Q: What is Flag Day?
A: Flag Day celebrates the anniversary of the adoption of the American flag by the Continental Congress on June 14th, 1777. Flag Day is still celebrated on June 14th, but it wasn't officially recognized as a federal holiday until 1949, when Congress approved it, and President Harry Truman signed it into law. Flag Day provides us all with a great opportunity to rally around those ideals that unite us as Americans. The national symbols of many countries speak to common ethnic bonds that define their nation, but the United States is unique in that it was created out of ideas, like individual liberty and equal justice under the law. Some countries have a monarch that is the focus of patriotic sentiment, but the United States was founded on the principle that governments derive their just powers from the consent of the governed. Therefore, we look to the flag to embody those principles that define what it means to be an American. The Stars and Stripes is more than a piece of cloth. It represents the Constitution of the United States. It represents liberty and unalienable rights, endowed by our Creator. In short, it represents everything that binds Americans together as a country. Countless Americans have fought and died for that flag and the values for which it stands. Because of their noble efforts, America continues to raise our flag high over the land of the free and the home of the brave.
Q: What is the Federal Flag Code ?
A: The Federal Flag Code outlines the proper etiquette to follow when handling and displaying the American flag. The general rule of thumb asserted by the Federal Flag Code is that "no disrespect should be shown to the flag of the United States of America." The Federal Flag Code includes rules such as the proper times to fly a flag, how to properly display and fold a flag, and much more. The Federal Flag Code outlines those rules and procedures along with many others and can be viewed at http://www.senate.gov.
Q: Where can I order an American flag that's flown over the U.S. Capitol?
A: Visit http://grassley.senate.gov and click on Flag Requests under the Info for Iowans tab. Both nylon and cotton flags are available in two sizes, 3 x 5 and 5 x 8. Prices, which include the shipping and flying fees, range from $17.05 to $28.05. If the flag should be flown on a certain date, please mail the order form and payment at least six weeks prior to the date to accommodate security related delays in mail delivery to the U.S. Capitol complex. Call my office at 202-224-3744, and my staff will be glad to help. Local American Legion posts and Boy Scout troops are often able to help properly retire older flags that are no longer serviceable to fly.