The Symbol of Freedom

"...That our Flag was still there."
We all know that the American flag is the piece of cloth that hangs from the tall poles in front of schools and banks and that is was first designed by Betsy Ross. What all Americans don't know are the meanings and significance of these beautiful pieces of history that some people send their sons and daughters to fight for. The American flag has 50 stars for the fifty states and 13 stripes for the original 13 colonies. The colors of the flag are "white", "old glory red", and "old glory blue."
     The older version of the flag that we are all familiar with is the circle flag with 13 stars that was in use from 1777-1795, but there are many designs because every time a new state entered the Union new star designs had to be made.There have been a total of 28 designs total although the government has designed flags with up to 56 stars to be used in the future if we every add any more states.
     The United States flag code is a list of guidelines basically because they are not enforced. It was decided that the enforcement of the Code would be a violation of the 1st amendment of Free speech. Part of the code that we are not familiar with, that are important, or miss understood by many are these(this is not a comprehensive list): The flag's union(the square with the stars) should always be facing up, unless in dire distress, or, if hanging on the wall, to the upper left.  The flag should never be used as clothing, drapery, handkerchiefs, bedding or anything that is intended to be discarded after temporary use. The flag pins are considered replicas and should be worn over the heart. The American Flag should never be draped over an form of vehicle, desk, or boat; it should always be on a staff attached tot he right side of what ever it is helping to be patriotic. When a flag is so tattered that it can no longer serve as a symbol of the United States, it should be destroyed in a dignified manner, preferably by burning. The American Legion, Boy Scouts of America, Girl Scouts of the USA and other organizations regularly conduct dignified flag-burning ceremonies, often on Flag Day, June 14. (This a solemn affair and very ceremonial, the flag is cut, stripe by stripe and symbolism given to each as they are burned separately and then the union is burned. I attend one in Girl Scouts at Camp Marydale here in Louisiana) The flag should never touch anything beneath it but, despite popular belief is does not have to burned if it touches the ground unless it is falling to the ground in defeat. The flag should simply be adjusted and cleaned if necessary to not touch it again. When the flag is flown with states of society flags, the American Flag should be flown to its own right and the other flags may not be larger; the American flag should also be the first raised and the last lowered. When flown with flags from other countries they should all be raised and lowered together. It should be raised quickly and lowered slowly. The flag should only be flown in the daylight except when illuminated.
The American flag is flown at half-mast on Memorial Day, Patriot Day(9-11), for 30 days after the death of a current or former President or when directed by the President or Governor(only in his state). When flown at half-mast, the flag should be hoisted all the way up of a moment then lowered to half-mast, and when being taken down hoisted, again, tot he top and then lowered completely.
   When draped over a casket, the union should be to the honored person's left shoulder(the heart id on the left side so that would be the significance) The family of the deceased would be presented the flag by the dead relative's commanding officer after it is folded properly and just before the lowering of the casket.The flag is kept in the family and past down from generation to generation through the family. My brother, the history buff, has my great-grandfather's from (World War II).
    The American flag is a symbol of our nations freedom,  and liberty and a reminder of those that have given their lives in order that we may live the lives we do. Always show it, and the people who have sacrificed their lives, time or family members for this country, the utmost respect, because that is what they have earned.