American flag

American Flag

The American Flag, also known as the Star-Spangled Banner or the Old Glory, is the national flag of the United States of America. It consists of thirteen equal horizontal stripes of red (top and bottom) alternating with white, with a blue rectangle in the canton (referred to specifically as the "union") bearing fifty small, white, five-pointed stars arranged in nine offset horizontal rows, where rows of six stars (top and bottom) alternate with rows of five stars.

History

The American Flag was first adopted on June 14, 1777, by resolution of the Second Continental Congress. The thirteen stripes represent the thirteen British colonies that declared independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain, and became the first states in the U.S. The stars represent the 50 states of the union. The colors of the flag are symbolic as well; red symbolizes hardiness and valor, white symbolizes purity and innocence, and blue represents vigilance, perseverance and justice.

Design

The design of the American Flag has been modified 26 times officially, since 1777. The 48-star flag was in effect for 47 years until the 49-star version became official on July 4, 1959. The 50-star flag was ordered by President Eisenhower on August 21, 1959, and was adopted in July 1960. It is the longest-used version of the U.S. flag and has been in use for over 60 years.

Flag Etiquette

The American Flag is traditionally flown from sunrise to sunset. It can be flown at night if properly illuminated. The flag should not be flown in inclement weather unless it is an all-weather flag. It is flown at half-staff to show respect or mourning.

See Also

• Flag of the United States
• Betsy Ross
• Flag Day (United States)