Iowans may fly their flags today in celebration of the anniversary of Iowa statehood. Iowa’s admission to the Union came on December 28, 1846; Iowa was the 29th state admitted.
“Millions of acres. Iowa and Nebraska. Land for sale on 10 years credit by the Burlington & Missouri River R. R. Co. at 6 per ct interest and low prices.” Poster advertising land in Iowa, circa 1872, from the Burlington & Missouri River Railroad Co. – Library of Congress Printed Ephemera Collection; Portfolio 134, Folder 13; via Wikipedia
The Flag Code, 4 USC §6 (d), notes that the U.S. flag may be flown on “the birthdays of States (date of admission),” in addition to the other score of dates specifically written into law.
Sometimes we excuse parts of the Flag Code if the display otherwise stirs great patriotism. Stars and Stripes were impossible to miss at University of Iowa’s Kinnick Stadium in November 2014. Photos by Tim Schoon.
More:
- Iowa’s path to statehood, detailed at Iowa Public Television; Iowa’s admission followed the template laid out in the Northwest Ordinances of 1786 and 1787
- 5th grade lesson plan and lesson materials for Iowa statehood, from University of Northern Iowa, Prairie Voices
- “Hubbard excavation sheds light on overlooked settlers,” Iowa City Press Citizen, October 31, 2014
- “Iowa veteran charged with desecrating the flag,” Washington Times, August 15, 2016
- Next two dates to fly the U.S. flag: December 29, for Texas statehood; January 1, for New Year’s Day
Yes, this is mostly an encore post. Fighting ignorance requires patience.
Millard Fillmore's Bathtub 