But there are some out-of-left-field requirements as well. There are some obvious stipulations, like making sure the flag never hits the ground. In 1923, a group of organizations headed by the American Legion outlined the National Flag Code as a set of rules on how to correctly display the flag, which were then turned into law during World War II as the United States Flag Code. Such an important emblem of American ideals brings with it strict decorum. Even 62 percent of 18-24-year-olds say they or their family owns one, according to the National Retail Federation. An estimated 150 million American flags are sold every year, with 76 percent of Americans 65 years and older saying they or their family owns a flag.
The flag was officially adopted on June 14, 1777, at the Second Continental Congress, and since then, Americans have flown it at their homes, written songs about it and a pledge to it, and emblazoned it on everything from sunglasses to swim trunks. And while celebrating each one of them-whether you’re at a public parade or a backyard barbecue with some friends-you'll probably notice that there's no shortage of American flags out on display. With Memorial Day, Independence Day, and a few others, there's no lack of patriotic holidays in the United States.
