The American Flag: A Guide to the Stars and Stripes, Its Meaning, and Proper Etiquette
American flag is one of the most recognizable symbols in the world. Affectionately known as the “Stars and Stripes” or “Old Glory,” it stands as a powerful emblem of freedom, unity, and the enduring spirit of the United States of America. More than just a piece of cloth, the flag represents the nation’s history, its ideals, and the sacrifices made by generations of Americans to defend its principles.
For every citizen, understanding the history, symbolism, and respectful etiquette surrounding the American flag is a civic duty and a point of pride. This guide provides a complete overview of what the flag represents and how to display it with the honor it deserves.
The Anatomy of the Flag: Symbolism of the Stars and Stripes
Every element of the American flag’s design is rich with meaning, telling the story of the nation’s past and present.
- The 50 Stars: The blue rectangle in the canton (the upper left corner) is called the “Union.” It holds 50 white, five-pointed stars, one for each of the 50 states that make up the United States.
- The 13 Stripes: The flag features 13 horizontal stripes that alternate between red and white (seven red and six white). These stripes represent the original 13 colonies that rebelled against British rule and became the first states in the Union.
- The Colors: The colors of the flag were not chosen randomly. They have a specific meaning as defined by the Founding Fathers:
- Red symbolizes hardiness and valor.
- White symbolizes purity and innocence.
- Blue symbolizes vigilance, perseverance, and justice.
A Brief History of the American Flag
The design of the American flag has evolved as the nation itself has grown.
The first official flag of the United States was established by the Flag Act of 1777, passed by the Second Continental Congress on June 14, 1777. This is why June 14th is celebrated as Flag Day in the United States. This first flag featured 13 stars and 13 stripes to represent the 13 colonies.
As new states were admitted to the Union, a new star was added to the flag on the Fourth of July following their admission. The number of stripes was returned to 13 to honor the original colonies. The current 50-star version of the American flag has been in use since July 4, 1960, after Hawaii became the 50th state.
How to Properly Display and Respect the Flag: U.S. Flag Code Etiquette
The United States Flag Code is a set of federal guidelines for the proper handling and display of the American flag. While it is not enforceable with penalties, it serves as a guide for showing respect.
Key “Do’s”
- Do display the flag from sunrise to sunset. If displayed at night, it must be properly illuminated.
- Do raise the flag briskly and lower it ceremoniously.
- Do display the flag on all national and state holidays.
- When displayed on a wall (either horizontally or vertically), the blue Union field should always be in the upper-left corner.
- When displayed with other flags on the same staff, the U.S. flag should always be at the peak.
Key “Don’ts”
- Don’t let the flag touch the ground or any other surface beneath it.
- Don’t use the flag as apparel, bedding, or drapery.
- Don’t use the flag for any advertising purposes.
- Don’t place any mark, insignia, letter, or drawing of any kind on the flag.
- Don’t display a flag that is worn, torn, or faded. When a flag is no longer in a fitting condition for display, it should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.
The Pledge of Allegiance
The Pledge of Allegiance is a traditional expression of loyalty to the nation and its flag. When reciting the pledge, individuals should stand at attention, face the flag, and place their right hand over their heart.
“I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”
The American flag is a living symbol of the country’s history, its democratic principles, and its enduring promise of liberty. Treating it with respect is a way of honoring the nation and all those who have served it.