Flag Facts

History of the American Flag

The History of the American Flag

The events of September 11, 2001 have changed our world forever. There has been an increase in the display of the American Flag and patriotism. Lets learn about the history of the flag and the proper way to display it.

The Flag was born in revolutionary America and represents the colonies' fight for independence. Congress first authorized the flag on June 14, 1777. This date is now observed as Flag Day throughout America. It was first stated that there be a star and stripe for each state, making thirteen of both. The first flag rose over thirteen states along the Atlantic Coast with a population of three million people.

The colors of the flag have special meaning. The red is for valor and zeal - white is for hope, purity, and cleanliness of life - and blue, the color of heaven, loyalty, sincerity, justice, and truth.

The name "OLD GLORY" was given to our National Flag on August 10, 1831.

The United States Flag is unique in the deep and noble message to the entire world, a message of national independence of individual liberty of idealism and of patriotism.

The flag means the spirit of liberty and human freedom: a unique ideal of equal opportunity for life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Its spirit is the spirit of the American Nation. Its history is the history of the American people. Veterans have died defending our flag. The flag is a sign made visible of the strong spirit that has brought freedom to Americans.

DISPLAY OF OUR FLAG

Display of the American flag is usually from sunrise to sunset. An exception to this would be for patriotic effect. The flag may be flown 24 hours a day with proper light during the hours of darkness. The flag should be displayed all days especially on New Year's Day, January 20th Inauguration Day, Lincoln's Birthday, Washington's Birthday, Easter Sunday, Mother's Day, Armed Forces Day, Memorial Day, Flag Day, the Fourth of July, Labor Day, Constitution Day, Columbus Day, Navy Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.

The flag should be displayed daily on or near the main administration building of every public place, near every polling place on election days and during school days in or near every schoolhouse. The flag when flown at half-staff should be hoisted to the top for a moment, and then lowered to the half-staff position. The flag should then be raised to the top before it is lowered for the day.

On Memorial Day, the flag should be displayed at half-staff until noon only, then raised to the top of the flagpole. By order of the President, the flag shall be flown at half-staff upon the death of a principal figure of the United States government and the Governor of a State or Territory as a mark of respect to their memory.

When two or more flags are flown from the same pole, the American flag is always on top. On a stage, the flag should be placed to the speaker's right. When the National Anthem is played and the flag is displayed, all present should stand at attention, facing the flag with their right hand over their heart. When the flag is used to cover a casket, the stars are at the head over the left shoulder. The flag should not be lowered into a grave or allowed to touch the ground.

The flag should always be properly folded when carried.

When a flag is torn or worn, it is usually burned at the end of a Flag Day ceremony.