The Meaning and History of the American Flag and Why We Honor It
First Flag of the United States
USA Flag History
We all know that the 50 stars on the flag represent the 50 states and that the stripes represent the original 13 colonies. We also know that Betsy Ross made the first flag. But did you know that George Washington commissioned her to make it after a few other men or that Washington first drew on a piece of parchment what they wanted? Betsy Ross wasn't thrilled to take on this responsibility, and her initial response was, "I don't know, but I can try." Here are more facts that you probably did not know about the stars, the stripes, the colors, the folds, and the meaning behind it all.
Did You Know?
"Old Glory", the original Star Spangled Banner, is one of the main artifacts on display at the National Museum of American History in Washington D.C.
Stars on the United States Flag
Throughout history, the number of stars on the flag has changed. As each state joined the United States of America, another star was added. On July 4, 1960, Hawaii was the final star that completed the flag that we know today.
The shape of the star chosen to represent each state was a unique decision. Prior to the end of the 18th century, six, seven, and eight pointed stars were more commonplace than the five-pointed star. Some speculate that the five-pointed star was chosen to further separate the United States from Europe. Another theory is that Betsy Ross came up with the five-pointed star because it was easier to do with one snip of the scissors than a six-pointed star. No one knows for sure, but the five-pointed star was a unique decision that allows our flag to be that much more special to Americans.
How Many Stars Were on the Flag?
Year
| Number of Stars
| States Added
|
|---|---|---|
1777-1795
| 13
| Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Virginia
|
1795-1818
| 15
| Kentucky and Vermont
|
1818-1819
| 20
| Indiana, Louisiana, Mississippi, Ohio, and Tennessee
|
1819-1820
| 21
| Illinois
|
1820-1822
| 23
| Alabama and Maine
|
1822-1836
| 24
| Missouri
|
1836-1837
| 25
| Arkansas
|
1837-1845
| 26
| Michigan
|
1845-1846
| 27
| Florida
|
1846-1847
| 28
| Texas
|
1847-1848
| 29
| Iowa
|
1848-1851
| 30
| Wisconsin
|
1851-1858
| 31
| California
|
1858-1859
| 32
| Minnesota
|
1859-1861
| 33
| Oregon
|
1861-1863
| 34
| Kansas
|
1863-1865
| 35
| West Virginia
|
1865-1867
| 36
| Nevada
|
1867-1877
| 37
| Nebraska
|
1877-1890
| 38
| Colorado
|
1890-1891
| 43
| Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Washington
|
1891-1896
| 44
| Wyoming
|
1896-1908
| 45
| Utah
|
1908-1912
| 46
| Oklahoma
|
1912-1959
| 48
| Arizona, and New Mexico
|
1959-1960
| 49
| Alaska
|
1960-NOW
| 50
| Hawaii
|
Stripes on the American Flag
The 13 stripes on each flag are always seven red and six white. Prior to 1916, there was no consistency about whether the flag had six or seven red stripes. No one knows for sure if there was a reason that seven red stripes were chosen, although some may wonder if it had anything to do with keeping the edges of the flag clean since white shows dirt more easily than red. Not a very patriotic reason, but a very logical answer.
As for the stripes themselves, they stand for the first 13 colonies. They include:
- Virginia (1607)
- New Jersey (1618)
- Massachusetts (1620)
- New Hampshire (1622)
- Pennsylvania (1623)
- New York (1624)
- Maryland (1634)
- Connecticut (1635)
- Rhode Island (1636)
- Delaware (1638)
- North Carolina (1653)
- South Carolina (1670)
- Georgia (1733)
Colors of the Flag
The colors on the flag were deliberately chosen to represent a theme that our founding fathers felt was important to the building of our nation.
- Red stands for courage, hardiness, and bloodshed. Courage because our country is based on the courage of separating from what we once knew, courage of starting over, courage of fighting for our freedom. Hardiness because our founding fathers believed our country will outlast the land that we came from. And finally, blood shed to honor all those who lost their life for our freedom and our country.
- White stands for purity and vigilance, purity because our country is independent and is not corrupted by any other country. Vigilance because our country needs to be alert and careful in the choices we make.
- Blue stands for justice and perseverance, justice because it is the basis of our country, and perseverance because although our nation is young, we will stand strong against all opposition.
