FLAG DAY - About our Flag

Of all flags, the most common type is our national flag.

Here are interesting flag facts:

- A flag expert is called a vexillologist. (Easy if you watched Sheldon and Amy on the Big Bang Theory)

- The current US Flag was designed by 17 year old Robert G. Heft for a school project. He originally go a B- on the project until President Dwight D. Eisenhower chose his design. The grade was raised to an A at that point. (I would hope so.)

- Only one country's flag is not rectangular or square - I'll let you think and provide the answer below.

- Only 3 nations have flags containing the color purple. Oh? You want to guess these also? OK answers for these below as well.

- The oldest flag still in use belongs to Denmark. It was introduced in 1219and adopted as the national flag in 1625.

- The country with the most colors in their flag (12) is Belize.

- When the Philippines is at peace the blue stripe on their bicolor flag flies at the top, but when they are at war, the red stripe faces up.

- The Welsh flag has a large red dragon on it that personifies the fearlessness of their nation.

- The country with two stacked triangles and features a sun and moon is the Himalayan country of Nepal.

- The 3 countries with Purple in their flag are: Dominica, El Salvador, and Nicaragua.

A few things to remember about the US Flag are that if hung at night it should have a light shining on it. It should not be disrespected by touching the ground or being burned.

That said the way to dispose of a flag properly if for them to be burned using this process:
Build a medium-sized fire in a safe, approved location. The fire will need to have reached a proper size and level of heat so it will fully burn the flag without leaving any remnants of the flag intact.
If the flag is currently flying, respectfully lower the flag and remove it from the pole. Fold the flag in the traditional triangle fold.
Place the folded flag on top of the fire, being careful to not injure yourself. Watch the flag to make sure it is fully incinerated
While the flag is in the process of being burned, observe the flag with respect and reverence.
While the flag is being incinerated, recite the Pledge of Allegiance.
Once the process of burning the flag is complete and no part of the flag remains, safely put the fire out completely.

You can also dispose of one of your old flags by taking them to a VFW or other facility that handles them and they will dispose of them properly.

Fly you flag!