The flag is perhaps one of the most emblematic symbols of America. For many Americans, the flag represents cherished values, such as freedom, liberty, and democracy, and is a display of nationalism, pride, and loyalty. Read below some interesting facts you might not have known about the flag, its history, and its role in modern discourse.
Flag Day was declared by President Truman in August 1949.
A well-known nickname for the American flag is “Old Glory.” The nickname was first used by sea captain William Driver. His mother gave him a flag that he put on his ship and had it during his career at sea.
“Driver was deeply attached to the flag, writing: “It has ever been my staunch companion and protection. Savages and heathens, lowly and oppressed, hailed and welcomed it at the far end of the wide world. Then, why should it not be called Old Glory?”
In June 1777, the then Continental Congress officially established a flag for the U.S. consisting of thirteen red and white alternating stripes and thirteen stars on a blue background.
Betsy Ross is believed to be the first person to have sewn the original American flag in 1776, though this story is not completely verifiable.
The American national anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner,” was composed by Francis Scott Key during the War of 1812. Today, the anthem is sung at sporting events, such as the Super Bowl, graduations, and other large gatherings, always with the American flag in sight.
As you no doubt can tell, the American flag is composed of three main colors: red, white, and blue. The red stands for hardiness and valor, the blue stands for vigilance, perseverance, and justice, and the white stands for purity and innocence. The 50 stars stand for the 50 states while the 13 horizontal red and white alternating stripes represent the original 13 colonies.
The current American flag with 50 stars is believed to have been designed by high schooler Robert Heft in 1958 (though this story has been challenged). Though there were only 48 states at the time, Heft predicted there would be two more, and he was correct!
The Pledge of Allegiance was written in 1892 by Francis Bellamy. It is commonly recited each morning in American classrooms, with students standing and placing their right hand over their hearts and facing the flag. The pledge reads: “I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America//And to the Republic for which it stands//One nation, under God, one and indivisible.” The addition of “under God” was only added in 1954 during the Cold War as a way for America to distinguish itself from the then Soviet Union.
In 1969, Neil Armstrong was the first American to plant the American flag in space.
Can an American burn the flag? According to the 1989 U.S. Supreme Court case, Texas v. Johnson, the answer is “yes.” Flag burning is considered to be symbolic speech, which is protected by the First Amendment.
There is a rather strict set of flag etiquette. For example, the flag should never touch the ground, be flown in stormy weather, be flown at night (except when illuminated), or be flown beneath any other flag in the United States.
According to the official United States Flag Code, the stars and stripes should not be worn on any apparel except by military personnel, firefighters, police officers, and members of patriotic organizations.
There are rules as to the maintenance as well. If a flag can’t be repaired and no longer used, it must be destroyed in a respectful manner - burning.
Military uniforms wear the flag patch backward. This doesn’t mean their uniform is put on inside-out. There is a reason for that. Flag patches on military uniforms should be worn with the star field always facing front in order to mimic a flag blowing in the wind as soldiers charge into battle.
The American flag has inspired lots of fashion. For national holidays, such as the Fourth of July, you can find flag designs on swim trunks, towels, bathing suits, party favors, banners, and stickers.
Vocabulary List:
Emblematic (adj.): symbolic
Cherished (adj.): of great value or importance
Prominently (adj.): front and center, at the fore
Discourse (n.): debate
Verifiable (adj.): able to be checked to see if something is true or accurate
Brutality (n.): violence
Hardiness (n.): strength
Valor (n.): courage
Vigilance (n.): watchfulness
Purity (n.): untouched, clean
Indivisible (adj.): unable to be separated or divided
Etiquette (n.): a rather strict set of rules or protocol
Trunks (n.): shorts, typically for males
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
A Texas native, Bianca Navia is currently in her senior year at Arizona State University pursuing a dual major in Political Science and Global Studies. She is most passionate about international affairs, diplomacy, foreign languages, traveling, and teaching. A fun fact about her? She’s the oldest of four sisters in a big Cuban-Italian-American family!