Did You Know?
According to the U.S. Department of State, the names of the flag's official colors are "old glory red," "white," and "old glory blue." Their HTML codes and Pantone equivalents can be found on the Department of State's style guide.
Why We Honor the American Flag
One of the main reasons we honor the flag is to pay respect to our country and the liberties that we enjoy here. This means paying respects to those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.
One of the most symbolic ways we pay respects is during the funerals for our police and military. It became ritual to cover the casket of a deceased public official or Armed Forces member in the 1700s during the Napoleonic Wars. Today, the tradition is used to remind funeral-goers of the deceased’s commitment and sacrifice.
According to Today, there are three ways that the American flag should be shown during a decedent's burial:
- Closed casket: the flag should be arranged on the casket with the union blue field at the head and over the left shoulder of the deceased.
- Half couch (open): the flag should be placed in three layers so that union is the top fold by the open part of the casket to the deceased’s left.
- Full couch (open): the flag should be folded in the traditional triangular shape and placed in the middle portion on the head panel of the casket cap right above the left shoulder of the deceased.
A flag that has been folded into the traditional triangle can be displayed next to the cremated remains during a service.
Customs for Folding the American Flag
Whenever the United States of America's flag is folded, there is a symbol behind each fold and tuck. It is not random, but very purposeful. This is one reason why they will fold an American flag at a veteren's funeral.
They always fold the flag so that way only the blue and white stars can be seen. One reason they do this is so that none of the red shows, because it stands for the blood shed. We want to remember the person's perseverance and vigilance, not the loss of the person.
Even the shape is considered when folding the flag. It is in the shape of a triangle so that it symbolizes the hat worn by Revolutionary soldiers. It is because of these men that we have our freedom and our rights.
What Does Each Fold in the American Flag Mean?
- Fold One: Symbol of life
- Fold Two: Symbol of belief in eternal life
- Fold Three: Honor and remembrance of veterans
- Fold Four: Symbol of our weaker nature
- Fold Five: Tribute to the United States of America
- Fold Six: Symbol of our hearts and devotion
- Fold Seven: Tribute to the Armed Forces
- Fold Eight: For those who went into the "Valley of the Shadow of Death"
- Fold Nine: Tribute to womanhood and its giving and nurturing nature
- Fold Ten: Tribute to our fathers who gave their sons to protect our land
- Fold Eleven: Dedication to Jews and represents the bottom of the Seal of King David and King Solomon
- Fold Twelve: Represents the Christian and glorifies God.
The American Flag and Tradition
The U.S. National Anthem
The American flag is deeply-rooted in the traditions of our country. It hit a milestone during the War of 1812 between the United States and the United Kingdom. Poet Francis Scott Key found himself in Baltimore during the conflict just as Britain’s Royal Navy unleashed an assault on Fort McHenry at Chesapeake Bay. Key watched the attack from a ship a few miles from the action. When the British left a day later, Key was surprised to observe the flag still waving over the fort. He was inspired to write the "Star Spangled Banner" as a tribute to what he witnessed. In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson declared the song to be played at all national events before it was made the national anthem March 3, 1931.
The Pledge of Allegiance
Francis Bellamy was tasked with developing a patriotic program for schools around the country in commemoration of the 400th year anniversary of Columbus’ journey to the New World. The pledge was intended to ensure that younger people knew to respect that flag and to prevent any more civil conflicts in the future. In its original form the pledge read:
"I pledge allegiance to my Flag and the Republic for which it stands, one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
Did You Know?
President Eisenhower added the phrase “one nation, indivisible under God,” in 1954 as a response to the fear that atheism was being spread by the Soviet Union.
Proper Flag Etiquette
The section of law detailing guidelines involving the U.S. flag is called the Flag Codes. Some of the statues include:
- Never letting the flag touch the ground.
- Not displaying the flag during unpleasant weather conditions.
- Hoisting the flag energetically and lowering it ceremoniously.
- To never dip the flag in such a way as to “bow” unless as a signal of duress.
- The flag should never be embroidered, printed, or otherwise for any advertising purposes.
- The flag should never be used as a costume or athletic uniform except for the patch used by military personnel or public servants and officials.
- Any flag that is worn, dirty, or torn should not be publicly displayed, but privately destroyed.
