Happy Fourth of July!

Hi neighbors. It’s difficult to believe that it is time for fireworks again. The years go by more quickly each year it seems.

I hope you are part of one of those families that get together for the Fourth of July each year to celebrate Americans’ freedoms and commemorate the costs of and joys created by that freedom.

Some of my best childhood memories are around the Fourth of July celebrations with family. One year my cousins from Ohio came to Wichita during the Fourth and we had a great time. It was a pretty traditional celebration with watermelon, ice cream and of course fireworks.

My brother was given a “punk” and put in charge of shooting off Black Cat firecrackers. We girls got to hold sparklers and smoke bombs only. The men folk got the big guns of rockets and various “explode in the air” designer fireworks.

Many people proudly display the American flag on the Fourth. The USA.gov website has posted the correct way of displaying the flag. .

Here are the official rules on properly displaying the U.S. flag, based on the Federal Flag code, to help you show respect for the flag as you celebrate America’s 241st birthday. When: You can display the flag outside from sunrise to sunset. If you want to fly it after dark, it will need to be lit. Don’t fly the flag during inclement weather, unless it’s an all-weather flag. On the porch: The union of the flag — the blue section with white stars — should be placed at the peak of the staff unless the flag is at half-staff. When the flag is suspended from a rope on a pole extending from a house, the flag should be hoisted out, union first, from the building. On the wall or the window: When the flag is displayed on a flat surface like a wall, the union should be at the top left. On the street: The flag should be suspended vertically with the union to the north in an east and west street or to the east in a north and south street. The flag should never touch anything beneath it, so make sure it’s hoisted at the proper height. At the office: Suspend the flag vertically with the union to the observer’s left upon entering. If the building has more than one main entrance, the flag should be suspended vertically near the center of the corridor or lobby with the union to the north when entrances are to the east and west, or to the east when entrances are to the north and south. If there are entrances in more than two directions, the union should be to the east. On a vehicle: The staff should be fixed firmly on the right side of the vehicle. Do not drape the flag over the hood, top, sides, or back of a vehicle or a boat. Half-staff: During periods of mourning, it’s common to see the flag flying at half-staff. Only presidents can proclaim such periods for a national remembrance. Governors can also declare mourning periods at a local level. In some cases, heads of federal agencies can order the flag flown at half-staff on grounds under their supervision. Traditionally, states and local governments follow the president’s proclamation during a period of national mourning.

Take care of your flag. Many dry cleaners will clean U.S. flags for free during the months of June and July. Store your flag in a well-ventilated area. If it gets wet, make sure it’s completely dry before storing it. If the flag is damaged or worn out, it should be burned and disposed of with dignity.

Learn more about the flag, its history, protocol, and ways to pay your respects, including the proper way to fold it at USA.gov/explore.

Until the next time friends, remember the Fourth of July is America’s birthday. A lot has changed in America’s 241 years. America was born to be a growing country and growing pains do occur. We’ve only just begun to show our spark. Happy Birthday, America!