American Flags

Did you know that there is a special way to dispose of American Flags after they are tattered? Its True! The United States Flag Code states that: "The Flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem of display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferable by burning." The flag is such a great symbol of our country, and therefore must be retired in a way that respects our country. The complete ceremony is listed at this website: http://www.usflags.com/index.asp?theTree=Flag+Disposal;Main+Content

For proper disposal of flags, please visit http://www.vfw.org/ :)

Did you know?

The Flag that inspired Francis Scott Key to write the lyrics for our National Anthem during the battle at Fort McHenry, that been carefully restitched (OVER 1.7 MILLION STITCHES!) over the last ten years and has finally returned to its home in the Natural History Museum in Washington DC! The Smithsonian Magazine has a great article about it that was featured in its November Issue by Robert M. Poole.

The article can be found at this website: http://www.smithsonianmag.com/history-archaeology/star-spangled-banner.html

It tells how the flag was originally made in the 1800's by Mary Pickersgill on a rush order by Major George Armistead, and explains how the flag stayed intact throughout the years.

It also has interesting information that I would have never known if I had not read the article! For Example, did you know that Francis Scott Key wrote the lyrics of the Star Spangled Banner in a hotel room in Baltimore? And that it originally was a poem? AMAZING!

This is a great article to read so please, CHECK IT OUT!