Flag Day: Celebrating Our Flag's Heritage
The First Flag day was held in 1877 on the 100th anniversary of the Flag Resolution in 1777. Today we celebrate Flag Day with parades, ceremonies, and picnics sponsored by our veterans, schools, and other patriotic program. The holiday is meant to preserve the honor and pride associated with our first flag, "Old Glory" and the values she stood to uphold.
Do You Feel That America Is the Land of the Free?
Works Cited
- Bartiromo, M. Flag Day Facts: 10 Things You Didn't Know About the American Flag. Retrieved from https://www.foxnews.com/real-estate/flag-day-facts-10-things-you-didnt-know-about-the-american-flag
- Deziel, C. Cherokee Symbols and What They Mean. Retrieved from http://www.ehow.com/about_6163988_folds-mean-folding-flag.html
- Jones, J. (2003, November). American Flag, Etiquette, Rules and Guidelines. Retrieved from https://www.almanac.com/content/american-flag-etiquette-rules-and-guidelines
- Mooney Jr., E. (2008) Flag Detective. Retrieved from http://www.flagdetective.com/
- Streufert, D. (2005, February 10). Flag Etiquette. Retrieved from http://www.usflag.org/flagetiquette.html
- Wyatt, R. (2015, November 13). History of the Stars and Stripes (U.S.) Retrieved from http://www.crwflags.com/fotw/flags/us-ststr.html
- American Flag: A Patrotic Symbol of Our Nation's Honor & Glory. Retrieved from https://www.flagcases.net/American-Flag-information.php
- The History of the American Flag. Retrieved from http://www.pbs.org/a-capitol-fourth/history/old-glory/
- The Man Who Wrote the Pledge of Allegiance. Retrieved from https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/the-man-who-wrote-the-pledge-of-allegiance-93907224/
- (2009, November 24) Key Pens Star Spangled Banner. Retrieved from https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/key-pens-star-spangled-banner
- (2018, October 22). Flag Day. Retrieved from https://www.military.com/flag-day
Questions & Answers
How can I use the American flag as a topic for an essay?
First you need to decide what kind of essay you are trying to write. Are you trying to write an argumentative one or an explanatory one? What about this article did you find interesting? What caught your eye? What did you disagree with? What did you agree with? What surprised you? There are so many directions you could go when writing an essay about the American flag. It is up to you to decide what message you want to give to your reader. I personally stay away from debates, because I am pacifist by nature, but not by politics. So my writing tends to be expository. It doesn't catch people's attention unless their goal is just education.
Helpful 24How come there are different flags?
To understand why there are different flags, you need to understand the purpose of flags. In early years, a flag was raised to claim a particular land or ship. It was to notify others that that land/ship belonged to the group or country that flag represents. Flags are also used to show support and promote unity within a group. Since there are many different groups, countries, states, there is a need to symbolize each group through a flag, hence the multitude of flags.
Helpful 22- Helpful 140
Do you feel it’s right that our professional football players kneel during our national anthem and disrespect our country by doing so and everybody that fought and died for it?
In our country, we are given the right to do as we please within certain parameters. We have free speech, which means they can be vocal if they are unhappy with something and want to make a statement. This is a silent protest and yet captures people's attention. I believe initially it was to speak out against brutality towards black Americans by police. But unfortunately, the mission is getting lost and less focused, which loses its impact. Too many people had different reasons. I was like "Oh I agree with that, but not that." And therefore, could not join it, since I was not one hundred supportive of all the ideas that were represented by it. Then again, I also noticed some contradicted one another as well.
I am not going to make a judgment call on whether I think it is right to do so. If I felt our country was going down a dark path that harmed people like that of the Holocaust, I would not stand and respect our country at that time. Do I personally agree with the reasons I have heard that some of them are kneeling? If I truly felt that police officers were targeting black Americans across all of the United States than yes, I would agree. I do believe there are police officers who are more racially charged against blacks, but I don't believe that is the norm. I believe that the majority of police officers are unbiased and protect our country as they should. So I do not feel that not standing for the national anthem is the proper way to protest against this particular act. I would rather see protests outside of police stations where there are bigotry and racism. It's not the country as a whole that is the problem. It is small pockets of people who hold onto such erroneous beliefs. Instead of disunity, I would rather see our country trying to speak out by promoting unity. I think purposely choosing to stand next to your teammate of a different race and joining hands in the air during the national anthem would speak louder than kneeling.
