From country cottages to the cosmos, the American flag has stood as a symbol of the nation. Yet, for nearly a quarter of a century, this tapestry of pride and politics has evolved. Why was the flag designed with those colors? Why doesn’t the flag fly 24 hours a day? We honor the stars and stripes with solemn ceremonies, yet it’s sold for cheap on swim trunks that we sit on and paper napkins we throw away. It has become a shining beacon of contradiction.
So, we have questions.
What do the elements of the American flag mean?
The flag’s 13 red and white stripes represent the nation’s original 13 colonies. The 50 stars represent each state in the union. The last time a star was added was when Hawaii became a state in 1960. According to USA.gov, each color has a meaning: red for valor, white for purity and innocence, and blue for perseverance and justice.
Who designed the original American flag?
Betsy Ross has long been known as the original creator of the first official American flag. However, historians have since questioned this narrative, according to the Smithsonian National Postal Museum. Historians now credit Francis Hopkinson – one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence – with designing America’s first flag.
Who designed the current American flag?
The modern American flag was actually designed for an Ohio high school assignment and originally received a B-. In 1958, the United States only had 48 states, but Bob G. Heft wanted to see what the flag would look like with 50 stars if Hawaii and Alaska became states. His teacher was unimpressed with the finished product, but promised a better grade if he could convince the government to use his flag. After two years, calls and letters to the president, and Alaska and Hawaii joining the union, Heft got his A, according to the Michigan House resolution approved in honor of Heft.
How should the flag be displayed?
For groups like the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), there are strict rules of etiquette for displaying the stars and stripes, including flying it aloft and free — except in emergencies — and never lying down; keeping it clean and off the ground, and not drawing or marking on it.
Can you modify the American flag design?
U.S. Flag code notes the American flag should not be drawn or marked on. However, the Supreme Court in several cases has struck down any improper use or desecration of the flag on the grounds of free speech, according to the Library of Congress’ most frequently asked questions about flag law.
Are you allowed to wear the flag?
U.S. flag code does prohibit the wearing of the American flag as clothing:
Section 8. Respect for flag(d) The flag should never be used as wearing apparel, bedding, or drapery.
The same code also bars using the American flag in advertising.
(i) The flag should never be used for advertising purposes in any manner whatsoever. It should not be embroidered on such articles as cushions or handkerchiefs and the like, printed or otherwise impressed on paper napkins or boxes or anything that is designed for temporary use and discarded. Advertising signs should not be fastened to a staff or halyard from which the flag is flown.
However, the Library of Congress also notes the Supreme Court considers wearing the flag an act of free speech that is protected by the First Amendment.
But if you are current or former member of the military, there are guidelines as to how you should wear a flag or flag patch:
(j) No part of the flag should ever be used as a costume or athletic uniform. However, a flag patch may be affixed to the uniform of military personnel, firemen, policemen, and members of patriotic organizations. The flag represents a living country and is itself considered a living thing. Therefore, the lapel flag pin being a replica, should be worn on the left lapel near the heart.
When and how do you properly dispose of a flag?
According to the U.S. flag code:
(k) The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.
However, sites such as the American Legion or the VFW do not list guidelines as to when a flag should be discarded. Dirty or dusty flags can be washed or dry cleaned, and there are no provisions against mending or repairing a flag, according to the American Legion.
Are you allowed to burn the flag as a form of protest?
Burning the flag in protest is an act protected by the First Amendment, according to the Supreme Court. Congress attempted to pass a law against flag burning, the Flag Protection Act of 1989, but it was struck down by the Supreme Court.
How do you fold the American flag?
The VFW has a very helpful visual, step-by-step guide. Start with the flag flat, then bring the edge of the striped portion over the blue field. Take the folded edge and fold it again lengthwise. With the blue field on the right, take the edge of the striped portion and fold it over into a triangle, then repeat until the red and white parts of the flag are completely folded into the blue.
Which family member gets the flag at a military funeral?
Spouses or next of kin of honorably discharged veterans who have died are given the American flag as part of the Military Funeral Honors Program, which requires documentation and at least two to three days to coordinate resources for a military funeral honors detail, according to Military One Source and the Department of Veterans Affairs. The military funeral honors at a service will include an honor guard with at least two members of the military, one of whom will represent the decedent’s branch of service, the playing of Taps and the folding and presentation of one American flag to the next of kin, according to the VA.
Do you have to fly the American flag at certain hours?
According to the VA, it is customary to fly the flag from sunrise to sunset. If it can be illuminated properly, it may fly 24 hours a day.
When and why does the American flag fly at half-staff?
According to a proclamation by President Dwight Eisenhower, the flag should be flown at half-staff for 30 days after the death of a president or former president, and for 10 days following the death of a vice president, a chief justice, former chief justice or speaker of the House. There are further guidelines for other government officials.