My wishes for a happy Labor Day celebration! This table was designed by Clary Bosbyshell Welsh and was posted on my Instagram.
The U.S. flag is the living symbol of our country. Labor Day is another reason to fly your flag properly and respectfully.
Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a national holiday to honor the dedication and achievements of American workers, and the strength they've contributed to our country. It originally began in 1882 in New York City to celebrate labor unions and their contributions to the country. Today, it is more about celebrating the end of summer with flags, family, picnics and parades!
The traditional U.S. flag fabric is made of cotton, which drapes well, but is quite heavy, so it is used mainly for inside decorative purposes. Nylon flags are used more often outdoors because of the durability of the fabric and its resistance to fading. Because nylon is lightweight, it can fly befittingly in the wind too!
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Do you know these additional flag facts?
Hildene was the summer house of Robert and Mary Lincoln (Robert was President Abraham Lincoln's only child) in Manchester, Vermont. If you have the opportunity to visit during the summer, as I photographed here, the gardens overlooking the mountain ridges surrounding are spectacular. You’ll also learn about the flag pole, which has a most unique story! The copper finial was missing at the top of the pole when a dignitary was coming to visit. So, in haste, a replacement ball float, used for a toilet, was painted gold and was used to adorn the top of the pole. This is ingenuity at its best, while adhering to flag pole protocol!
No other flag should ever be hung above a U.S. flag, only underneath it. If two flags (an additional state flag, for example) are being hung on the same pole, the U.S. flag is always on the top. The Union, the blue and white stars portion, is always closest to the pole.
When the U.S. flag is displayed on a pole and on a stage, it is placed to the speakers right, or the audience’s left. Other flags, such as a state flag, are placed on the other side of the stage, to the speaker’s left.
An outdoor flag should be lit after dark... but this rule has become rather relaxed for residential use. Our flood light goes out after midnight!
A flag should never touch the ground. That is why ceremoniously, two people fold the flag when it is lowered.
The U.S. flag should not be flown dirty, faded, torn or frayed. From my experience, I have found that our flag at Fox Hall needs to be replaced every two years so that it remains colorful and at its best!
The U.S. flag should be disposed of by burning, along with offering a salute, reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, and with a moment of reflection.
Happy Labor Day and God bless America!