Helpful 69Why did they chose stars to represent the states ?
The honest answer is that no one truly knows for sure, but we do know that the resolution of the Continental Congress in 1777 states "the union [shall] be thirteen stars white in a blue field, representing a new constellation." This statement lies in the midst of resolutions regarding the Navy. The association of sailing and stars may have played a part. Also because the primary reason for a flag is to identify ships, it makes sense that there would be that navigational symbolism.
Helpful 19
© 2012 Angela Michelle Schultz
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Dread Scott’s “What is the Proper Way to Display a US Flag?” and Art Censorship
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Joshua Norton: Self-Proclaimed Emperor of the United States
Comments
thank you for writing this it help me with a two page essay about the american flag.
Indian flag is the bestest
I love the USA
What does the American Flag symbolize? I understand freedom and states. But what else specific or un-specific. Thanks in advance.
Thank you soooo much for writing this.
this a very good site for the american flag there is a lot of infomation
I love this website because i have a essay to do.
This country is amazing. #fortnite is dead
I HATE trump
I am very suprised that the blacks kneel which is a disgrace to there contry. I feel they should be fired or docked pay.
I think that the players are kneeling because they don't honor the flag which is really stupid
hi i love this
awsome job
What about the American Indians, they were here first and the white and black men took their land, raped, killed their people and nobody helps them. They put them on land that nobody else wants and when they do they put them some where else. These young protesting brats need to grow up and find a job or go home or get out of this country and see what they are messing up. PLEASE GOD HELP THIS COUNTRY BEFORE IT IS TOOO LATE.
Wow! Your the exact reason that the players are kneeling. If you bothered to read their story you would know that they are not disrespecting the flag, but honoring what the flag represents. Absolutely clueless about what is going on right under your nose.
is there a black american flag!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
this country can’t even honor the flag for its true values what’s the point of having a flag? If you want to honor a Vet then vote policies that don’t throw them out on the street when they do get back for serving. Vote policies that help them get mental health treatment. Do you see how many Vets are out on the streets? Perhaps you all just walk by and ignore that fact. Where the hell is all this so called patriotism when faced with a homeless vet? Oh, but you stand for the flag!! Nothing but a bunch of hypocrisy. God Bless America right? SMH
You stand for the flag to honor those men and women fighting for our Freedom and you praise their service. Yet you criticize those men and women fighting for that very same freedom that supposedly has been fought, yet NOT received. The mere fact that you can even suggest that black men and women are NOT unjustly treated in this country is the very reason they are kneeling. Stop enabling false truths. Blacks are not saying ALL law enforcements are biased. They are pointing out the individual ones that are and the scale is definitely tilted!! So your argument for non support falls on deaf ears. Take yourself to the National Museum of Lynching and open your eyes. White man brought blacks to this country, it was NOT a choice. They forced them into a disgustingly abomination of life and people such such as this "Isalene Jordan" character has got the nerve to say they are trying to make this a “black world”? Give me a break, if that isn’t a bigoted statement than what is?
If this country can’t even honor the flag for its true values what’s the point of having a flag? If you want to honor a Vet then vote policies that don’t throw them out on the street when they do get back for serving. Vote policies that help them get mental health treatment. Do you see how many Vets are out on the streets? Perhaps you all just walk by and ignore that fact. Where the hell is all this so called patriotism when faced with a homeless vet? Oh, but you stand for the flag!! Nothing but a bunch of hypocrisy. God Bless America right? SMH
Our flag represents everything that the so called "kneelers" demand. I do not understand why offend the flag that stands for their rights in order to prove discrimination and oppression by the few that obviously have no respect for our flag and rights either. Do they understand that those that discriminate them are offending their flag even more than them?! Are they joining those that violate their rights, equality and ideals that our flag represent?!!!
I truly do not get it, but as Voltaire said, “I do not agree with what you have to say, but I’ll defend to the death your right to say it.” That is Democracy!! That does not mean that it does not hurt me to see my flag, anthem or pledge maligned in any form. Sorry, your right to do so, my right to be in total disagreement.
