Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About Cottage Grove sentinel. (Cottage Grove, Or.) 1909-current | View Entire Issue (June 14, 2017)
A Time Line of the Flag I t was 1777 when the Continental Congress resolved that the fl ag of United States contain 13 stripes, alter- nate red and white; that the union be 13 stars, white in a blue fi eld, “representing a new constellation.” According to usfl ag.org, the different colors of the fl ag all hold specifi c meanings. • White: Signifi es purity and innocence. • Red: Represents hardiness and valor. • Blue: The color of the Chief, signifi es vigilance, per- severance and justice. Since the fl ag’s inception, the fl ag has seen many stars added to its union, as the United States acquired new territories. The following time line, provided by ush- istory.org, showcases the times when new stars were added and which states they represented. 1777: The fi rst nationally approved fl ag represented Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Georgia, Con- necticut, Massachusetts, Maryland, South Carolina, New Hampshire, Virginia, New York, North Carolina and Rhode Island. 1795: Two stars and two stripes were added to a new version of the fl ag to represent Vermont and Kentucky. This was the only version of the fl ag to contain more than 13 stripes, with 15. 1818: The end of the Notable Journeys 15-strip fl ag, this version added fi ve more stars and 1945: The same fl ag fl own over Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, returned to 13 stripes, to 1941 was fl own over the White House in August when the represent the 13 original Japanese accepted surrender terms. colonies. The states added 1963: The fl ag was placed on top of Mount Everest by to the union were Tennes- Barry Bishop. see, Ohio, Louisiana, Indi- 1969: Neil Armstrong placed the American fl ag on the ana and Mississippi. moon. 1819-1877: For decades, 2001: : The fl ag from the World Trade towers survives and 2001 states earned their own becomes a symbol of sacrifi ce in service, loss and deter- place in our fl ag’s union mination. sporadically. These states are Illinois, Alabama, Maine, Missouri, Arkansas, Michigan, Florida, Texas, Iowa, Wisconsin, Califor- nia, Minnesota, Oregon, fl ags still exist. If so, they would make a great collec- Kansas, West Virginia, Nevada, Nebraska and Colora- tor’s item. do. 1890-1960: Another era during which stars were added 1889: Improper planning by fl ag manufacturers caused to the union over a long period of time. These states are this version to forgo an offi cial debut. Manufacturers North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Washington, believed the two Dakotas would be admitted as one Idaho, Wyoming, Utah, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Alas- state, so the fl ag lacked one star. It is said that these ka and fi nally Hawaii. Indoor Flags Whether you are planning to display a fl ag in your home, business or a public place, there is a protocol to follow. When on display, the fl ag is to be accorded a place of honor. This means always positioning it properly. You have surely seen American fl ags dis- played around your neighborhood and during television press conferences. But did you know that the position it is displayed in is due to regulations within the U.S. Flag Code? The amount of the thought that goes into properly displaying a fl ag might surprise you. played from a staff, it is to be fl at against a wall. While it may lay vertically or horizon- tally, the fl ag’s union should be at the top, to the fl ag’s right and to the observer’s left. • From a staff: When displayed on a podi- um, the fl ag should be in advance of the audience and in the position of honor at the speaker’s right as he or she faces the audience. Displaying with a Speaker When the fl ag is featured on a speaker’s plat- form, there are two acceptable positions. • Flat display: If the fl ag is not being dis- Displaying with Other Flags The fl ag of the United States of America should be at the center and at the highest point of the group when multiple fl ags of states, localities or societies are grouped for display. If the American fl ag is dis- played with one other fl ag, the staffs are to be crossed. The United States fl ag is always positioned to its right, with its staff crossed in front of the other fl ag. Displaying in a Window If an American fl ag is to be displayed in a window, remember that it is on display to those outside. That means its union should be positioned to its right when being viewed from the street or sidewalk. These regulations ensure that our fl ag is always being displayed with the respect and honor it deserves. When viewing fl ags around your neighborhood, make note of whether they are being exhibited properly. If you notice any imperfections with the presentation of the fl ag, the one responsible may not be familiar with the code. It might be worth noting the issue if you are familiar with the owner. Choosing an American Flag B efore honorably destroying your tattered fl ag, you should have a new one readily available. When choosing a new American fl ag, you have different options in materials, size and the quality of construction. Regardless of which style you choose, be sure to buy an American-made fl ag. This allows you to support the U.S. economy and buy a far superior product. Here are some of the materials used to produce American fl ags: • Nylon: This is a popular choice in American fl ags being displayed indoors and outdoors. It is light and durable, re- sists outside elements and dries quickly. Because its lightweight, it fl ies effi cient- ly in slight breezes and shines bright in the sunlight. • Tough-Tex Polyester: If you live in extreme weather conditions or areas with high wind threats, this is great choice. It is considerably heavier than nylon and contains a special weave that has the look and feel of cotton. It is a long-last- ing option. • Cotton: Cotton is the traditional fl ag fabric. It is designed to withstand out- door use but may require extra care to maintain the integrity of its materials. How Long Should a Flag Last? The lifespan of the fl ag you choose will greatly depend on its exposure to the el- ements. Bringing a fl ag that lacks weath- er resistance indoors during rain or high wind can increase its longevity. Keep in mind that long exposure to sun also will cause your fl ag to fade prematurely. Choosing a Size The proper size for your display depends on the size of fl agpole you will use to hoist it. The following guide will show you what size fl ag will work best for your situation. A traditional home kit features a fl ag of 3 feet by 5 feet. A proper fl agpole on which to display this size fl ag is 20 feet. A taller fl agpole requires a larger fl ag size to look spectacular. A 25-foot fl agpole should feature a 4-foot-by-6- footfl ag, while a 30-foot pole looks its best with a 5-foot-by-8-foot fl ag. You may see fl ags as large as 30 feet by 60 feet. These are suitable for poles over 200 feet tall. 2795 Mosby Creek Rd 541-942-0168 www.starfirelumber.com Cottage Grove Owned & Operated Ingallinero Brothers 541-942-7377 118 Gateway Blvd (in the Bi-Mart Shopping Center) Cottage Grove Mon-Fri: 9:00 am - 7:00 pm Sat: 9:00 am - 6:00 pm • Sun: 11:00 am - 4:00 pm Stop in and check out our latest deals on Appliances and Lawn & Garden!
