VETERANS PRESS: Test your pledge of allegiance

As I walk my dog around the neighborhood, I notice several flagpoles flying Old Glory. When the wind picks up, I can hear the crisp sharp snap of the flag, almost calling me to come to attention. The flag is undeniable. The colors alone instantly command a certain amount of respect. Those huge flags that fly along the freeway as you drive to Spokane? It's a breathtaking sight. I always feel a comfort when I watch those stars and stripes flow freely; feeling proud that the flag is in good condition. Then I wonder … how much can that flag cost? Well, I will tell you. The flag that flies in one location is 66,000 square feet. That's 50-by-80 feet. And from the Flag Store USA you can purchase such a flag for $13,818.00. How's that for trivia? Want to test your knowledge — and have some fun with your friends — with other fun flag facts? Here ya go …

1. WHEN WAS THE 50th STAR ADDED TO THE FLAG? The 50-star flag of the United States was raised for the first time officially at 12:01 a.m. on July 4, 1960, at Fort McHenry National Monument in Baltimore, Md. The 50th star had been added for Hawaii; a year earlier the 49th for Alaska.  Before that, no star had been added since 1912, when New Mexico and Arizona were admitted to the Union. 

2. WHAT IS THE PROCESS FOR FLYING THE AMERICAN FLAG AT HALF-STAFF? The flag is flown at half-staff by the order of the President of the United States or a state governor. When the flag is flown at half-staff, it should be first raised to the peak of the pole for an instant before being lowered. Flying a black streamer with the flag is appropriate when the flag cannot physically be lowered, such as on a standard house flag holder. 

3. HOW DO YOU "RETIRE" A TORN FLAG?  Proper disposal of American flags is outlined in the United States Flag Code. In Title 4, Section 8k, it states, "The flag, when it is in such a condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem of display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning." Veterans' organizations like the American Legion or Veterans of Foreign Wars will often do this for you. See Sidebar. 

4. HOW MANY U.S. FLAGS ARE ON THE MOON? Six. On July 21, 1969, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin marked the success of their Apollo 11 mission by planting a pole seven inches deep into the lunar surface before raising up and saluting a U.S. nylon flag. Astronauts from Apollo 12, 14, 15, 16 and 17 also planted flags.

5. CAN ANY COFFIN BE WRAPPED IN A FLAG? Any patriotic person can have a flag drape the coffin. Only those who served in the military are provided with the flag for free. It would be recommended during the service to explain an expression of the deceased's patriotism and love of country.

Go to www.usflagcode.net for more information.

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SIDEBAR: Rathdrum American Legion Post No. 154 will hold a flag retirement ceremony on Flag Day, Saturday, June 14 at 10 a.m. at the Rathdrum Lions Club. Bring your worn, torn flags for proper disposal. New flags can be purchased on site.