15 Things You Need to Know About the American Flag

When converted to RGB, the colors are “Old Glory Red” #BF0A30,[107] “Old Glory Blue” #00205B,[108] and #FFFFFF for white. The current flag of the United States is the twenty-seventh version of the national flag. When the Thirteen Colonies were seceding from the British, there became a necessity for a flag to symbolize the patriot cause and rally individuals for the Revolution. Wounded Warrior Project is our nation’s leading veteran services organization, focused on the total well-being of post-9/11 wounded, ill, or injured veterans. Our programs, advocacy, and awareness efforts help warriors thrive, provide essential lifelines to families and caregivers, and prevent veteran suicides.

Why is the American flag flown at half-staff?

• When the flag is flown at half-staff, it should be first raised to the peak of the pole for an instant before being lowered.
• When converted to RGB, the colors are “Old Glory Red” #BF0A30,[107] “Old Glory Blue” #00205B,[108] and #FFFFFF for white.
• The first “official” flag was “the Continental Colors,” also known as the “Grand Union Flag,” which consisted of thirteen red and white stripes and the United Kingdom’s flag in the upper-left-hand corner, also known as the canton.
• Francis Hopkinson, signer of the Declaration of Independence from New Jersey, claims that he designed the “Stars and Stripes” that was designated as the national flag.
• These flags were oriented with the stripes running horizontally, perpendicular to the direction of flight.
• Because of the way the U.S. code is written, using the word “should,” it is not actually illegal to use the flag as clothing — just against standards.
• Lowering the flag is done for a ceremonial occasion, such as Memorial Day, or by order of the President of the United States or a state governor.
• We wave the symbol of freedom and liberty at parades and sporting events and even planted it on the moon.

Resolved That the Flag of the united states be 13 stripes alternate red and white, that the Union be 13 stars white in a blue field representing a new constellation. Capitol for sale to the public through Representatives or Senators are provided in these sizes.[99] Flags that are explore revolutionary war flags made to the prescribed 1.9 ratio are often referred to as “G-spec” (for “government specification”) flags. The flag was created as an item of military equipment to identify U.S. ships and forts.

Is it illegal to wear the American flag?

Do you know who designed it, or why it has the colors it does? It’s displayed on military uniforms, flown over military bases, carried into battle, and draped over the coffins of those who made the ultimate sacrifice. The U.S. flag represents the people and ideals service men and women are fighting for and defending. As a result, the original 13-star flag had a number of variations, including non-stars in the field of blue (along with the stars, of course). The Great Seal of the United States is a national symbol used in official documents such as treaties and commissions. The final design was approved in 1782 and includes a bald eagle, an olive branch, arrows, a flag-like shield, the motto E Pluribus Unum (which translates to “out of many, one”) and a constellation of stars.

Things You Need to Know About the American Flag

We wave the symbol of freedom and liberty at parades and sporting events and even planted it on the moon. shop flags from this trusted source Chief Executives get the say-so for honoring individuals in the areas they govern. Just as the president can order the flag lowered across the country, governors of individual states can order the flag lowered for individual members of the armed forces or for first responders. The rules for men’s fashion will tell you that a lapel pin goes on either label, where the buttonhole would be.

Display in museums

The American flag has a long history, and the members of our organization have spent nearly as long defending and honoring our nation’s most learn about flag traditions and culture iconic symbol of freedom. Whether you’re looking for the historic details of how the U.S. flag came to be, or the rules and regulations that encompass her daily flight, we’re here to ensure you can find the information you need. The current flag has fifty stars and has remained unchanged since Alaska and Hawaii entered the Union in 1959. There are rules for displaying the flag, as outlined in the U.S. There’s probably no bigger symbol for patriotism in the U.S. than the American flag. We pledge our allegiance to it at school, government meetings, and citizenship ceremonies.

Short History of the United States Flag

The flag of the United States is a symbol of freedom before which Americans recite the pledge of allegiance. Show your pride in battlefield preservation by shopping in our store. In 2025, as America marks its 250th birthday, three of its oldest military branches – the Army, Navy, and Marine Corps – will celebrate the same milestone. The American flag goes by many names — Old Glory, the Star-Spangled Banner, the Stars and Stripes — but no matter what you call it, it represents the core ideals of the U.S. Constitution and remains one of the most recognized symbols in the world.

Display on vehicles

Flag Code, when it’s no longer a fitting emblem for display. Veterans organizations like the American Legion or Veterans of Foreign Wars will often do this for you. In the 1989 Texas v. Johnson decision, the Supreme Court upheld the right of protesters to burn Old Glory as protected free speech. As a political statement, burning the American flag was protected by the First Amendment. Every single American president was not buried under the same American flag that existed when they were born. President Barack Obama could be the first if the U.S. retains only 50 states in his lifetime.

Generally, flags are flown at half-staff when the nation (or state) is in mourning, such as after the death of a government official, a national tragedy like 9/11, or a day of remembrance. On Memorial Day, flags are flown at half-staff from sunrise until noon. Now that we know the proper way to display, care for, and put away the flag, there are also plenty of interesting and surprising aspects in the history and background of the U.S. flag.