The American Flag

Did you know?
The United States Army Institute of Heraldry has plans for flags with up to 56 stars using a similar staggered star arrangement in case additional states accede.

America's Symbols of Freedom:

National Flag Day!

America has many symbols from the bald eagle as our National bird to the American Flag. We have a celebration for our Independence every July 4th. The United States also has a day celebrating our flag. It is June 14th and is called Flag Day.

The origins of Flag day started with the adoption of the United States flag (commonly called the Stars and Stripes) in the year 1777. But it wasn’t until 1885 (108 years later) that the Flag’s birthday was celebrated.

It wasn’t until fifty years later that it was officially declared in 1946 by President Truman. June 14 has been recognized as National Flag Day.

Fun Flag Facts

It’s the symbol of our country, but how much do you really know about the history of the stars and stripes? Challenge your friends with these fun flag facts.

There was no uniform design or shape to the U.S. flag until an executive order of June 24, 1912. Consequently, flags dating prior to this period sometimes show somewhat odd arrangements and shapes of stars.
The original flag, with thirteen stars representing the original thirteen colonies was used from 1777 until 1795.
New stars are added to the flag on the July 4th following the admission of each new state.
The white on the flag signifies purity and innocence; the red, hardiness and valor; and the blue, vigilance perseverance, and justice.
The five-pointed star, used on the American flag, was relatively rare until its use in 1777. It has since been used on many flags around the world.
On Memorial Day, it is proper to fly the flag at half-staff until noon in honor of America’s fallen service men and women.
“The Star-Spangled Banner,” written by Francis Scott Key, actually has four verses. Who knew?
Originally, a new star and a new stripe were to be added for each new state, but at fifteen, it was starting to get impractical and the stripes went back to thirteen, signifying the original thirteen colonies.
American citizens can purchase flags that have flown over the Capital building by applying to their Congressman or Congresswoman.
The original “Star-Spangled Banner,” that flew over Fort McHenry, was made by Mary Pickersgill of Baltimore, Maryland in 1813. It measured 30 by 42 feet and she was paid $405.90 for her efforts