Flags to fly on Tuesday

By Melinda L. Lucas

Local businesses and residents are encouraged to join with patriots across the United States next Tuesday, June 14 in the annual cele­bration of Flag Day.

Individuals and business owners who have their own flags are asked to put them up for the day, except in case of inclement weather.

Typically, flags are put out by volunteers on holidays, but it is usually limited to the downtown block.

Flag Day was first observed across the nation in 1877, the 100th anniversary of the adoption of the national symbol.

President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed June 14 as Flag Day in 1916, naming that date because it is “the anniversary of the day upon which the flag of the United States was adopted by the Congress as the emblem of the Union,” according to President Wilson.

The annual event became official in 1949 by an Act of Congress signed into law by President Truman.

There have been 27 official versions of the flag over time, with stars added to the blue field when states joined the Union.

The last change was made in 1960, when Hawaii became the 50th state.