An America 250/Garrett 250 Guide for Kids, Teens, and Families in Garrett County
As America reaches its 250th birthday, families across Garrett County are taking time to learn what the American flag truly represents and how to treat it with care. Around here, patriotism feels natural. You see it in the flags flying from porches, the way people pause when the national anthem begins, and the pride that fills the air during parades and community gatherings. That is why learning proper flag care matters. These traditions are not about strict rules; they are about honoring a symbol that represents our shared history and the values we continue to uphold.
Caring for the flag begins with simple, everyday habits. Kids and teens can help keep the flag clean by gently washing or wiping it when needed and making sure it is stored in a dry, safe place. A flag should never touch the ground, and if it is flown at night, it should be illuminated so it can be seen clearly. When hanging the flag, the blue field, known as the union, should always be on the viewer’s left, whether the flag is hung vertically or horizontally. Raising the flag briskly and lowering it slowly shows respect, and taking it down during storms protects it from damage unless it is made for all weather.
Folding the flag is a tradition many Garrett County kids learn from in scouts, schools, or at community events. The classic triangle fold begins by folding the flag lengthwise twice, then making small triangles from the striped end until only the blue field remains. This is the same fold used at ceremonies and memorials, and learning it helps young people feel connected to the generations who came before them. It also teaches patience, teamwork, and attention to detail. When two people fold a flag together, each person has a role, and the final result depends on both doing their part. That sense of shared responsibility is one of the quiet lessons the flag teaches.
Eventually, every flag wears out, especially with some of the weather we get around here. Between the mountain winds, sudden storms, and long winters, even the strongest outdoor flags can fade or fray over time. When that happens, it is not something to feel bad about; it simply means the flag has done its job well. Retiring a worn flag respectfully is an important part of caring for it. Families can bring worn flags to the American Legion, VFW, Boy Scouts, or local fire stations, where they will be retired with dignity. Some ceremonies involve burning the flag respectfully, while others use burial or recycling. What matters most is the care and intention behind the act. Many young people in Garrett County attend their first flag retirement ceremony through scouts or school, and the experience often stays with them for years. Watching a flag be honored at the end of its service helps kids understand that respect is something we show not only in big moments, but in small, thoughtful actions.
As Garrett County joins the rest of the nation in celebrating America 250, these traditions help young people understand why the flag matters. It is more than fabric. It is a reminder of service, sacrifice, and the long journey our country has taken. When kids and teens learn how to care for the flag, they are not just learning rules. They are learning responsibility, gratitude, and pride in being part of something bigger than themselves.
And in a place like Garrett County, where community and country go hand in hand, that lesson feels right at home. America 250 is a chance for families to talk about what the flag means, to share stories from grandparents and great-grandparents, and to pass down the values that have shaped this community for generations. Whether it is raised at a ballgame, folded at a ceremony, or flying above a quiet country road, the flag reminds us that we are all part of the same American History.
FLAG CARE CHECKLIST:
Keep it Clean – Wash gently if it’s cloth; wipe down if it’s nylon.
Keep it Dry – Store in a clean, dry place.
Check for Rips – If it’s torn or faded, it’s time to retire it.
Never let it touch the ground – Not even by accident.
Use a light at night – If you fly in after sunset, it mus be illuminated.
HOW TO DISPLAY THE FLAG
Raise it briskly and lower it slowly.
Take it down in storms unless it’s an all-weather flag.
Don’t use it as a clothing, bedding, or decoration.
Fly it higher than other flags on the same pole.
Written by MaryCarolyn Thies.