No Place Like Home -- Karen Wight

Fourth of July is Thursday. Considering the events of the past year, a

patriotic display is mandatory. I say hang those flags high or hang those

flags low, but hang those flags.

In keeping with that theme, I’m going to share a little history with

you. You, in turn, might want to share it with the kids. There’s meaning

behind the symbol, and this week is a great time to appreciate our rich

history.

The colors and pattern of the American flag were chosen purposefully.

In 1777, the Marine Committee of the Second Continental Congress decided

that “the flag of the United States be 13 stripes, alternate red and

white” and that “the Union be 13 stars, white in a blue field

representing a new constellation.”

Red was chosen for hardiness and courage. White represents purity and

innocence. Blue stands for vigilance, perseverance and justice.

The stripes represent the 13 original colonies. As states were added

to the Union, or canton in flag-speak, stars were added to the field of

blue. The configuration of the stars has evolved from circles to stars to

rows.

During the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln stood firm that the

American flag not be altered in any way even though there was

considerable pressure from the southern states to remove their stars from

the union of the flag.

In 1912, the contiguous 48 states were represented on the flag. The

49th star was added for Alaska in 1959 and, in 1960, Hawaii, the 50th

state, was included on our national symbol.

Some basic flag etiquette includes the following:

* The flag should never touch the ground.

* The flag should be hoisted briskly and lowered ceremoniously.

* The flag may be flown at night if it is illuminated; otherwise, it

should be lowered at sunset.

* To fly the flag at half-staff, the flag should be hoisted to the top

then lowered to the appropriate position.

* A frayed flag should be destroyed in some dignified way: preferably

by burning under the appropriate conditions.

* In a parade, when a national flag is carried with other flags, it

should be on the marching right.

* In a corridor or lobby, hang the flag vertically opposite the main

entrance with its union (or canton) to the left of a person coming in the

door.

* Beside a speaker, the flag should be in the position of honor on the

person’s right.

* In a window, hang the flag vertically with its union (canton) to the

left of a person who is seeing it from the outside of the building.

* A national flag should be appropriately folded before storing. The

flag should be folded twice lengthwise to form a long strip. Then,

starting at he striped end, it should be given a series of triangular

folds to form a tight triangle.

* A flag permanently attached to a pole should be furled (wrapped

around the staff) before storing.

On your list of “Things To Do Today” add: get out flags, hang

appropriately and say “thank you” for the freedoms we cherish.

* KAREN WIGHT is a Newport Beach resident. Her column runs Sundays.