Red, white and blue is another name for the majestic flag of the United
States. To learn
some trivia about the flag, scroll below.
The best and most well-known symbol of the United States is its flag. The
distinctive coloring and figures on it, emphasize an American presence. As a
symbol of national pride, there is none other, save the bald eagle. There are
so many interesting facts about the United States flag,
from its dimensions and origins, the etiquette to be followed, to the rich history of the United States flag. Your knowledge of United States facts is incomplete without trivia about the flag.
Facts About the United States Flag - Features
★ Nicknames: The Stars and Stripes; Red, White and Blue; Old Glory; The Star Spangled Banner.
★ The moniker "Old Glory" was given by Captain Stephen Driver in 1831.
★ It is made up of 13 equal horizontal stripes of red and white (alternating), with a blue rectangle in the top-left corner.
★ The blue rectangle has 50 small, white, 5 points stars. They are arranged in 9 horizontal rows of 6 and 5 stars respectively, arranged in an alternate fashion.
★ The stripes stand for the 13 colonies that originally constituted the United States of America. The stars represent the present 50 states of the Union.
★ The common sizes used for the United States Flag are 2x3 ft or 4x6 ft, 2.5x4 ft or 5x8 ft and 3x5 ft or 6x10 ft.
★ The red, white and blue colors on the flag have a special significance set down by the Congress in 1877. Red stands for hardiness and valor. White signifies purity and innocence. Blue represents vigilance, perseverance and justice.
★ Robert E. Peary, an American explorer who reached the North Pole, left fragments of the American flag in the North Pole, at each "farthest norths" reached.
★ The first time and foreign location, where the American flag was flown, was in 1805 at Fort Derne in Tripoli, Libya.
★ The flag flying proud, at Fort McHenry, Baltimore after a British bombardment, inspired Francis Scott Key to write "Star-Spangled Banner" in 1814. But it was recognized as the national anthem in 1931.
Facts About the United States Flag - Etiquette
★ The flag should be flown at full staff, compulsorily on the following days:
from its dimensions and origins, the etiquette to be followed, to the rich history of the United States flag. Your knowledge of United States facts is incomplete without trivia about the flag.
Facts About the United States Flag - Features
★ Nicknames: The Stars and Stripes; Red, White and Blue; Old Glory; The Star Spangled Banner.
★ The moniker "Old Glory" was given by Captain Stephen Driver in 1831.
★ It is made up of 13 equal horizontal stripes of red and white (alternating), with a blue rectangle in the top-left corner.
★ The blue rectangle has 50 small, white, 5 points stars. They are arranged in 9 horizontal rows of 6 and 5 stars respectively, arranged in an alternate fashion.
★ The stripes stand for the 13 colonies that originally constituted the United States of America. The stars represent the present 50 states of the Union.
★ The common sizes used for the United States Flag are 2x3 ft or 4x6 ft, 2.5x4 ft or 5x8 ft and 3x5 ft or 6x10 ft.
★ The red, white and blue colors on the flag have a special significance set down by the Congress in 1877. Red stands for hardiness and valor. White signifies purity and innocence. Blue represents vigilance, perseverance and justice.
★ Robert E. Peary, an American explorer who reached the North Pole, left fragments of the American flag in the North Pole, at each "farthest norths" reached.
★ The first time and foreign location, where the American flag was flown, was in 1805 at Fort Derne in Tripoli, Libya.
★ The flag flying proud, at Fort McHenry, Baltimore after a British bombardment, inspired Francis Scott Key to write "Star-Spangled Banner" in 1814. But it was recognized as the national anthem in 1931.
Facts About the United States Flag - Etiquette
★ The flag should be flown at full staff, compulsorily on the following days:
- New Year's Day (Jan 1st)
- Martin Luther King's birthday (Jan 3rd)
- Inauguration Day (Jan 20, once every 4 years)
- Abraham Lincoln's birthday (Feb 12th)
- President's Day (third Monday of February)
- Armed Forces Day (3rd Saturday of May)
- Flag Day (June 14)
- Independence Day (July 4)
- Labor Day (first Monday of September)
- Constitution Day (17th
September)
- Columbus Day (second Monday of October)
- Navy Day (27th October)
- Veterans Day (November 11)
- Thanksgiving Day (fourth Thursday of November)
★ The flag is flown at half staff, until noon, on Memorial Day, in memory of
those who gave their lives, fighting for the U.S.
