Our nation is celebrating its 236th birthday this month. I can remember celebrating the bicentennial in my home town of Miltona, Minn. Even a town with a population of 172 at the time knew how to throw a party that Fourth of July. It was a big deal.

As I prepared for this issue of the Whidbey Crosswind, I had the chance to attend a few events in honor of the symbol of our nation, which made me realize many of us don’t pay the American flag the respect it is due. I confess, I didn’t know many of the rules regarding Old Glory until I went looking for information for a story on Flag Day last year. I knew the Pledge of Allegiance, I knew you weren’t supposed to mistreat the flag or disrespect it, but I didn’t know the specifics.

There’s a great website — www.usflag.org — that is a wealth of information on flag etiquette, among other things.

As we take time to honor our country this month,  try to remember the significance behind the stars and stripes. Think about the men and women who sacrificed everything to fight for the freedoms that banner represents. Stand up when the Color Guard marches past in the parade. Wave it proudly and treat it well, with the respect it is due. And make it a habit —  don’t just do it on the Fourth of July.

– Kathy Reed, editor