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Flag Day falls on Monday, June 14, 2027. That is 230 days away.

The flag of the United States has thirteen horizontal stripes of red and white and a blue field holding fifty white stars. The stripes stand for the original thirteen colonies. The stars stand for the fifty states. Flag Day sets aside time to recognize that flag and what it represents to the people who live under it.

Much of the day is quiet. Flags appear on porches, storefronts and public buildings, and some communities hold short ceremonies with a reading, a color guard or the Pledge of Allegiance. Some towns fold the occasion into military ceremonies held the same day.

The flag comes with long-standing customs for respectful handling. It is usually flown from sunrise to sunset, and it may stay up overnight if it is properly lit. It should not touch the ground. When flown with other flags on the same staff, it goes at the top. When displayed flat against a wall, the blue field goes to the upper left as you face it.

Flags wear out in sun and wind. When one becomes faded or torn beyond repair, the custom is to retire it with dignity, often by burning it in a respectful ceremony. Many veterans' organizations and scout troops collect worn flags for this purpose, so an old flag tucked in a closet can be handed off to people who will retire it properly.

Ways to honor this day

• Display a flag at home, following the customs for its placement.
• Attend a local Flag Day ceremony in your community.
• Bring a worn flag to a veterans' post or scout troop for retirement.
• Write a note of thanks to a veteran or service member you know.
• Read about the meaning of the flag's stars and stripes.

Dates

All national days on June 14

Categories: Commemorative daysHistory days