The question is simple, and the answer can be long. Why do we honor the American flag for so many occasions? We’ll try to keep this as brief and digestible as possible for you.
The American flag has been used as a symbol to represent our national pride, rebellion, and everything else in between. It is a long-standing symbol, and it means different things to different people.
For many, the American flag represents freedom, hope, individualism, and perseverance. The flag is used to honor different holidays and occasions. It’s used to remember those we have lost and honor those who serve our country. The American flag deserves our respect and honor. That’s why we honor it so frequently.
Occasions When We Honor The American Flag
There are many times when we look to the flag for remembrance and unity. These times include but are not limited to the following:
- Memorial Day
- Independence Day (aka The Fourth of July)
- Veterans Day
- Flag Day
- Election Day
- Constitution Day
- Singing The National Anthem
Memorial Day
Memorial Day takes place on the last Monday of May. This year, Memorial Day will take place on Monday, May 31st. The holiday is meant to honor American citizens who died while serving our country in the U.S Military.
Serving in the United States Military ranges from serving in the Army, the Marine Corps, the Navy, the Air Force, the Space Force, the Coast Guard, and the National Guard.
- The Army: The longest-standing service within the U.S Military. It’s also the largest organization within the military.
- The Marine Corps: It’s a facet of the Navy. It produces troops trained in land and sea combat operations.
- The Navy: It’s a major force in discouraging worldwide national threats. Members of the Navy are experts in above and below sea operations.
- The Air Force: It can deliver troops anywhere in the world in a mere matter of hours. They are rapid, flexible, and lethal when it comes to air capability.
- The Space Force: It is there to protect and serve in space operations. It also serves as a means of gaining valuable knowledge through space exploration.
- The U.S Coast Guard: Maritime security, search and rescue, and law enforcement sector of the US Armed Forces.
Memorial Day was originally called Decoration Day. This stems from the early tradition of decorating the graves of those who served with flowers, wreaths, and flags. Memorial Day was first widely observed on May 30th, 1868, as a result of the immense loss from The Civil War. On this day in 1868, nearly 5,000 people helped decorate the graves of 20,000 Union and Confederate soldiers.
People have lived and died by the American flag and continue to do so. That’s why it is incredibly important to respect and honor our stars and stripes.
Independence Day
Independence Day is also known as The Fourth of July. As many of us know, the holiday serves as a commemoration of when American declared its independence on July 4th, 1776.
Thomas Jefferson is often referred to as the “author” of The Declaration of Independence. He may be the most well-known writer, but he certainly wasn’t the only one. Jefferson was on a committee of five writers, which was appointed by the Continental Congress to write the Declaration. The other four writers were Benjamin Franklin, John Admas, Robert Livingston, and Roger Sherman.
The Fourth of July is arguably the most significant national holiday in the U.S. The day celebrates America’s freedom from the British Empire. This monumental day is commemorated in order to remember that America stands for freedom, hope, and triumph in the face of adversity.
The American flag acts as a symbol for those virtues. We honor the flag on Independence Day in order to pay tribute to the hardship it took to obtain freedom in America.
Veterans Day
Veterans Day and Memorial Day have similar purposes, but they are not the same by any means. In contrast to Memorial Day, Veterans Day honors all veterans of the past, present, and future. It is meant to remember those veterans who have died serving our country as well as honor those who currently serve and those who will serve in the days and years to come.
Veterans Days takes place on November 11th. The reason Veterans Day is honored on this day is because World War One ended on November 11th, 1918.
Flag Day
Flag Day occurs every year on June 14th. It is meant to honor the American flag and when the first American flag design was officially adopted by the U.S.
Woodrow Wilson declared June 14th as the official date for Flag Day in 1916. In 1949 the U.S Congress permanently made the date National Flag Day. It’s not considered an official federal Holiday, though Pennsylvania acknowledges it as a state holiday.
Every year, the President of the United States delivers an address that declares the week of June 14th as National Flag Week. Americans are encouraged to fly U.S flags as much as possible during that week.
Election Day
Election Day serves as a great time to honor and fly the American flag. November 2nd is notoriously known as the date when general elections in this country take place.
This is a time that illustrates the freedom to vote in this country. America is founded upon democracy. People honor the American flag on Election Day because it pays tribute to the important foundation of our country. What is America without democracy?
Constitution Day
Constitution Day is a federal holiday. It is a holiday that appreciates the adoption of the U.S Constitution. It is observed on September 17th. On September 17th, 1787, the delegate of the Constitutional Convention signed the document in Philadelphia, PA.
Singing The National Anthem
Chances are, if you’re an American, you probably know the National Anthem by heart. If you’ve ever been to a professional sports game, it is customary to stand and sing the anthem face the American flag with your hand over your heart.
Where did this tradition of singing the national anthem before a sporting event come from? The song is about a battle in the war of 1812. It was first documented being played before a baseball game in 1862 during the Civil War. This tradition became very popular after the 1918 World Series that took place during World War One.
The Star-Spangled Banner is a tribute to everything America represents. Some argue that Yankee-Doodle Dandy would have been a better choice for the National Anthem due to its lyrics. The Star-Spangled Banner proved to be a better piece of music in general. It earned the official National Anthem title in 1931 by the U.S Congress.
Where To Find A Quality American Flag?
Now that you are aware of how often and why we honor the American flag so frequently in America, you may be wondering where you can buy your own high-quality American flag to show your pride. Allegiance Flag Supply should be your first and last stop for all of your American flag needs.
Allegiance Flag Supply offers a wide array of quality American flags. Our company is founded on quality means of production, and our products are 100% made in America and sewn with high-end materials by American seamstresses. You can trust that Allegiance flags are durable and made to last.
Honor the American flag the right way with Allegiance flags. There are so many occasions to celebrate our country. Make sure you are prepared for those times with Allegiance American flags.
Takeaway
The reason why Americans honor the flag so often is that there is a lot of history that goes along with America. There are also many reasons to be proud of America and be proud of your citizenship.
If you are looking for a quality flag to represent our magnificent country, shop at Allegiance Flag Supply. You won’t be disappointed.
The American flag is a symbol of our country’s impressive history. Many holidays that honor the flag are a tribute to that history. We frequently honor our troops in the U.S Military because such sacrifice and bravery deserve respect and commemoration.
The American flag is more than just a flag. It is a symbol of hope and prosperity, and it is honored as such.
Sources:
History of Independence Day | A Capitol Fourth | PBS
The Origins of Flag Day | va.gov