Old Glory

Yesterday was flag day in the U.S. Perhaps volunteers placed flags around your town. It commemorates the adoption of the flag in 1777.

I just love the American flag. Thank you, Betsy Ross. And I'm not saying that because I'm partial.

When we attended the Memorial Day ceremony at the Henri-Chappele Cemetery in Belgium, I said to Jim, how beautiful the American flag is. Of course, I hope citizens of every country feel the same about their own flags.

Here is the Belgium flag and the flags of our neighbors on all sides.

Belgium

Germany

France

Netherlands

Often called Old Glory or The Star Spangled Banner, most know the history behind the stars (50 states) and stripes (original 13 colonies).

There's even a Flag Code governing the use of the flag. In case you didn't know . . .

> it may not touch the ground

> it must be illuminated if flown at night

> when tattered and cannot be used, it is to be destroyed in a dignified manner - preferably by burning

> no other flag may fly above it - it is the first to be raised and the last to be lowered

> it is to be saluted when it is hoisted and lowered - a military salute for military members and for citizens, placing the right hand over the heart; men wearing a hat to remove it and hold it to the left shoulder with hand on heart

> the flag is flown at half-mast until Noon on Memorial Day and full-staff from Noon to Sunset

> it should not be hung during violent weather

> it may not be used for advertising, apparel, bedding or drapery (often ignored)

Meaning T-shirts emblazoned with an American flag are in violation of the code. Problem is, there's no penalty for violation of the Code.

I don't remember ever owning a T-shirt, or other apparel, or bedding or drapery so I don't think I've violated the Code. I never thought about it before, but it really should be reserved for its intended purpose. Nothing more or less.