★ Other days when the flag is flown at half-mast, are
★ Other days when the flag is flown at half-mast, are
- Peace Officers Memorial Day (May 15)
- Patriot Day (Sept 11)
- Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day (Dec 7)
- When a past or present President, Vice-President,
Chief Justice or Speaker of the House has passed away
- Any day proclaimed by the President
★ The flag is always at half-mast at 3 locations, the Tomb of the Unknown
Soldier, Arlington Cemetery and the Arizona Memorial.
★ A decoration of golden fringe around the perimeter of the flag is permitted, so long as it does not deface or tamper with the flag proper.
★ The flag should never be dipped to any person or thing. It is only allowed in response to a salute from a foreign nation ship.
★ A tattered or decrepit flag should be disposed of in a dignified manner, like burning at a formal ceremony
★ A flag flown upside down is a distress signal.
★ The flag should never be allowed to touch the ground and should be illuminated, if flown at night.
★ The flag can be draped over any deceased person's coffin, according to the Flag Code.
★ The flag should be folded into a triangular shape, for storage. Each fold has a special significance.
★ No other flag should be placed above it. The flag of the United States is always the first flag to be raised, and the last to be lowered.
★ When saluting the flag, civilians should place their right hand over the heart and any head coverings should be removed. Those in the military should give the the formal military salute. Citizens of other countries, should stand at attention.
The above are some facts about the United States flag. Remember that, the flag of a nation is more than just a symbol, it is a living entity, representing the nation, at home and abroad. It is a sign of hope in times of strife, symbol of victory, even when defeat is close and above all, faith and pride, in who you are, and where you belong. Treat such a symbol with reverence and respect.
★ A decoration of golden fringe around the perimeter of the flag is permitted, so long as it does not deface or tamper with the flag proper.
★ The flag should never be dipped to any person or thing. It is only allowed in response to a salute from a foreign nation ship.
★ A tattered or decrepit flag should be disposed of in a dignified manner, like burning at a formal ceremony
★ A flag flown upside down is a distress signal.
★ The flag should never be allowed to touch the ground and should be illuminated, if flown at night.
★ The flag can be draped over any deceased person's coffin, according to the Flag Code.
★ The flag should be folded into a triangular shape, for storage. Each fold has a special significance.
★ No other flag should be placed above it. The flag of the United States is always the first flag to be raised, and the last to be lowered.
★ When saluting the flag, civilians should place their right hand over the heart and any head coverings should be removed. Those in the military should give the the formal military salute. Citizens of other countries, should stand at attention.
The above are some facts about the United States flag. Remember that, the flag of a nation is more than just a symbol, it is a living entity, representing the nation, at home and abroad. It is a sign of hope in times of strife, symbol of victory, even when defeat is close and above all, faith and pride, in who you are, and where you belong. Treat such a symbol with reverence and respect.
American Flag Facts
The American flag is composed of thirteen equal horizontal red stripes that alternate with white ones. A blue-colored rectangle in the upper left quarter of the flag bears fifty white five-pointed stars. They are arranged in nine horizontal rows where the rows containing six stars each, alternate with rows consisting of five stars.
What do these stars and the stripes symbolize? Well, the stars stand for the fifty states of the United States, while the thirteen stripes commemorate the thirteen colonies that rebelled against the British. The flag is popularly accepted as a symbol of the establishment of the US Government and the rights promised to the American citizens through the Bill of Rights. It also represents the principles of individual and personal liberty put forth by the Declaration of Independence. There is no legal definition for the symbolism of the colors used in the American flag. However, it is said that white signifies purity and innocence, red stands for valor and blue for vigilance, perseverance and justice.
There is an interesting story behind the creation of the design of the American flag. It so happened in the 1950s, that President Eisenhower received over 1500 flag design proposals. Most of these proposed designs contained fifty stars, identical to the pattern of stars in the current design. Out of the several proposals for the flag design, the one by Robert Heft, an eighteen-year old boy was widely accepted. He had made the design as a part of his school project, which went on to become the national symbol of his country.
The American flag flutters year-round, atop public buildings. It is flown on private buildings on civic holidays like Memorial Day, President's Day and Independence Day. Small flags are kept near graves of US veterans on Memorial Day. The White House, the Washington Monument and the United States Marine Corps War Memorial are some of the locations of continual display of the American flag. Interestingly, it flutters on the surface of the Moon, in memory of the American astronauts who accomplished the feat of landing on the Moon.
