June 14th is National Flag Day. Barack Obama has declared that this week. He ordered flags to be flown over all federal buildings during the week. Read about it below and see a video tribute. Also see the proper rendering of the Pledge of Allegiance and basic guidelines for displaying the flag.

American Flag

National Flag Day has been celebrated on June 14th of every year since 1885. National Flag Week is the week starting on June 14th. In that tradition, Barack Obama declared yesterday National Flag Day and this week National Flag Week 2009. As is traditional, he encouraged all Americans to be proud of the American Flag and display in wherever possible. He ordered that the flag be displayed over federal buildings throughout the week.

Obama called on all Americans to observe the period of Flag Day though Independence Day, the Fourth of July, in celebration of our nation’s great heritage, by reciting the Pledge of Allegiance at public gatherings.

The tradition of Flag Day was originally started by a Wisconsin school teacher named BJ Cigrand. He encouraged students to celebrate the birthday of the Flag Resolution and the official adoption of The Stars and Stripes. The movement that was started by B. J. Cigrand grew throughout the country. On May 30, 1916, President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation officially establishing June 14th as Flag Day. On August 3rd, 1949, President Truman signed an Act of Congress designating June 14th of each year as National Flag Day.

The Pledge of Allegiance should be rendered by standing at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart. When not in uniform men should remove any non-religious headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart. Persons in uniform should remain silent, face the flag, and render the military salute.

• Usually, the flag should be displayed only between sunrise and sunset. If you’d like to display the flag at night, the area should be well-lit so that the flag can be seen.
• The flag should be raised quickly but lowered slowly and carefully.
• In bad weather, the flag shouldn’t be displayed unless it is made of all-weather or weatherproof materials.
• Never fly another flag above the U.S. flag. If another flag is flown at the same height, it should not be placed to the right of the U.S. flag.
• Do not allow the flag to touch the ground. It is not necessary, however, to destroy a flag that has touched the ground; if it has become dirty, wash it or have it dry-cleaned as needed.
• The flag should always be displayed with the union (the blue and white area) to the flag’s own right, which is the viewer’s left.
• When flown at half-staff, the flag should be first hoisted to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff position. The flag should be again raised to the peak before it is lowered for the day. On Memorial Day the flag should be displayed at half-staff until noon only, then raised to the top of the staff.
• 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. Most American Legion Posts regularly conduct a dignified flag burning ceremony, often on Flag Day, June 14th. Contact your local American Legion Hall and inquire about the availability of this service.