Orange Beach, Ala. - (OBA) - Today we celebrate the rich history of our country and the symbol that marks our freedom and what we’ve overcome. The American flag is hoisted up across our nation from buildings to homes, bridges, and even boats. It represents freedom and gives us hope. 246 years ago, Congress commemorated Betsy Ross and our flag officially. Though it has been modified over the years, the symbol it represents remains the same.

The stars were added as colonies were formed with over 27 different variations of the flag designed.

Each of the stars sewn in represents one of our states. As we look at each one, we remember those

who fought to form our towns and country into what it is today. Men and women fought and toiled

the land to make homes and generational foundations for their families. Each star is embedded with

a historical sense of justice, tenacity, diligence, and even vigor. The white stripes on the flag signify

purity and in some case's innocence. The red stripes stand for valor in the bloodshed, sweat, and

victory of our brave citizens and service men and women. Unsure of the proper etiquette on how to

display and handle American flags check out http://nationalflagfoundation.org for a full general care

and beyond of information on how to respect the flag properly.

Suspended vertically, the biggest free-flying American flag in the world comes out of hiding to be

displayed over the Gorge Washington Bridge. A flag this large doesn’t travel well Rudy King owner of

the flag and bridge explains how they got around traveling with the flag. “Most people have no idea

it's there,” All year the flag is hidden in the airy latticework of the gray girders visible on the bridge in

a tube that is 100 feet long to shield a flag the size of a basketball court. According to:

http://northjersey.com “The bridge is famously wide-open.” Most bridges conceal their structural

joints behind bricks or steel nonetheless this is the first major structure to expose it all to the world

making for a perfect home year-round to the largest American flag.

President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed on May 30, 1916, officiating June 14th as Flag Day. “It is the

anniversary of the day upon which the flag of the United States was adopted by the Congress as the

emblem of the Union.” Wilson also wrote, “On that day rededicate ourselves to the nation, ‘one and

inseparable’ from which every thought that is not worthy of our fathers’ first vows in independence,

liberty, and right shall be excluded and in which we shall stand with united hearts.”

We celebrate and observe National Flag Day by honoring the many who have died protecting our

country by raising our flags high and flying them proudly. We can spend time learning more about,

our flag's history and all that took part in its design and as always, stop and appreciate our veterans

by thanking them for their service. A reason to salute the flag that represents our freedom and those

who fought for it.

“Some people call me Old Glory; others call me the Star-Spangled Banner. But, whatever they call

me. I am your flag—the flag of the United States of America.”