More Than Red, White, and Blue: Things You May Not Know About the American Flag
Guest Member Blogger: North Branch American Legion and North Branch Beautification Association
Every June 14, we celebrate Flag Day, marking the adoption of the United States flag in 1777. While many of us proudly display flags at our homes, businesses, schools, and community spaces, there are interesting traditions and meanings behind the flag that many people may not know.
Did you know?
❤️ The stars and stripes have meaning.
The 50 stars represent our 50 states, while the 13 stripes honor the original colonies that formed the nation.
🤍 There are guidelines for displaying the flag.
The American flag should traditionally be displayed from sunrise to sunset unless it is properly illuminated at night. When displayed with other flags, it is generally placed in a position of prominence.
💙 A worn flag shouldn’t simply be thrown away.
Flags that are faded, torn, or damaged are traditionally retired in a respectful manner. Many veteran organizations and community groups offer flag retirement services throughout the year.
❤️🤍💙 The flag often becomes part of our biggest moments.
Graduations, military ceremonies, parades, memorial services, and community events often include the American flag because it serves as a shared symbol that connects generations.
Beyond the fabric itself, the flag represents stories: service, sacrifice, perseverance, freedom, and community. Every town has those stories woven into its history through veterans, military families, and residents who gave of themselves in ways both large and small.
Regional Veterans Memorial Update
We’re officially in Stage 2 of the memorial project. This is a large, meaningful build, and it took time to raise the funds needed so we could responsibly move forward.
Shortly ago, we began requesting contracting bids, and we’ve already received some very generous ones. Right now, we’re working through those details and beginning to draft contracts.
Once that phase is finalized, we’ll move into Stage 3, the building phase, which we hope will begin in late 2026.
If you would like to support the project or learn more, visit: Regional Veterans Memorial “Circle of Honor” | North Branch Beautification Association
We are helping to preserve the stories and sacrifices that shaped our community, one brick, one name, and one memory at a time.