The American flag has represented our nation for nearly 250 years. From waving proudly after a night of bombardment in the War of 1812 to being mounted on the rubble of the World Trade Center, it is a signal of hope, democracy, and freedom for both Americans and throughout the world.
As you learn more about our country and its history, you’ll find that there are many facts about the American flag that will amaze and surprise you. Keep reading to find out more!
1. Colors and Symbolism
The colors and symbols are some of the most important facts about the American flag. It was carefully designed as a representation of the values and history of our country.
Other facts about the American flag stripes are that every flag has had thirteen stripes of red and white. These symbolize the thirteen original colonies that declared independence from England in 1776. It also has a blue field in the upper left corner, known as the union. Nowadays, there are 50 stars, one for each state.
The colors are also significant. The white represents purity and innocence, the blue is for justice, and the red stands for valor or bravery.
2. There Have Been 27 Official Versions
We celebrate Flag Day on June 14th each year. This date marks when the Second Continental Congress adopted the official version of the American flag. Nowadays, June 14th is a day to celebrate this occasion by displaying your red, white, and blue.
Some facts about the first American flag is that it had thirteen stars in a circle in the blue union and thirteen stripes alternating red and white.
The current version of the flag, with fifty stars, is the longest-lasting version. It was designed by a 17-year old high school student, Robert G. Heft from Ohio, for a school project. He received a B- from his teacher, who said it was unoriginal.
After Hawaii joined as our 50th state, President Eisenhower selected Heft’s design as the country’s official version. When it was officially adopted on July 4, 1960, his grade was raised to an A.
3. A Flag Inspired the Star-Spangled Banner
Francis Scott Key penned the famous words of the national anthem on September 14th, 1814. It was during the War of 1812 between the U.S. and Britain, and he was negotiating the release of an American prisoner of war aboard a British ship.
However, they were not allowed to depart until after the British had finished their attack on Fort McHenry in Maryland. After a night of bombing, they were unsuccessful and Key saw a flag still proudly waving the next morning.
Key wrote the lyrics of what would become the Star-Spangled Banner, but the music is actually from a popular British drinking song at the time.
While the lyrics of the Star-Spangled Banner were written in 1814, it wasn’t officially adopted as the American National Anthem until 1931.
4. Flag Etiquette
In 1942, Franklin D. Roosevelt passed the Flag Code, which dictates the proper handling and display of the American Flag. There are a lot of cool facts about the American flag and its display, including when it should be flown at half-staff, and when and how to properly hang it.
A few highlights include:
Specific Days
While you can fly a flag every day of the year if you want, there are a few specific days when you should make sure to hang your flag outside your home. These include Memorial Day, Flag Day, the 4th of July, and Labor Day.
If the weather is bad on one of these days, such as rain, hail, or snow, you should not hang the flag outside in those conditions.
Specific Times
The Flag Code also states that flags should be hung up between sunrise and sunset. You shouldn’t leave a flag up overnight unless it is properly illuminated.
There are a few locations where the flag is always flown, 24 hours a day. The White House, Fort McHenry in Baltimore, and the U.S. Capitol building are just a few of them.
Proper Disposal
When a flag becomes tattered or too worn out to be flown with dignity, it should be ceremonially destroyed. The preferred method is burning.
If you’re not comfortable undertaking a disposal ceremony on your own, you can call a local American Legion. They will often take flags to properly destroy.
Correct Mannerisms
It is also considered proper to stand up flags and put your hand over your heart as a sign of respect when the national anthem plays.
5. Largest American Flag
The largest flag in existence is known as Superflag and weighs 3,000 pounds. It measures 505 feet long by 255 feet high and takes 600 people to unfurl.
The Superflag is used at Superbowls and the World Series, as well as military celebrations and events.
6. There Are Six Flags on the Moon
The first U.S. flag was placed on the moon by Buzz Aldrin and Neil Armstrong during the Apollo 11 mission in 1969. You can probably recall the grainy footage of those first historic steps and the patriotic calling card the astronauts left behind!
Since then, another five Apollo missions have left flags behind as evidence of their moon landings. To date, the U.S. is the only country to have landed astronauts on the lunar surface.
7. Betsy Ross May Be More Myth Than Fact
Even from a young age, we are often taught that Betsy Ross is responsible for designing and sewing the first American flag. And while there are many fun facts about the American flag, there isn’t a lot of evidence to back up this story.
It is documented that Betsy Ross was a professional seamstress and upholsterer. She also was paid for sewing flags during the American Revolution. But the story of her being the first to sew what became the Betsy Ross flag didn’t become popular until nearly a century later.
So while we can’t rule out that Betsy was responsible for sewing the first flag, there isn’t a lot of evidence to support the popular story.
Want More Facts About the American Flag?
If you’re an American history buff, you’ll know that these facts are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to learning the storied history of our flag. There are many more fascinating facts about the American flag that you can learn!
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