THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA COMMITTEE
Over 100 years ago, this committee was established to promote a deep patriotic respect for our flag. In 1909, NSDAR presented this committee with its principal objectives: to keep the flag flying, to protect it continuously under all conditions, and to educate citizens regarding its correct usage. The Wright Administration has set the tone for 2022-2025 with a focus on celebrating the “Stars and Stripes Forever.” Visitors of this page are encouraged to celebrate the American flag and all that it represents. As DAR members, we have a mission of preservation, education, and patriotism. We can apply these concepts to the American flag in the following ways:
Preserve the sacredness of our flag by setting an example of proper flag etiquette
Educate others, particularly new citizens and students, on our flag’s history, the concepts it represents, the sacrifices people have made for it, and how it inspires us
Show Patriotism with others by respectfully displaying the flag whenever and wherever possible
All three components of our mission are significant, however Virginia Daughters are encouraged to focus on education during the current administration. The positive effects of what people learn from the many fun and respectful flag activities will support all aspects of our mission for years to come.
Below are several suggestions to promote the Flag from Virginia Committee Chairs along with those of the current National Committee Chair, Marria Blinn. More suggestions are listed on the NSDAR Committee webpage (link below). It is hoped that you will be inspired with additional creative ways to support our common objectives.
Familiarize yourself with the Flag Committee’s basic information found in the NSDAR handbook and website, particularly noting key dates and deadlines.
Include a “Flag Minute” at each chapter meeting. Suggestions can be found on the national Committee webpage in addition to information researched on your own.
Donate a Flag of the United States of America:
A braille flag to a blind or sight-impaired veteran or community leader. (Ordering information is posted on the NSDAR American Flag Committee webpage.)
A flag flown over the U.S. Capitol (Contact your U.S. Congressman.)
A flag that has flown over DAR Constitution Hall or Memorial Continental Hall in Washington, D.C., along with a commemorative certificate. Flags will be flown in honor or memory of an individual, group, or organization four times a year and may be purchased through the DAR Store as follows:
* April, in honor of the start of the Revolutionary War in 1775 (Order by March 1)
* June, in honor of Flag Day (Order by May 1)
* September, in honor of Constitution Day (Order by August 1)
* November, in honor of Veterans Day (Order by October 1)
4. Familiarize yourself with “The Flag Code” leaflet published by the DAR and encourage others to do the same. The leaflets contain excerpts from the official United States Flag Code and can be purchased at the DAR store.
5. Befriend a local elementary school and encourage 4th grade students to enter the Virginia DAR Flag Essay Contest. (Click the link below in “Additional Resources” for information and contest rules.)
6. Distribute Flag Code leaflets, table-size flags, and flag pins to students, youth organizations, veterans’ facilities, retirement homes, naturalized citizens, etc. These items may be presented at patriotic events such as Flag Day, Veterans Day, and the Fourth of July.
7. Present flag certificates to community individuals and/or groups in recognition of their flying the flag continuously and correctly.
8. Participate in or collaborate with your local Fire Department and others (SAR, CAR, Scouts, Veterans) in hosting a Flag Retirement Ceremony.
9. Celebrate Flag Day, June 14th, and other flag holidays with your chapter, youth organizations, veterans, and senior citizens. Fly the American Flag and say the Pledge of Allegiance every day!
For Additional Resources, click on the following
(NSDAR login may be required):
Virginia DAR 4th Grade Flag of the USA Contest Information
Flag Contest Participant Certificate
The Flag of the United States of America Committee Webpage
NSDAR Flag Activities and Resources
Flag of the USA Committee (Daughters Online Community)
Contact State Chair Linda J. Ferrara for more information
State Vice Chair Molly A. Murray for more information.