Joanne Williams
Editor

(Joanne Williams/TCJ – Flag displays are more prominent in a 250th anniversary year, but not an unusual site in most neighborhoods. The U.S. Flag Code offers information about the proper handling and care of  Old Glory.)

She is grand, isn’t she? So, it seems fitting that she have a special day, at least the Continental Congress thought so in 1777.

The American flag has changed with the times, as has national recognition of Flag Day, June 14.

While not universally recognized as a national holiday, it has waxed and waned in popularity. The commemoration day resurged when educators started lobbying for more recognition of the day, in the late 1880s.

Others hopped on the bandwagon.

According to Mark Soroka for the National Flag Foundation, “It was when Secretary of the Interior Franklin K. Lane delivered a stirring Flag Day speech in 1914 that the nation began to recognize the significance of this event. ‘I am what you make me; nothing more,” said Lane. ‘I swing before your eyes as a bright gleam of color, a symbol of yourself.’”

In quick succession, Soroka writes, actions of Presidents Woodrow Wilson, Harry Truman and Donald Trump noted and expanded the celebration.

Of course, in 2026, as this nation celebrates its 250th anniversary, flags have been growing in sightings since January.

Captain’s Cabinetry in Charlotte, at 136 S. Cochran Road, has its front two windows dedicated to a patriotic display. Recently, at May 25 Memorial Day celebrations, the Charlotte Optimist Club decorated the historic Courthouse Square with their annual red, white and blue tribute by surrounding the square with American flags.

Recently, there was some question about the proper disposal of flags in Eaton Rapids. Flags were found in a large hole at Rosehill Cemetery. If the flags were buried in the hole, the proper disposal handling was followed.

That disposal information can be obtained through local VFWs, American Legions and Scouting America, which will also accept worn flags for proper disposal.

According to information from the U.S. Department of War, there are formal flag retirement ceremonies and ways to inspect flags for suitability.

Destroyed by burning is the usual form of flag retirement. People can also bury flags or recycle them with organizations such as Stars for Our Troops.

For flag display,  follow the U.S. Flag Code, which can be easily found online, and is prominently displayed on the American Legion page, legion.org.

The code gives information as to the time, place and manner of flag display, as well as how to display and handle, or not handle, a U.S. flag.

Brian Epkey, director of Catholic cemeteries for the Diocese of Lansing said most cemeteries have policies on what can decorate graves and for what period of time. 

For the cemeteries under his care, local service and patriotic groups perform any flag plantings and removal.