During the American Revolution, a variety of flags were flown that would inspire the “Stars and Stripes” we know today -- from the “Sons of Liberty” flag to the “Grand Union” flag, which was used by General George Washington’s Continental Army.
In 1777 the Flag Act was passed by the Continental Congress. It said the flag of the then thirteen United States should “be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new Constellation.”
The original 13-star version of the flag was first unveiled on June 14, 1777, and that is why today, June 14 is known as Flag Day.
The U.S. Congress continued to make changes to the shape and design of the flag up until 1960, mostly to make room for stars as new states were added. Today, the flag’s stars are arranged in 9 rows representing the 50 states – and the 13 stripes represent the original 13 colonies. The last time a star was added was when Hawaii became a state in 1959. If the U.S. ever adds a state again, a star would OFFICIALLY be added on the next 4th of July!
While the colors of the U.S. flag were likely inspired by the flag of Great Britain, they were also chosen to represent values of the new country. Red symbolizes hardiness and valor; blue symbolizes justice, vigilance, and perseverance; and white symbolizes purity and innocence. The U.S. Flag Code gives Americans guidelines and customs for handling the flag. The flag code prohibits changing the flag with additional designs, letters or marks; using the flag for advertising; and hanging the flag upside down – unless to signal danger! The code also says the flag should be allowed to fall freely. One exception to this rule was the moon landings. The 6 American flags on the moon were designed to be held up with both vertical and horizontal poles so they appear to be waving even in the airless lunar conditions!
The Battle of Baltimore inspired the lyrics of lawyer and poet Francis Scott Key in 1814. “O, say, can you see by the dawn’s early light what so proudly we hailed through the twilight’s last gleaming…” The waving American flag before, during, and after the fight was seen as a source of inspiration and resilience. The red, white, and blue stars and stripes, also named “Old Glory,” have long symbolized patriotism, unity, and the spirit of pride in our nation.
The original 13-star version of the flag was first unveiled on June 14, 1777, and that is why June 14 is known as Flag Day. And in case you were wondering, our current 50-star flag has flown since July 4, 1960.
At some point in time, whether in person or witnessed on television or in film, you probably saw the folding of the flag.
The flag is folded exactly 13 times in remembrance of the original 13 colonies. But did you know there is a specific meaning to each fold?
Here is what each fold of the flag means:
The first fold symbolizes life.
The second fold represents a belief in eternal life.
The third fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veterans who gave their lives in defense of the country in order to help attain peace throughout the world.
The fourth fold is in recognition of the nature of the country’s citizens to trust in God.
The fifth fold is a tribute to the United States. According to Stephen Decatur, S. Naval Commander during the American Revolution and War of 1812, “Our country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right, but it is still our country, right or wrong.”
The sixth fold symbolizes where people’s hearts lie in keeping with the words of our pledge of allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
The seventh fold pays tribute to the armed forces. After all, through our armed forces, the United States is protected against all enemies.
The eighth fold is a tribute to those who died, and as Psalm 23 states, “entered into the valley of the shadow of death.”
The ninth fold honors womanhood.
The 10th fold is a tribute to fathers.
The 11th fold represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon and glorifies, in Judaism, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
The 12th fold represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in the eyes of Christians, God the Father, the Son and Holy Ghost.
The 13th and last fold reminds us that when the flag is completely folded, in the uppermost corned signify our national motto, “In God We Trust.”
Additionally, when the flag is completely folded and tucked in, the resulting shape appears like a tricorne hat and represents the soldiers who served under General George Washington, the sailors and marines who served under Naval Commander John Paul Jones and the many who have followed them in order to preserve the rights, privileges and freedoms we enjoy today. So in the future when you a folded flag, you will hopefully now have a deeper understanding and appreciation of the tradition.
When displaying the flag, DO the following:
Display the U.S. flag from sunrise to sunset on buildings and stationary flagstaffs in the open. When a patriotic effect is desired the flag may be displayed 24-hours a day if properly illuminated during the hours of darkness.
When placed on a single staff or lanyard, place the U.S. Flag above all other flags.
When flags are displayed in a row, the U.S. flag goes to the observer’s left. Flags of other nations are flown at same height. State and local flags are traditionally flown lower.
When used during a marching ceremony or parade with other flags, the U.S. Flag will be to the observer’s left.
On special days, the flag may be flown at half-staff. On Memorial Day it is flown at half-staff until noon and then raised.
When flown at half-staff, should be first hoisted to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff position. The flag should be again raised to the peak before it is lowered for the day. By "half-staff" is meant lowering the flag to one-half the distance between the top and bottom of the staff.
When the flag is displayed over the middle of the street, it should be suspended vertically with the union (blue field of stars) to the north in an east and west street or to the east in a north and south street.
When placed on a podium the flag should be placed on the speaker’s right or the staging area. Other flags should be placed to the left.
When displayed either horizontally or vertically against a wall (or other flat surface), the union (blue field of stars) should be uppermost and to the flag's own right, that is, to the observer's left.
When displayed in a window it should be displayed in the same way -- with the union or blue field to the left of the observer in the street.
When the flag is displayed on a car, the staff shall be fixed firmly to the chassis or clamped to the right fender.
When the flag is used to cover a casket, it should be so placed that the union is at the head and over the left shoulder. The flag should not be lowered into the grave or allowed to touch the ground.
When saluting the flag DO the following:
All persons present in uniform (military, police, fire, etc.) should render the military salute. Members of the armed forces and veterans who are present but not in uniform may render the military salute.
All other persons present should face the flag and stand at attention with their right hand over the heart, or if applicable, remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart.
When stowing or disposing of the flag, DO the following:
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Fold in the traditional triangle for stowage, never wadded up.
The flag should be folded in its customary manner.
It is important that the fire be fairly large and of sufficient intensity to ensure complete burning of the flag.
Place the flag on the fire.
The individual(s) can come to attention, salute the flag, recite the Pledge of Allegiance and have a brief period of silent reflection.
After the flag is completely consumed, the fire should then be safely extinguished and the ashes buried.
Please make sure you are conforming to local/state fire codes or ordinances.
Quick list of Flag Etiquette Don’ts:
Don’t dip the U.S. Flag for any person, flag, or vessel.
Don’t let the flag touch the ground.
Don’t fly flag upside down unless there is an emergency.
Don’t carry the flag flat, or carry things in it.
Don’t use the flag as clothing.
Don’t store the flag where it can get dirty.
Don’t use it as a cover.
Don’t fasten it or tie it back. Always allow it to fall free.
Don’t draw on, or otherwise mark the flag.
Don’t use the flag for decoration. Use bunting with the blue on top, then white, then red.
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