How many stripes are there on the american flag

Why Are There 13 Stripes on the American Flag?

The stripes on the flag were reduced to 13 to celebrate the 13 founding states.

The Flag of America comprises of thirteen stripes of equal size running horizontally across the banner and a blue rectangle on the canton consisting of fifty white stars. The thirteen horizontal stripes of red alternating with white, with the red stripe being at the top and bottom. The thirteen stripes symbolize the thirteen British colonies that gained independence from Great Britain in 1776 and were the founding states of the US. The fifty stars with five-points represent the fifty states comprising the USA.

The Thirteen Founding States of The US

The thirteen colonies were grouped into three, the Middle Colonies, New England colonies, and Southern Colonies. The colony of Rhode Island, Connecticut, Province of Massachusetts Bay, and Province of New Hampshire made up the New England Colonies. The Province of New Jersey, Delaware Colony, Province of New York, proprietary colony, and the province of Pennsylvania made up the Middle Colonies. The province of Carolina (North and South Carolina), Colony and Dominion of Virginia, Maryland, and the province of Georgia made up the Southern Colonies.

Who Designed the American Flag?

The first American flag was designed by Francis Hopkinson in 1777, while the current American flag was designed by 17-year old Robert G. Heft. Heft designed the flag as a high school project in 1958 and the flag was officially embraced in July 1960. The flag resolution was passed on June 14, 1777, and it stated that the flag would have 13 alternating red and white stripes running horizontally on the banner and thirteen white stars in a blue rectangle on the canton. Since then, June 14 th has been celebrated as Flag Day in the US.

Previous Versions of the Flag

American Flag Unit Study

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Learning about the American Flag is an important part of American history. This American Flag Unit Study will teach your kids about the flag its self, the history of it, laws regarding it and much, much more!

The History of the American Flag

Who created the design of the American Flag?

The Continental Congress decided that the American Flag would have 13 stripes, alternating red and white, and that there would be a blue field with thirteen stars, representing the union.

Who made the first American Flag?

There is a debate that Betsy Ross made the first American Flag, but there is not any real evidence to prove it. So, the actual maker of the first American Flag remains unknown.

When was the first American Flag adopted?

The American Flag was first adopted by the Continental Congress on June 14, 1777. That is why we celebrate Flag Day on June 14th of each calendar year.

What do the stripes on the American Flag stand for?

The red stripes represent courage and the white stripes speak of the purity of our high ideals as Americans.

What do the stars on the American Flag stand for?

There are 50 stars on the American Flag today, representing each of the 50 states in the United States.

What does the blue background behind the starts of the American Flag stand for?

The blue field behind the stars symbolizes the strength and unity of the United States of America.

How many versions of the American Flag have been designed?

To date there have been 27 versions of the American Flag. The changes made to each version were for the addition of stars which represent how many states had become part of the U.S.A.

What is the significance of folding an American Flag into a triangular shape?

The American Flag is folded into a triangular shape to symbolize the cocked hats worn by soldiers of the American Revolution.

Where is the American Flag that inspired Francis Scott Key to write “The Star Spangled Banner”?

Francis Scott Key was inspired by an American Flag that flew over Fort McHenry, but it is now in the Smithsonian Institute. At the time of the writing of the National Anthem, there were 15 stars on the flag.

What other names is our American Flag known by?

The American Flag is known by a few other names including; “National Ensign”, “National Standard”, “Old Glory” and “National Color”.

How to Display the American Flag

What is the law regarding the displaying of the American Flag?

The American Flag is always to be displayed above any other flag on display within the United States, territory or possession within the U.S.A.

Can you display the American Flag at night?

Yes, you can display the American Flag at night provided it is lit properly and illuminated throughout the night.

Is the American Flag to be flown during inclement weather?

The American Flag should not be flown during inclement weather, unless it is an all weather flag on display.

Aboard a U.S. Naval Vessel, when is the “National Ensign” flown?

The “National Ensign” is flown when; (a) getting underway or anchoring, (b) falling in with other ships, (c) cruising near land and (d) when engaged in battle.

How should the American Flag be raised and lowered?

When hoisting the American Flag it should be done in a rapid manner, but when lowering in a slow, ceremonial manner.

When an American Flag is displayed during public speaking where should it be staffed?

During public speaking the American Flag is to be staffed to the right of the speaker in a position of superior prominence.

