Illinois Valley Times

In a June 14 Facebook post, Illinois state Sen. Andrew Chesney (R-Freeport) shared the appropriate way to retire a flag.

"This #FlagDay I wanted to pass along some helpful information on how to properly retire an American Flag," he said in the post. "The flag is so much more than just a flag, its a representation of our country, freedom, and patriotism. Happy Flag Day!"

Flag Day, which is observed on June 14, is a significant occasion in the United States dedicated to honoring the country's flag, according to a History report. The U.S. flag possesses a rich and eventful history. During the early stages of the American Revolution, various flags were used by individuals in their fight. But in 1775, the Continental Congress designed the Continental Colors, featuring 13 alternating red and white stripes and a Union Jack in the corner. Subsequently, in 1777, the Second Continental Congress determined that the flag should comprise 13 stripes and 13 stars on a blue background.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has provided insights into the history of the U.S. Flag, acknowledging different accounts of the first Flag Day celebration. One such account mentions a commemoration held in Hartford, Conn., in 1861. Another claim attributes the establishment of June 14 as a legal holiday to a celebration in Philadelphia in May 1937. Additionally, it is widely recognized that professor George Bolch organized patriotic ceremonies in New York in June 1889, leading the state's Department of Education to declare Flag Day as a day of observance in all public schools.

Military.com offers several guidelines on flag etiquette, outlining both recommended actions and things to avoid. Recommended actions include ensuring that the U.S. flag is positioned highest when other flags are present on a pole and placing the flag to the observer's left when multiple flags are arranged in a row. When displaying the flag in a window, it is advised that the blue field be positioned to the observer's left when viewed from the street. If the flag is displayed on a car, it should be affixed to the chassis or right fender.

Conversely, actions to avoid include refraining from dipping the flag for any individual, preventing it from touching the ground, flying it upside down, marking it in any manner, and keeping the flag clean, even during storage.