Monday, June 13, 2011

Flag Day is Tuesday, June 14



Tomorrow is Flag Day.

For more than 200 years, the American flag has been the symbol of our nation's strength and unity. It's been a source of pride and inspiration for millions of citizens. And the American flag has been a prominent icon in our national history.


Today the flag consists of 13 horizontal stripes, seven red alternating with six white. The stripes represent the original 13 colonies; the stars represent the 50 states of the Union. The colors of the flag are symbolic as well: Red symbolizes Hardiness and Valor, White symbolizes Purity and Innocence, and Blue represents Vigilance, Perseverance, and Justice.

Flag Day is one of six days each year that all postal facilities are required to fly the POW-MIA flag. The flag and its display at postal installations honors the sacrifices made by members of the U.S. Armed Forces held as Prisoners Of War or listed as Missing In Action. The POW-MIA flag must fly below the U.S. flag. For additional information, refer to Sections 472–476 of the Administrative Support Manual.

No comments: