Rippling Flags

US and Wisconsin flags, photographed from Capitol Observation Deck in Madison.

Today is Flag Day in the United States.

It was on this date in 1777 that the government officially adopted the Stars and Stripes as our national flag. Observance of the occasion had its beginnings in 1885, when a school teacher in Fredonia, Wisconsin had the idea to commemorate the official adoption of The Stars and Stripes as "Flag Birthday." On May 30, 1916, President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation declaring June 14 as "Flag Day," but it wasn't until years later in 1949 that President Harry S. Truman signed an Act of Congress officially designating the day as "National Flag Day."

Proper etiquette for displaying and handling the flag:

* The flag is always hoisted briskly and lowered ceremoniously.

* The flag is never allowed to touch the floor or the ground.

* The flag should never be drawn back or held in folds, but always allowed to fall freely.

* The flag should not be used as drapery, ceiling decoration or a bed spread.

* The flag is never flown in inclement weather, except when using an all-weather flag.

* If flown at night, the flag should be properly illuminated.

* When displayed from a car, the flag should be firmly clamped to the vehicle, ideally on the right side.

* Flag lapel pins should be worn on the left lapel near the heart.

* When no longer fit for display, the flag should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning. Local VFW, American Legion and Boy Scout troops hold special flag disposal ceremonies throughout the year for destroying tattered or worn-out flags.