Rockford Sun

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

June 14 is known as Flag Day, to honor the U.S. flag, which also has quite the storied history. At the start of the American Revolution there were many flags that individuals fought under, but it wasn’t until 1775, when the Continental Congress created the Continental Colors – a flag of 13 red and white strips and a Union Jack in the corner. In 1777, the Second Continental Congress decided the flag would contain 13 stripes, with 13 stars on a blue background, according to the History Channel.

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

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs shared information on the history of the U.S. Flag, and noted that there are a variety of claims regarding the first celebration of Flag Day. First, from a Hartford, Conn., celebration in 1861; one from Philadelphia in May 1937 that the state first established June 14 as a legal holiday. Another commonly recognized claim is from New York, when in June 1889, Professor George Bolch held patriotic ceremonies to observe Flag Day, and the state’s Department of Education decided the day would be observed in all public schools.

Military.com shares a few etiquette “do’s” and “don’ts” when it comes to displaying the United States flag. Make sure the flag is highest if others are on a pole with the U.S. flag. Make sure the flag is to the observer’s left when there are flags set up in a row. When displaying a flag in a window, make sure the blue field is to the observer’s left from the street; If displayed on a car, military.com says it should be attached to the chassis or right fender. 

Do not dip the flag for any person. Don’t let it touch the ground; don’t fly the flag upside down; don’t mark the flag in any way; don’t let the flag get dirty, even in storage.