How should the American Flag be hung on a wall?

When the American Flag is hung flat against a wall the blue field should be to the observer’s left side as he faces the flag whether hung horizontally or vertically.

Where should an American Flag be displayed in a school classroom?

When an American Flag is displayed in a schoolroom it should be hung flat against the wall behind and above the teacher’s area. If it is staffed and at floor level, the flag should be displayed to the students’ left as they face the front of the schoolroom.

How to Carry an American Flag

What is the proper way to carry a staffed American Flag?

To carry a staffed American Flag you should hold the staff with either one or both hands in front of the center of your body. The bottom of the staff should rest against your body while the staff slopes upward and forward about 30 degrees from your body.

Should any portion of a staffed American Flag be held by a flag bearer?

The only time a flag bearer should hold any portion of the American Flag should be when entering a doorway where the staff needs to be lowered.

How to Salute the American Flag

What are the proper ways to salute the American Flag during the Pledge of Allegiance?

Military members in uniform are to render the military salute. Civilians will place their right hand over their hearts, if a man is wearing a hat he is to remove it and hold it at his left shoulder.

When singing the National Anthem how do you salute the American Flag?

During the signing of the National Anthem everyone should stand and face the flag. Military members will render the military salute while civilians will place their right hand over their hearts.

When an America Flag passes by in a parade how should it be acknowledged?

Everyone should stand and salute the American Flag in the same manner when reciting the Pledge of Allegiance or during the singing of the National Anthem.

How do uniformed policemen and firemen salute the American Flag?

They give the military salute. Policemen carrying batons render the baton salute.

What is the proper way to give the Pledge of Allegiance?

When saying the Pledge of Allegiance you should always do so standing with your right hand over your heart.

How to Properly Display the American Flag Half-Staff

Is it proper to say the American Flag is at half-staff or half-mast?

When you’re on land the correct term is half-staff, while if you’re on board a ship it is half-mast.

How do you correctly half-staff the American Flag?

When displaying the American Flag at half-staff it should first be hoisted to the top of the flag pole for a moment and then lowered to the half-staff position. Before lowering it for the day, you again should raise the American Flag to the top of the flag pole for an instant prior to taking it down for the day.

When displaying the American Flag at half-staff what is the correct position?

The correct half-staff position for the American Flag is dependent on the size of the flag and the height of the pole.

Who can order an American Flag to be half-staffed?

The President of the United States or the Governor of a State can order the American Flag to be flown at half-staff.

What days is the American Flag half-staffed without a Presidential Proclamation?

The American Flag is half-staffed without a Presidential Proclamation each year on; Peace Officers Memorial Day, Memorial Day, Patriots Day, National Firefighters Memorial Day and Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.

How to Display the American Flag in Mourning

Can anyone decorate graves with American Flags on Memorial Day?

Yes, anyone can decorate graves with American Flags on Memorial Day.

How long should American Flags remain on graves?

American Flags should not be left indefinitely. They should be removed and discarded before the flag begins to fade or tear, showing it the same respect as an American Flag on display on a flag pole.

How do you properly display the American Flag on a casket of a military serviceman?

When an American Flag is on display on a military member’s casket the blue field is to the observer’s right instead of left to indicate mourning.

Can you display the American Flag on the casket of a civilian or spouse of a military serviceman?

No, the American Flag is only permitted to be on display on the casket of a military member.

When to Clean or Discard the American Flag

Can you repair, wash or dry clean an American Flag?

You can repair, wash or dry clean an American Flag provided it can be hung to dry in a careful and respectful way.

How do you discard an American Flag no longer fit for display?

You should discard an American Flag in a dignified manner, preferably by burning in private. Check with your local VFW as they often will take your old flags and discard them for you.

How to Properly Fold an American Flag

The folding of an American Flag requires 2 people facing each other holding the flag waist high, horizontally between them.

Start by folding the lower striped section lengthwise, over the blue field.

Fold the bottom to the top ensuring you’re holding the edges securely.

Then fold the flag lengthwise again, folded edge to open edge.

You’ll begin a triangular fold along the length of the flag, from the striped end towards the blue field, by bringing the striped corner of the folded edge to meet the open edge.

Next, turn the outer point inward, parallel with the open edge, forming the second triangle.

Continue forming triangular folds in this manner until the entire length of the flag is folded.

The triangular blue field should only be visible when the flag is completely folded.

