Staff photo by Connor Cummiskey Site Manager Ruthe Grewe talks to a group of visitors at The Harkin Store about the role of the historic site in the past.

WEST NEWTON TOWNSHIP — Ahead of Flag Day, Thursday June 14, the Harkin Store held a small presentation Sunday on the American Flag.

The display gave a brief history of the flag, from its creation to the addition of the final star in 1960 as well as some flag etiquette instructions.

In 1775 the first flag designed by congressional committee, led by Benjamin Franklin, with 13 red and white stripes and the crosses of St. Andrew and St. George in the union — where the 50 stars are today.

The two crosses in the union looked similar to the United Kingdom’s moder flag, and was a sign that the colonies had not yet wholly broken from Britain, stated a printout in the Harkin exhibit.

On June 14, 1777 Congress passed an act creating the first flag with stars and stripes, 13 of each for the 13 colonies.

“This new flag was probably first displayed on land during the battle at Fort Stanwix, New York, although there are a number of authorities who claim that the first Stars and Stripes displayed in battle was at the Battle of Bennington, Vermont, August 16th, 1777,” stated the Harkin display.

That flag was amended to 15 stars and 15 stripes in 1794 after Vermont and Kentucky became states. Francis Scott Key penned “The Star Spangle Banner” in 1814 to that flag.

It was in 1818 when the modern conception of the flag, with 13 stripes and one star for each state, was put into law.

From then on the flag was modified on the July 4 following the admission of each new state. The current flag is the 27th iteration with the admission of Hawaii in 1959.

Harkin’s display also contained a few rules about flag etiquette. The flag is customarily only flown from dawn until dusk, unless it is properly lit where a patriotic effect is desired.

When displayed with other flags, the U.S. flag should be the furthest to its own right. It should remain above state or organization flags, but equal height with other nation’s flags.

In respect to the flag, it should never be used as apparel, bedding or drapery nor embroidered on cushions or handkerchiefs or imprinted on any material intended for temporary use.

The flag should not be used as a costume or in advertisements nor should it touch the ground. When a flag is severely worn it should be disposed of in a dignified manner, preferrably burned.

During the national anthem, citizens are expected to face the flag if displayed and salute if in uniform.

If not in uniform, citizens should salute by placing their hand over their heart and removing any headgear.

More information on the etiquette code can be found at legion.org in the flag advocacy section of the programs tab.

ccummiskey@nujournal.com