A Time Line of the Flag
I
t was 1777 when the Continental Congress resolved
that the fl ag of United States contain 13 stripes, alter-
nate red and white; that the union be 13 stars, white in a
blue fi eld, “representing a new constellation.”
According to usfl ag.org, the different colors of the fl ag
all hold specifi c meanings.
• White: Signifi es purity and innocence.
• Red: Represents hardiness and valor.
• Blue: The color of the Chief, signifi es vigilance, per-
severance and justice.
Since the fl ag’s inception, the fl ag has seen many stars
added to its union, as the United States acquired new
territories. The following time line, provided by ush-
istory.org, showcases the times when new stars were
added and which states they represented.
1777: The fi rst nationally approved fl ag represented
Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Georgia, Con-
necticut, Massachusetts, Maryland, South Carolina,
New Hampshire, Virginia, New York, North Carolina
and Rhode Island.
1795: Two stars and two stripes were added to a new
version of the fl ag to represent Vermont and Kentucky.
This was the only version of the fl ag to contain more
than 13 stripes, with 15.
1818: The end of the
Notable Journeys
15-strip fl ag, this version
added fi ve more stars and
1945: The same fl ag fl own over Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7,
returned to 13 stripes, to
1941 was fl own over the White House in August when the
represent the 13 original
Japanese accepted surrender terms.
colonies. The states added
1963: The fl ag was placed on top of Mount Everest by
to the union were Tennes-
Barry Bishop.
see, Ohio, Louisiana, Indi-
1969: Neil Armstrong placed the American fl ag on the
ana and Mississippi.
moon.
1819-1877: For decades,
2001: : The fl ag from the World Trade towers survives and
2001
states earned their own
becomes a symbol of sacrifi ce in service, loss and deter-
place in our fl ag’s union
mination.
sporadically. These states
are Illinois, Alabama,
Maine, Missouri, Arkansas,
Michigan, Florida, Texas,
Iowa, Wisconsin, Califor-
nia, Minnesota, Oregon,
fl ags still exist. If so, they would make a great collec-
Kansas, West Virginia, Nevada, Nebraska and Colora-
tor’s item.
do.
1890-1960: Another era during which stars were added
1889: Improper planning by fl ag manufacturers caused to the union over a long period of time. These states are
this version to forgo an offi cial debut. Manufacturers
North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Washington,
believed the two Dakotas would be admitted as one
Idaho, Wyoming, Utah, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Alas-
state, so the fl ag lacked one star. It is said that these
ka and fi nally Hawaii.
Indoor Flags
Whether you are planning to display a fl ag in
your home, business or a public place, there
is a protocol to follow. When on display, the
fl ag is to be accorded a place of honor. This
means always positioning it properly.
You have surely seen American fl ags dis-
played around your neighborhood and during
television press conferences. But did you
know that the position it is displayed in
is due to regulations within the U.S. Flag
Code? The amount of the thought that goes
into properly displaying a fl ag might surprise
you.
played from a staff, it is to be fl at against a
wall. While it may lay vertically or horizon-
tally, the fl ag’s union should be at the top, to
the fl ag’s right and to the observer’s left.
• From a staff: When displayed on a podi-
um, the fl ag
should be in
advance of the
audience and
in the position
of honor at
the speaker’s
right as he or
she faces the
audience.
Displaying with a Speaker
When the fl ag is featured on a speaker’s plat-
form, there are two acceptable positions.
• Flat display: If the fl ag is not being dis-
Displaying
with Other
Flags
The fl ag of the United States of America
should be at the center and at the highest
point of the group when multiple fl ags of
states, localities or societies are grouped for
display.
If the
American
fl ag is dis-
played with
one other
fl ag, the
staffs are to
be crossed.
The United
States fl ag
is always
positioned
to its right, with its staff crossed in front of
the other fl ag.
Displaying in a Window
If an American fl ag is to be displayed in a
window, remember that it is on display to
those outside. That means its union should
be positioned to its right when being viewed
from the street or sidewalk.
These regulations ensure that our fl ag is
always being displayed with the respect
and honor it deserves. When viewing fl ags
around your neighborhood, make note of
whether they are being exhibited properly.
If you notice any imperfections with the
presentation of the fl ag, the one responsible
may not be familiar with the code. It might
be worth noting the issue if you are familiar
with the owner.
Choosing an American Flag
B
efore honorably destroying your
tattered fl ag, you should have a new
one readily available. When choosing a
new American fl ag, you have different
options in materials, size and the quality
of construction.
Regardless of which style you choose, be
sure to buy an American-made fl ag. This
allows you to support the U.S. economy
and buy a far superior product.
Here are some of the materials used to
produce American fl ags:
• Nylon: This is a popular choice in
American fl ags being displayed indoors
and outdoors. It is light and durable, re-
sists outside elements and dries quickly.
Because its lightweight, it fl ies effi cient-
ly in slight breezes and shines bright in
the sunlight.
• Tough-Tex Polyester: If you live in
extreme weather conditions or areas with
high wind threats, this is great choice. It
is considerably heavier than nylon and
contains a special weave that has the
look and feel of cotton. It is a long-last-
ing option.
• Cotton: Cotton is the traditional fl ag
fabric. It is designed to withstand out-
door use but may require extra care to
maintain the integrity of its materials.
How Long Should a Flag Last?
The lifespan of the fl ag you choose will
greatly depend on its exposure to the el-
ements. Bringing a fl ag that lacks weath-
er resistance indoors during rain or high
wind can increase its longevity. Keep in
mind that long exposure to sun also will
cause your fl ag to fade prematurely.
Choosing a Size
The proper size for your display depends
on the size of fl agpole you will use to
hoist it. The following guide will show
you what size fl ag will work best for
your situation.
A traditional home kit features a fl ag
of 3 feet by 5 feet. A proper fl agpole
on which to display this size fl ag is 20
feet. A taller fl agpole requires a larger
fl ag size to look spectacular. A 25-foot
fl agpole should feature a 4-foot-by-6-
footfl ag, while a 30-foot pole looks its
best with a 5-foot-by-8-foot fl ag.
You may see fl ags as large as 30 feet by
60 feet. These are suitable for poles over
200 feet tall.
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