Senator Farley Salutes Flag Day

State Senator Hugh T. Farley (R,C - Schenectady) reminds constituents
that Thursday, June 14th, is Flag Day.

"Our forefathers stood up for freedom and liberty, creating the
United States of America," Senator Farley said. "The flag represents this
struggle for independence. Also, any time our military has fought on
foreign soil, Americans have displayed the flag as an important way for
those of us at home to express our support and prayers for the courageous
young men and women serving our country. Our American flag has long
exemplified the spirit of those who lost their lives in battle, as well as
those who fought valiantly and survived."

"The United States didn't have an official standardized flag until
1912. Known as Old Glory, the flag has 13 stripes to remind us of the 13
colonies that gained us freedom. The 50 white stars on a blue field stand
for the states," Senator Farley said.

Senator Farley briefly recalled the history behind the holiday. On
June 14, 1777, the Continental Congress resolved that the United States
should have a national flag instead of using the British Union Jack. There
were some public ceremonies honoring the flag, but it wasn't until 1877
that the national flag was honored by the requirement that it be flown at
government buildings. In 1890, North Dakota and New Jersey became the first
states to require their schools to fly the flag daily. The first official
Flag Day was observed in Philadelphia in 1893 and New York followed suit by
proclaiming June 14th as Flag Day in 1897. In August 1949, President Harry
S. Truman signed an Act of Congress declaring June 14th as Flag Day.

Senator Farley explained that it is customary to display the national
flag from sunrise to sunset in the open on all days that weather permits,
and especially on national and state holidays. The United States flag
should be displayed at public institutions, at schools during school days,
and in or near polling places on election days. A citizen may fly the flag
at any time.

When raising the United States flag, Senator Farley said to always
hoist it briskly. Lower it ceremoniously.