I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America,
and to the Republic for which it stands,
one Nation under God, indivisible,
with Liberty and justice for all.
Those words do not make a new pledge. Children have said them for years in school, their parents have recited the lines in unison in meetings, civic or patriotic gatherings. The oath was formulated some time ago by the American flag association for the purpose of enlisting public sentiment to honor our flag and prevent its desecration, but it is only since the the flag to which it vows allegiance was threatened that it has grown in public favor.
Boys and girls, men and women say the words, but to how many, automatically touching their hearts or foreheads and fixing their eyes on the flag do the words convey a real and vital meaning. The pledge is made to the flag that hangs on the porches and above buildings on certain days of the year, the flag with which we are so familiar. The thought is simple, the words are simple, as simple in design and structure as the flag they honor, which in its red and white and blue tells of valor and purity and justice. To say those four lines is one way in which the flag may be honored, and in honoring the flag we speak proudly of this nation, for in this symbol is a brilliant story of its history, its customs, its struggles, its honors, its fame, its aspirations, its achievements, its ideals, the agony and sorrow of those who have marched under it in critical days, and the joy and thanksgiving of those who have returned and those to whom they have returned. All this should the flag say to us, as we say to it:
“I pledge allegiance to my Flag.”
In the rush of every day, many not thinking, carelessly rather than disinterested, forget the meaning of its colors. It lies in a corner neglected, it is too much trouble to bring it from its hiding place, the day of celebration passes and the home that should have displayed the flag does not. It is the flag only, without its speaking symbolism.
Honor the Flag
There are many days in the year when the flag should hang proudly in the breeze but, with one exception, they are primarily to celebrate some other event. But once each year, the flag has a birthday, a very definite beginning, and on that day it is well to take some time to think of the meaning of the flag, through what history making events and national crises it has gone and has led the nation, and while thinking, to display it openly at home and on all public buildings.
The birthday of the flag is today, June 14, for two hundred and forty five years ago that day in 1777, the Continental Congress declared the Stars and Stripes the official flag of the United States. Flag day was earliest observed at Hartford, Connecticut, in 1861 by the hanging of flags and the arranging of patriotic music and speeches. In the public schools it was first recognized in 1893. So in honor and recognition of this day, bring out Old Glory and pay tribute with a salute and a pledge.
How to Hang the Flag
There is something in knowing the correct manner of hanging the flag and its proper treatment, so that it may have the greatest respect. These few simple rules to follow will assist in the appearance of the flag and give the owner the very satisfactory feeling from the correct procedure as it hangs from your porch or yard.
- The flag should not be raised before sunrise and should be lowered at sunset.
- The flag must not touch the ground. It should never be placed below a person sitting. The flag should never be used to cover a table or chairs, and should not be displayed where it can be contaminated or soiled easily. No object or emblem of any kind should be placed upon it or above it, except the Bible.
- The flag, outdoors, should be flown from a pole whenever possible. If, however, it is desired to display the flag otherwise, when hung horizontally (flat) the field of blue should be on the left. When hung vertically (so it can be viewed from one side only) the blue field should be to the observer’s left.
This article is adapted and edited from the article “Old Glory – Now 145 Years Old”, published June 11, 1922 in The Lincoln Star (Lincoln, NE).
Photo by Debby Hudson on Unsplash