They are silly people that trying to bring down the world and make it a black world point blank .Pro and con is a writing for what they think not mine . So not standing for they flag is another way of tell your family that has fault for your Freedom .And look at the history that is being taken from you Just because some low life wants to say it`s a race thing. When it has nothing to do with race. So every Vet I will stand for you. Every person that is fighting for our freedom I will stand for you I will teach the people around this also. I will not in any way shape are form will I changes the way I think.
This was vary helpful.
Correction: The colors of the flag were not “deliberately chosen”. The current flag was developed from the already established “British Red Ensign” which was easy to modify simply by adding white stripes to the existing Red background - it was simple and fast to create to distinguish the colonies from the British.. You can see this development by searching the “British Red Ensign”, then “Grand Union Flag”, then finally “Stars & Stripes”
Great Article ...
Robert Merrill, you are absolutely throwing your opinion around and trying to make it fact... it is not and no matter how loud you shout an opinion, it will never be a fact unless it's a true statement.
I'll use a bit of the authors description of colors in my rebuttal.
So... just thought I'd throw out a blab on my position on what some people don't seem to be able to grasp about this "flag" thing.
A lot of people think it's disrespectful that some NFL players have been taking a knee during the anthem.
That argument, being used by many, just doesn't hold water all the way around for several reasons.
It was never about the flag but since a lot of people refuse to get it and want to make it about that instead of the REAL issue, let's just go ahead and let you win and make the argument about the flag and showing disrespect.
Personally, I hate flags and think they should all be burned, as throughout history they have been a symbol of division in the world. But this isn't about me or my beliefs and I don't get to make the rules, nor should I. This is about what YOU chose to make it about. The Flag and disrespect.
So if those who think flags are great don't want to disrespect YOUR flag, then you should at least learn what YOUR Flag stands for from the people who had a countries vision in their foresight and what they wanted the flag to stand for.
Because the GREATEST Form of respect you can have for a piece of cloth is to understand what it stands for and what it does not stand for and HONOR those things, lest you be a disrespectful ingrate inthe eyes of YOUR flag.
A few things it doesn't stand for.
It sure as hell doesn't stand for "forced patriotism".
It sure as hell doesn't stand for "hey use me to make money"
It sure as hell doesn't stand for "hey use me to sucker young men and women into dying to make rich men richer"
What it DOES STAND FOR is ...
Freedom first and foremost (supposedly)
We know the stripes are for the 13 original colonies, that decided to break away by PROTESTING and making their own flag.
We know the stars are for the 50 states. That are only here because of PROTESTING.
As an artist, I appreciate the colors used on flags and often colors are representative of what is displayed for the eye to see. and since they are right in front of everyone's nose that representation should be known and understood if one is going to stand at attention and sing to it. I see them as the most important aspect of a lot of things. Including the flag.
The colors of our Flag were deliberately chosen to represent a theme that our founding fathers felt was important to the building of our nation.
Red stands for courage, hardiness, and bloodshed. Courage because our country is based on the courage of separating from what we once knew, courage of starting over, courage of fighting for our freedom. Hardiness because our founding fathers believed our country will outlast the land that we came from. Finally, blood shed to honor all those who lost their life for our freedom and our country.
White stands for purity and vigilance: purity because our country is independent and is not corrupted by any other country. Vigilance because our country needs to be alert and careful in the choices we make.
Blue stands for justice and perseverance: justice because it is the basis of our country, and perseverance because although our nation is young, we will stand strong against all opposition..
Now lets take the players taking a knee and see how it lines up ..
Red ...
1. Courage, ... when men stand up against oppression it takes courage, ESPECIALLY when it's not them that's being oppressed. These men are taking the risk of losing their livelihood to help OTHER AMERICANS in their plight.
2. Hardiness .... pretty self explanatory ... they had the courage to start this...and they have shown the hardiness to (knee their ground) and not roll over and be pushed around by those who very well understand what this is about but want to put the hammer down and try and make these men look like villains.
3. Bloodshed .... blood has been shed in the name of freedom.
what better way to honor those that lost their lives than to take a knee in front of her flag and FIGHT for the freedom of the oppressed that LIVE in this country they DIED for.
White ...
1. Purity ... there is very little of that left around. But it does exist in our children before we corrupt them. Should we continue to let things be this way or should we work to make things better ?
