Salute Your Home: How to Display Your Colors for Flag Day 2018

Many of us mark Memorial Day as the beginning of summer — a solemn occasion intended to honor those who’ve died in service to their country. But, following that holiday and shortly before the fireworks of Independence day, comes Flag Day.

What Is Flag Day?

Flag Day commemorates two events. First, the adoption of the original flag designed by Betsy Ross with its thirteen stars, each representing one of the original thirteen colonies. And secondly, the birthday of the U.S. Army on June 14th, 1777.

While President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed June 14 to be Flag Day in 1916, it wasn’t until an Act of Congress in August 1946, that National Flag Day became an official federal holiday. In fact, June 11 through 17 is designated as National Flag Week.

During this week, citizens and businesses, in addition to all government buildings, are urged to fly the stars and stripes. Parades and other festivities are held around the country. And, because the national observance of Flag Day is left to the president to proclaim, individual states determine which government offices and businesses may or may not close in honor of the occasion.

Decorating for Flag Day 2018

With Flag Day falling only three weeks before July 4th, it’s a convenient time to decorating your home and yard in honor of these two venerable holidays. From home decor to sheet cakes, there’s no limit to what you can do with red, white, blue, and a sprinkling of stars and stripes.

Here are just a few resources and decorating ideas to start with:

• If you don’t already have a flag or you need more, you’ll find “100% American-made flags” of different sizes and materials at The Flag Store USA, AmericanFlags.com, and of course, Amazon. Use smaller flags as decorations on outside tables, or hang a basket full of flags on your front door where they can be seen from the street.
• Begin at your local craft store. You’ll find the crepe paper, ribbons, balloons, candles, and other patriotic-themed items of the season.
• Check your local grocery store for red, white, and blue cups, plates, napkins, and table runners to liven up your Flag Day and July 4th barbecues.
• Drape patriotic-themed crepe paper alternating color in half circles or twists on railings of your front porch and around entry ways.
• Use red, white, and blue throw pillows as accents on porch, deck, or patio furniture.
• Spray paint flower pots or baskets in either solid colors or with red and white stripes.
• If you have Christmas lights or can locate bulbs of the right colors, string them on your porch, around doors, and from trees.
• Decorate a white cake with blueberries and strawberries to make a patriotic statement or serve layered red, white, and blue Jell-O treats for dessert.

Decorating your home from Flag Day to the Fourth of July is one way to share your pride in the true spirit of America. It’s also a great way to bring the family together, engage the kids, and share a bit of American history.