On certain days of national importance, the American flag is flown at half staff. On the Memorial Day, it is flown in half staff till noon. It flutters in half staff on the Patriot Day, the Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day and similarly for 30 days after the death of a President and for 10 days following the death of a Vice President, Chief Justice, member of Cabinet or former Vice President.
There are strict guidelines pertaining to the use and display of the US national flag. By rule, the flag should not dip to any person. It should never be allowed to touch the ground. If the flag is to be flown at night, it should be illuminated. In case of any damage on account of wear and tear, the flag should be repaired. And when beyond repair, it should be destroyed in a dignified way.
The American flag and the symbolism associated with it, is believed to be one of the most complex ones. The flag is an important component of the cultural heritage of the United States of America. Proudly hoisted on tall buildings and historical monuments in the US, it 'oversees' the Americans 'looking up' to it in great admiration.
The American flag is composed of thirteen equal horizontal red stripes that alternate with white ones. A blue-colored rectangle in the upper left quarter of the flag bears fifty white five-pointed stars. They are arranged in nine horizontal rows where the rows containing six stars each, alternate with rows consisting of five stars.
What do these stars and the stripes symbolize? Well, the stars stand for the fifty states of the United States, while the thirteen stripes commemorate the thirteen colonies that rebelled against the British. The flag is popularly accepted as a symbol of the establishment of the US Government and the rights promised to the American citizens through the Bill of Rights. It also represents the principles of individual and personal liberty put forth by the Declaration of Independence. There is no legal definition for the symbolism of the colors used in the American flag. However, it is said that white signifies purity and innocence, red stands for valor and blue for vigilance, perseverance and justice.
There is an interesting story behind the creation of the design of the American flag. It so happened in the 1950s, that President Eisenhower received over 1500 flag design proposals. Most of these proposed designs contained fifty stars, identical to the pattern of stars in the current design. Out of the several proposals for the flag design, the one by Robert Heft, an eighteen-year old boy was widely accepted. He had made the design as a part of his school project, which went on to become the national symbol of his country.
The American flag flutters year-round, atop public buildings. It is flown on private buildings on civic holidays like Memorial Day, President's Day and Independence Day. Small flags are kept near graves of US veterans on Memorial Day. The White House, the Washington Monument and the United States Marine Corps War Memorial are some of the locations of continual display of the American flag. Interestingly, it flutters on the surface of the Moon, in memory of the American astronauts who accomplished the feat of landing on the Moon.
On certain days of national importance, the American flag is flown at half staff. On the Memorial Day, it is flown in half staff till noon. It flutters in half staff on the Patriot Day, the Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day and similarly for 30 days after the death of a President and for 10 days following the death of a Vice President, Chief Justice, member of Cabinet or former Vice President.
There are strict guidelines pertaining to the use and display of the US national flag. By rule, the flag should not dip to any person. It should never be allowed to touch the ground. If the flag is to be flown at night, it should be illuminated. In case of any damage on account of wear and tear, the flag should be repaired. And when beyond repair, it should be destroyed in a dignified way.
The American flag and the symbolism associated with it, is believed to be one of the most complex ones. The flag is an important component of the cultural heritage of the United States of America. Proudly hoisted on tall buildings and historical monuments in the US, it 'oversees' the Americans 'looking up' to it in great admiration.
The national flag of the country signifies the spirit of the country and upholds
the value the nation wishes to exhibit to the whole world. Similarly the
American flag is also an important part of the American culture. Here we would
discuss the history of the U.S. flag, the path that it treaded and the
milestones that were created with its creation.
Description of the U.S. Flag
The flag consists of red horizontal stripes of equal length, alternatively placed with white strips. There is a blue rectangle in the top left hand corner of the flag, which has fifty five-pointed white stars arranged in the nine horizontal rows which have unequal number of stars. There are rows of five stars alternating with the rows of six stars.
The flag of America has developed in its appearance as well as its symbolic meaning in peace and in war. At one point in time the flag had a rattlesnake and the motto written on it was "Don’t tread on me." The fifty states that are represented by the fifty stars on the flag and the thirteen stripes which represent the thirteen colonies that initially rebelled against the British yoke and became the first states of United States of America. The flag has been a uniting factor whenever the country needed a thread that would bind them all together. During the crisis of 09/11 the flag served as the symbol of all Americans who were fighting against terrorism and were coping with the pain that it inflicted.