2. Vigilance ... we must never become complacent and think "this is america the best place in the world" and never look around and realize there is still much to be improved upon. Sometimes we need that guy up on the podium raising his fist, so we ask question of ourselves about our country and does it REALLY hold up the standards it is supposed to? Whatever standards those are, should we not pay attention to disparities in those standards to different groups of citizens ?
Blue ... (this is the one most people should REALLY pay attention too to GRASP the understanding that these players are right in their actions)
1. Justice ... justice because it is the basis of our country. It's probably the NUMBER one thing that gives FREEDOM any meaning at all. For if there is no justice, there is no freedom.
and it's Ironic that these players are most certainly being unjustly vilified for pointing out the injustices to OTHERS by people that CLAIM to be patriots.
2. Perseverance ... perseverance is a good trait. Lots of people can't handle the heat, lots of people I personally know and grew up with sold out their ideals along the way because it was the easy way ... They like to try and fool themselves and appease their consciences by saying things like "We Grew Up" ... No they didn't, they lacked what these players still have ..namely
Courage, Hardiness and the Perseverance to help make a difference is someone else's life, no matter what it cost them.
.. and that my friends, is real Patriotism and the absolute highest form of respect and honor one can extend in front of the flag that's very definition is being ignored by others ...
Show YOUR Flag the respect YOU think it deserves and UNDERSTAND what it stands for and WHY you need to get over your butt hurt and filling my feed with your crying about the players "disrespect" and your drool from cheering on your IGNORANT President that hasn't a clue what YOUR FLAG stands for.
and that's my last speech of the day ... I'm off to do "liberal" things ...have a great Day ! ..:)
By the way , I am the author of my questions.. Why do I feel that even you do not really understand why our countrymen placed our flag in Iwo Jima? We ARE THE UNITED STATES!!!
ARE WE NOT?
Our children do not know. Our flag is a symbol of our United freedom. We stand because we are saying that we will not only stand for our I individual freedom but we stand together to fight and preserve our freedom
We do not stand for any other reason.
To not stand is saying we are giving up that freedom. And if not willing to stand unitedly with us, then they should be shot. They are kneeling to bondage.
the articale was very intrestng and amazing good job!!
that was AMAZING!!!!!
The article was very informative.
I liked the article.
- AUTHOR
By the way, I do not share my articles on other people's articles/blogs/websites. If someone shared it on your article/blog/website, it was not me.
Very informative
Very informative
Angela I liked how you put the states in order!! Keep on making helpful websites! :)
Thanks Angela, this really helped me!
- AUTHOR
Good, how are you? Are you my brother?
amazing
your good
- AUTHOR
Sorry, I own two businesses, homeschool a teenager, home with a toddler, I don't login all the time to approve comments. By the way, I do stand for our national anthem.
My comment hasn't been posted; did I offend; sometimes the " Truth" offends...please respond...2g
To honor the American flag, shows all that you "Love" America; The nfl just proved their disrespect; Actions speak louder than words !!! p.s. They just made little rocket man happy...
Many of us need to read the meaning of the Star Spangle Banner, and read the meaning what the United States of America Flag. Please work together, and stop bickering.
This land was taken over from the natives!!! Can you say terrorist!!!
- AUTHOR
I have never heard this.
The Fourth of July was generally celebrated as America's birthday, yet the possibility of a yearly day particularly commending the Banner is accepted to have first begun in 1885. BJ Cigrand, a teacher, organized the students in the Fredonia, Wisconsin State funded School, Area 6, to watch June 14 (the 108th commemoration of the official selection of The American Flag) as 'Banner Birthday'. In various magazines and daily paper articles and open locations over the next years, Cigrand proceeded to energetically advocate the recognition of June 14 as 'Banner Birthday', or 'Banner Day'.
- AUTHOR
Thank you, I will correct that!
Hi Angela, good information as well as Scott updates. I wanted to point out one thing I noticed, Tennessee is misspelled on the 1818-1819 20 stars on the states added. Just FYI
Several statements offer misrepresented or ill-researched information. The statement about the stars is flat out wrong. The stars are called "mullets" from ancient heraldry. The United States Army Institute of Heraldry is the official heraldic authority for the US:
In heraldry, the term star may refer to any star-shaped charge with any number of rays, which may appear straight or wavy, and may or may not be pierced. While there has been much confusion between the two due to their similar shape, a star with straight-sided rays is usually called a mullet (or "molet") while one with wavy rays is usually called an estoile.
