Rep. Haines Sponsors Successful Flag Drive
EAST HAMPTON – State Representative Irene Haines (R-34) sponsored a worn, tattered, torn, or otherwise unserviceable American Flag collection between May 23rd and June 10th. Collection boxes were placed at the East Hampton and East Haddam Town Halls for residents to drop off their flags.
“The American Flag holds special value as a symbol of the patriotism, courage and sacrifice by generations of Americans to preserve the values we hold dear,” said Rep. Haines. “I want to thank everyone who participated in this year’s flag drive ensuring their well-loved flags received a fitting and proper retirement.”
According to United States Code, Title 4, Chapter 1, Section 8, “The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.”
Flag Day was officially established by the Proclamation of President Woodrow Wilson on May 30, 1916. The date was set for the anniversary of the 1777 Flag Resolution passed by the Second Continental Congress on June 14th which, “Resolved: that the flag of the United States be made of thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new Constellation.”
While Flag Day was celebrated in various communities for years after Wilson’s proclamation, it was not until August 3rd, 1949, that President Truman signed an Act of Congress designating June 14 of each year as National Flag Day.