Lichtenegger: Flag Day

Tuesday was flag day and very few know of its history or purpose. From its first unofficial observance in 1885 by a school teacher in the Wisconsin Public School, District 6, to its official declaration in 1949 when President Truman signed an Act of Congress designating June 14th of each year as National Flag Day, it has had a history rich in patriotism. Read more at the US Flag website, and be sure to check out the Historic and Current Flags of America section where you can view all the US Flag designs since Betsy Ross first sewed Old Glory together.

Link here to view a three minute video That Ragged Old Flag narrated by Johnny Cash.

Did you know there is special flag etiquette for displaying a flag indoors or at parades? Even the design elements and proportions of the flag are specified by law! And read here about the more than eight places where the flag is flown around the clock by Presidential Proclamation.

And if you’ve never seen a flag-folding ceremony you’ll be awed by the honor and respect paid to the greatest symbol of the greatest nation! You can view a variety of such ceremonies by conducting a web-search. Type the words “flag folding ceremony” in your search engine’s box. Most are via YouTube and are military video clips.

Most American Legion Posts regularly conduct a dignified flag burning ceremony, often on Flag Day, June 14th. Many Cub Scout Packs, Boy Scout Troops, and Girl Scout Troops retire flags regularly as well. Contact your local American Legion Hall or Scout Troop to inquire about the availability of this service.

Don’t forget to fly your flag November 11 for Veterans Day in honor of all those who have given their time, energy and life to keep America safe and Freedom alive!

Constituent Corner

Serving our Missouri Veterans is one way in which we can demonstrate our appreciation for their service. If you are a veteran or know someone who is you may want to view the Missouri Benefits and Resource Guide book available on the Missouri Veterans Commission website. Locate the publication by clicking on the State Veterans Benefits Guide on the left-most portion of the webpage. This guide contains important, useful information such as education benefits, employment assistance, VA Health Care and much more. (The Missouri Veterans Commission is a division of the Missouri Department of Public Safety).

If you want a hard copy of the afore mentioned publication please call my assistant at 573-751-6662 by June 27 to order a copy.