10 Facts About the American Flag You Probably Didn’t Know
The American flag is a symbol of freedom, will, and the strength of the United States and should be flown with respect and pride. There are many fascinating facts that surround the flag from the very first design in 1777 which featured 13 States, to the time of day a flag should be raised and lowered.
The following are 10 facts about the flag that you may not know:
The current flag was designed by a student
The current design of the American flag was not professionally made but was an entry by a high school student in a contest set up by the president.
The first flag had 13 stripes and 13 stars
The very first flag was a symbol of the 13 colonies that combined to form the very first United States in 1777. Since then, another 37 States have hopped on board creating the flag that we see now.
The current flag is the only design that has lasted for 50 years
There have been many different variations of the American flag since 1777 as more States were added on to make the 50 stars that make up the modern flag. The current design is the only one that has never changed in the last half-century.
You can still use a flag if it touches the ground
It is widely believed that if a flag touches the ground, it must be disposed of, but that is not true. It can still be used, it just needs to be washed first before being displayed again.
The flag can be displayed 24 hours a day
Ordinarily, the flag should be raised at sunrise and lowered at sunset, folded and then stored safely until the next day. The American flag can be flown 24 hours a day if properly lit from all sides so it can be viewed in its entirety. The flag should never be flown in the dark.
The colors red, white and blue all have significance
The red, white, and blue on the American flag were chosen for a reason. Red signifies valor and hardiness, white signifies purity and innocence, and blue is for justice, vigilance and perseverance. These meanings were explained in 1782 when the same colors were chosen for the great seal of the United States.
The flag has its own day
June 14th, 1777 is when the Flag Resolution passed adopting the red, white and blue flag with 13 stars and stripes.
There is a specific way to discard an American flag
It is thought that burning an American flag is a disrespectful way to treat the flag, but it is actually the way it should be disposed of. When a flag is tattered and beyond repair and needs to be gotten rid of, there are places that will take these flags and burn them responsibly. When your flag is no longer usable and you are looking at where to buy an American flag, take a look at the high-quality flags at Allegiance Flag Supply. They are 100% American-made with materials procured in the United States and stitched by Americans who lost their jobs to overseas companies.
6 American flags have made it to the moon
The very first American flag to make it to the moon was planted by Neil Armstrong on July 20th, 1969 on Apollo 11. Five other Apollo missions subsequently also made it to the moon and planted their own flags for a total of 6.
The flag should never be used for anything other than a flag
It is disrespectful to use the American flag for anything other than its original purpose. Using it as a costume, tablecloth, or any other such purpose is strictly forbidden.
The flag is a symbol of this great nation and if you choose to fly one, you should understand the history as well as the rules of the American flag. The history of the flag begins in 1777 with the adoption of the very first American flag which was an exciting time for this country. When you fly this beacon of democracy, it should be with respect and pride.
