There are plenty of reasons why North Carolina calls itself the “most military friendly state” in the nation. This is the home of more than 775,000 vets and nearly 120,000 service members who are stationed here. We also proudly count about 25,000 members of the N.C. National Guard and Reserve Forces.
That means we also should be the most “flag friendly” when President Obama issues the annual June 14 Flag Day proclamation to display the flag of the United States on all government buildings, and to urge all citizens to display it on their homes and businesses.
President Wilson called for the first Flag Day ceremony on June 14, 1916, to memorialize day in 1777 when the Continental Congress triumphantly replaced the British flag with the Stars and Stripes. It did not become an official, annual observance until President Truman signed legislation in 1949.
As we all recall from grade school, the original United States flag – likely made by Philadelphia seamstress Betsy Ross – featured 13 white stars in a circle on a field of blue and 13 red and white stripes, one for each state. Our state flag was adopted by the North Carolina Convention on June 22, 1861, and revised after the end of the Civil War. It, too, may be flown in tribute on Flag Day.
These great symbols of our nation’s patriotism should be treated with respect. If you have questions regarding proper care and display, there are numerous helpful guides available online.