Independence Day - July 4, 2006

The United States of America will be celebrating its 230th birthday on July 4, 2006. To Celebrate important event, Washington D.C. will be the host of Independence Day Parade. The parade will start promptly at 11:45 am at the corner of Constitution Avenue and Seventh Avenue.

The Red, White, and Blue - Stars and Stripes proudly represent the United States of America.

The very first United States flag was sewn by a woman named Betsy Ross in 1776. According to popular belief, Betsy was called upon by Continental Congress members George Washington, George Ross and Robert Morris. Legend has it that she'd first met George Washington at church and had sewn buttons back on his clothing in the past. The three men showed her a design featuring six pointed stars, but Betsy suggested the five pointed star because it was much easier for her to make. She created the flag in her parlor, and it was this very flag that was flown at Independence Hall on July 8, 1776 during the reading of the Declaration of Independence.

How many stars and stripes are on the current United States flag? There are 50 stars used to represent each state and 13 stripes that represent the original 13 colonies. It's said that the red stripes stand for bloodshed at the hands of British oppressors, and the white stripes signify courage and loyalty. The blue background that the stars are displayed against is said to stand for justice, vigilance and perserverance.

Can I display my United States flag during bad weather?

It is OK to display your flag in inclement weather as long as it is crafted from a durable all-weather material, as most flags today are.

Can I display my United States flag at night?

According to the Flag Code, it is preferred to display the flag between the hours of sunrise and sunset. However you can display your flag at night if it is properly illuminated.

Is there a certain way I should raise and lower my United States flag? Yes. The flag should be raised with a quick, crisp motion full of effort. When lowering the flag at sunset, the flag should be lowered in a slow, more ceremonial fashion. If you are displaying other flags as well, the United States flag should be the first flag you raise and the last flag you lower.