Background of the American Flag
According to a legend in America it is said that Betsy Ross made the first flag and she was the one who insisted on having five pointed stars on the flag instead of six pointed stars that the President wanted. She was a seamstress whom George Washington knew, the then leader of the Continental Army and he was the one who took a rough design of the flag to this gentlewoman and thus the flag was made. Though this urban legend has never been verified, it still interests enthusiasts.
The fact that is verified is that the first American flag, which was called the Grand Union flag or the Continental Colors, was hoisted at the command of George Washington near his headquarters near Boston on Jan 1st, 1776. The flag has been known as the Stars and the Stripes when the Continental Congress approved it as the first official flag, on June 14th, 1777. That was when the canton with the fifty stars was also introduced in the flag. The canton for the significance that it holds is also known as the "union" and if the canton stands alone it would serve as the maritime flag known as the Union Jack. The stars in the canton kept on increasing as the regions kept on adding to the American union until the last star was added on July 4th, 1960 with the addition of Hawaii as a state.
It is said that when Alaska and Hawaii were added to the states of United States, there were hundreds of designs that were sent by the citizens of America to the President and out of which approximately two or three actually suggested the design that the flag has now. One of the legends says that out of all these designs the design sent by Robert heft was actually the one that is the flag now. The interesting part is this that he did as a part of his class project and wise beyond his years to create a flag that had fifty stars whereas all the designers were designing forty starred flag anticipating the addition of another state. Heft sewed the flag himself and submitted it to his subject teacher who jokingly said that he would award Heft a instead of B- if the flag was accepted by the Congress. But then America was still not a fifty state union so the flag had to be kept until July 4th, 1960.
So this is how the "Star Spangled banner" came into being after going through many changes yet it holds the values of the nation entire.
Description of the U.S. Flag
The flag consists of red horizontal stripes of equal length, alternatively placed with white strips. There is a blue rectangle in the top left hand corner of the flag, which has fifty five-pointed white stars arranged in the nine horizontal rows which have unequal number of stars. There are rows of five stars alternating with the rows of six stars.
The flag of America has developed in its appearance as well as its symbolic meaning in peace and in war. At one point in time the flag had a rattlesnake and the motto written on it was "Don’t tread on me." The fifty states that are represented by the fifty stars on the flag and the thirteen stripes which represent the thirteen colonies that initially rebelled against the British yoke and became the first states of United States of America. The flag has been a uniting factor whenever the country needed a thread that would bind them all together. During the crisis of 09/11 the flag served as the symbol of all Americans who were fighting against terrorism and were coping with the pain that it inflicted.
Background of the American Flag
According to a legend in America it is said that Betsy Ross made the first flag and she was the one who insisted on having five pointed stars on the flag instead of six pointed stars that the President wanted. She was a seamstress whom George Washington knew, the then leader of the Continental Army and he was the one who took a rough design of the flag to this gentlewoman and thus the flag was made. Though this urban legend has never been verified, it still interests enthusiasts.
The fact that is verified is that the first American flag, which was called the Grand Union flag or the Continental Colors, was hoisted at the command of George Washington near his headquarters near Boston on Jan 1st, 1776. The flag has been known as the Stars and the Stripes when the Continental Congress approved it as the first official flag, on June 14th, 1777. That was when the canton with the fifty stars was also introduced in the flag. The canton for the significance that it holds is also known as the "union" and if the canton stands alone it would serve as the maritime flag known as the Union Jack. The stars in the canton kept on increasing as the regions kept on adding to the American union until the last star was added on July 4th, 1960 with the addition of Hawaii as a state.
It is said that when Alaska and Hawaii were added to the states of United States, there were hundreds of designs that were sent by the citizens of America to the President and out of which approximately two or three actually suggested the design that the flag has now. One of the legends says that out of all these designs the design sent by Robert heft was actually the one that is the flag now. The interesting part is this that he did as a part of his class project and wise beyond his years to create a flag that had fifty stars whereas all the designers were designing forty starred flag anticipating the addition of another state. Heft sewed the flag himself and submitted it to his subject teacher who jokingly said that he would award Heft a instead of B- if the flag was accepted by the Congress. But then America was still not a fifty state union so the flag had to be kept until July 4th, 1960.
So this is how the "Star Spangled banner" came into being after going through many changes yet it holds the values of the nation entire.