitting for display, the flag's destruction should be dignified. The preferred disposal is by burning.
Flag etiquette for Flag Day and beyond
The National Flag Foundation website has all the information you need from how to properly display a flag, general care, how to dispose of a flag and more. For more information visit, nationalflagfoundation.org.
Chris Sims is a digital producer for the Journal Star. Follow him on Twitter: @ChrisFSims.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Flag Day 2024: What is it? How the holiday started, what it means