Michigan Boy Scouts share American pride, flag etiquette for Flag Day

STERLING HEIGHTS, Mich. – Americans across the country will raise the American flag high on Wednesday, June 14 to show their American pride.

Metro Detroiters will do the same, including a group of local Boy Scouts who want to share the message of flying a flag with pride.

"I usually see it as a symbol of America and how far we've come from just having thirteen colonies to fifty states," says 7th grader Matthew Isopi.

There have been 27 official versions of the flag, but there is one constant.

"I see it as how America has stood strong for all these years," says Isopi.

6th grader John Bennett says the red in the flag is like the blood of the soldiers who gave their lives to protect America's freedom.

"It kind of just symbolizes America to me," says Bennett.

They're concerned when their peers and adults unwittingly show disrespect.

"Some people don't know the first thing about flag etiquette," says Isopi.

"You should never put it in stormy weather at night," says another boy scout. "Make sure it is always illuminated at night.  If it's not illuminated, then you should take it down. If you hang it on the wall, make sure that the blue field is on the left."

The most common mistake is displaying a faded, worn flag.

"When it's frayed or torn or dropped on the ground, you should retire it," he says.

Isopi says if it's supposed to be a symbol of America, and you're supposed to be honoring America, throwing it on the ground isn't exactly a good way to honor the country.

She may be 235-years-old, but these kids and their spirit keep her young, flying her proudly at their homes, their school and in their hearts.

"When it waves, I just see how we wave freely.  When you just see the flag just up there independent, you just realize how independent we are, and how lucky we are to be in this free country." says the boy scout.