For some of us, we suspect, Flag Day sneaks up on us. Each year, like Memorial Day and Labor Day, we have every intention of buying and displaying a flag outside our home.
It's not that we're not patriotic. It's just that, despite good intentions, life gets in the way.
So we'd like to remind you a couple of days early: Flag Day is Monday. Take to time to purchase a flag, which could set you back as little as $15 or so.
If you fly it once, we suspect you'll fly it on the Fourth of July, too. Perhaps you'll get in the habit of flying it regularly.
Old Glory has been a symbol of pride throughout our country's history. Just as it has been flown prominently during wartime, it should be flown proudly during times of peace.
President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed a national flag day on May 30, 1916.
On Feb. 23, 1945, during the Battle of Iwo Jima, six Marines planted the U.S. flag at the summit of Mount Suribachi. The historic event was photographed, and the photo gained worldwide fame.
Another iconic photo with the flag was taken after the terrorist attacks Sept. 11, 2001. Amid the rubble of the Twin Towers, firefighters hoisted an American Flag that had been missing. It was an event that helped bind our country after despicable terrorism.
When you display the flag, please do so properly. The U.S. Flag Code specifies it should not be torn/soiled and should not touch the ground or anything beneath it. If you display it at night, make sure it's illuminated.
The American Flag represents our history, our pride, our values, our independence.
Don't take for granted everything our forefathers have worked for, fought for and, at times, died for.
Flag Day is the perfect day to start a new tradition if you haven't already: Fly the flag proudly.
News Tribune