Patriotic décor abounds as U.S. celebrates

Special to The Clinton Courier 

The number 76 honors 1776, the year the United States declared its independence, a meaningful reminder of the courage and determination of the men and women who helped establish the United States.  Nearly 250 years later, the spirit of 1776 continues to unite generations of Americans who cherish freedom, service and community.

Teresa and Danny Davis fly four flags at their home on patriotic holidays. Three of the flags are State of Mississippi flags. Pictured (l to r) are The Magnolia Tree Flag, 1861-1865; the United States flag; The current Mississippi flag; and the blue flag with the white star is The Bonnie Blue, January 1861-March 1861.

Did you know?

The American flag is traditionally displayed from sunrise to sunset, but it may remain flying 24 hours a day if it is properly illuminated during the night. This tradition is outlined in the U.S. Flag Code and serves as a sign of respect for the nation’s flag.

The stars on the American flag represent the 50 states, while the 13 stripes honor the original 13 colonies that declared independence from Great Britain in 1776. Every time a new state joined the Union, a star was added to the flag, but the 13 stripes have remained the same for nearly 250 years, as a tribute to the nation’s beginnings.

The United States Capitol building has been expanded multiple times since construction began in 1793. One of the most famous additions is the cast-iron dome, completed during the Civil War in the 1860s, a symbol of unity during one of the nation’s most divided times.