While a mullet may have any number of points, it is presumed to have five unless otherwise specified in the blazon. Estoiles, however, are presumed to have six rays and have not been found pierced. [Five-pointed] pierced mullets are called spur revel, while ones that are not pierced are called a star.
Blasons (shields & flags) and crests go back to early medieval history.
Not only do shapes have meanings in heraldry, but so do colors. 1777 June 14 – the Continental Congress adopts the following: "_Resolved_, That the flag of the thirteen United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, silver in a blue field, representing a new constellation."
The House of Representatives publishes a book about the flag: "The star is a symbol of the heavens and the divine goal to which man has aspired from time immemorial; the stripe is symbolic of the rays of light emanating from the sun."
The color of red represents the blood spilled and valor of the people that fought and died to create the new nation, white signifies purity and innocence of the new nation, blue the infinite vastness of the creator, and silver the strength and integrity of the individual states joined together shining and reflecting their oneness in the new light.
According to the Institute of Hearaldry, “The placing of a fringe on Our Flag is optional with the person of organization, and no Act of Congress or Executive Order either prohibits the practice. Fringe is used on indoor flags only, as fringe on flags on outdoor flags would deteriorate rapidly. The fringe on a Flag is considered and honorable enrichment only'.” It has been said that the gold color represents the richness of the natural resources of this nation.
The claim that the seamstress Elizabeth “Betsy” Griscom-Ross sewed the first American flag is widely discredited by historians. It is a popular legend promulgated by her descendants, specifically her grandson, William J. Canby, who stated before the Historical Society of Pennsylvania that Ross told him on her deathbed that she made the first American flag by hand. There is proof that she did make flags for the Pennsylvania State Navy and there are receipts which show her compensation for those flags.
U.S. Flag etiquette: http://www.military.com/flag-day/flag-ettiquette-d...
It was good what you said and It gave me a lot of information
this was awsome
- AUTHOR
Thank you for letting me know. I will look into that and possibly make those adjustments.
Great historical information. However, that is not the original pledge of allegiance from 1892. It is: "I pledge allegiance to my Flag and the Republic for which it stands- one nation indivisible-with liberty and justice for all."
This was wonderful!!!
I decided to look up the meaning regarding the American Flag after seeing a post on Facebook about wanting to punish people who burn the American Flag. My Nephew was one of five killed about three weeks ago in Afghanistan, being blown up by a suicide bomber who walked in to the Bagram base there heading for the Pavillion with several hundred soldiers waiting to do a post Veterans day run. Being startled by my Nephew and a few others, the bomber was forced to detonate early...before reaching the Pavillion, which saved numerous maybe even hundreds of soldiers' lives Many people do not know the meaning of the American Flag and what it represents. This is a great article on our Flag. Now I know the meaning of the folds for the Flag and what it meant for my brother to receive a folded one after my Nephew died. GOOD JOB!
America has never been a free country. Look back at the lives that the slaves had. Anyone who think that they are free have a strange definition of freedom. Even now people of different races are not treated equally and are not able to do things freely.
I thought there were 13 folds when folding the American flag.
- AUTHOR
I'm curious about your flag? Know any facts there?
I hardly knew any of this stuff about the American flag--I had heard the story of Betsy Ross, though. She is famous, even in Canada!
- AUTHOR
Thank you for your kind words.
Wonderful hub with important information and the chart is awesome. Way to go!
- AUTHOR
Thank you so much all, especially you teaches! I really appreciate your compliments!
Love your chart history on the stars in regards to states added. This is well researched and very entertaining -- not to mention educational. Your description of the flag colors is also a great add to the content.
I probably know a bit less about your flag that your other commentators, so this was really interesting. Great job!
This is a great hub for this time of year! I too did not know about the meanings behind each fold of the flag. How fascinating!
- AUTHOR
Thank you both of you. I appreciate your comments.
Interesting and educationional hub. I had no idea the folds in the flag had meanings. I hope no one ever changes them.
Well done hub, Angela...voted up, useful, beautiful, and interesting. I just learned a BUNCH of stuff! Enjoy your day.
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