History of the American Flag Videos

The American Flag is an important part of American history. It is essential that we do not forget to be respectful of the American Flag and its history, because it is our history.

What did you learn about the American Flag that you didn’t know?

English Online

The American Flag

The national flag of the United States has thirteen red and white stripes and a blue rectangle with fifty stars in it in the top left corner. The stripes represent the 13 American colonies and the stars show the 50 American states.

Until 1912 there had been no common design for the American flag. It has changed many times during its over two hundred year history. Flag makers around the country arranged the stars in the way they wanted, sometimes in circles, sometimes in rows. Sometimes text was put into the middle of the blue rectangle

According to the history books the first American flag was made by Betsy Ross who knew George Washington well. One day Washington showed up in her shop in Philadelphia and showed her the design of the flag. The first unofficial flag, made in 1776 at the beginning of the War of Independence, showed 13 stripes and the Union Jack in the left corner.

The bombing of Fort McHenry during the War of 1812 inspired Francis Scott Key to write a poem about the American flag. A few years later the lyrics were used for the Star Spangled Banner, America’s national anthem.

During the American Civil War the southern states, which broke away from the Union, designed their own flag. It had the same colors but the stars were arranged in a different pattern.

In 1912 the American president ordered that the American flag was to have the same design all over the country. For over 50 years the flag has not changed. In 1959 the last major change took place when Alaska and Hawaii become American states, replacing the 48-star flag with the 50-star flag.

The American flag is a common sight around the world, one which everybody recognizes. In the US it is often displayed in public buildings and schools. Often, it serves as a motif on badges, cars or stamps. The flag has become a powerful symbol of Americanism.

The Stars and Stripes has travelled to many places around the world. In 1909 Robert Peary placed a flag at the North Pole and in 1969 American astronaut Neill Armstrong put an American flag on the moon.

Symbolism of the American Flag Defined

With Independence Day right around the corner, millions of patriotic Americans are purchasing flags to show their support and celebrate this nationally recognized holiday.

If you truly want to celebrate our nation’s independence, however, you need to first familiarize yourself with the symbolism behind the American flag, as this plays a key role in its meaning and purpose.

American Flag Symbolism and Meaning

Flag colors – Red, White and Blue

These three colors have long been associated with the United States and its respective flag, yet few people know the symbolism and meaning behind them.

What do the American flag’s colors symbolize?

Of course, these characteristics are aligned closely with the values of America, which is why they are represented in the colors of the American flag.

Stripes

The modern-day American flag possesses 13 stripes of alternating red and white color. Like every other element on the American flag, there’s deep meaning behind these stripes.

When America gained its independence from Great Britain, it had 13 colonies: Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Georgia, Connecticut, Massachusetts Bay, Maryland, South Carolina, New Hampshire, Virginia, New York, North Carolina, and Rhode Island and Providence Plantation. The 13 stripes found in the American flag represent each of these 13 colonies.

Stars

As you may already know, the 50 stars on the American flag represent the 50 states of the United States of America.

This hasn’t always been the case, though. The American flag had fewer stars more than a century ago, during which it had fewer states.

In 1912, the number of stars on the American flag grew to 48, thanks to the addition of New Mexico and Arizona. This remained the country’s official flag for the next 47 years, making it the country’s longest running flag in its history.

It wasn’t until August 21, 1959 when President Eisenhower ordered the American flag to be updated with 50 stars. Since then, the American flag has remained with 50 bold stars neatly arranged in the upper left-hand corner, with one star for each of its 50 states.

In addition to representing the 50 states, the 50 stars on the American flag also represents a “divine goal.” In 1977, the House of Representatives published a book in which it described the American flag’s stars as being a “symbol of the heavens and the divine goal to which man has aspired from time immemorial; the stripe is symbolic of the rays of light emanating from the sun.”

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February 27, 2020 9 min read

Specific terms are used to describe parts of the US flag.

Some terms refer to the physical pieces used to assemble the flag, and some terms refer to the elements of the flag, identifying their position and location regarding flag design.

And not every flag is created equally. The flag of the USA can be configured differently for unique applications.

Basic Parts of the American Flag

Glossary

Position Terms Used to Describe the American Flag

Glossary

Banner Style American Flag

US Flags with a pole hem are sometimes called banners. Instead of grommets and a header they are designed so that a sleeve slides over the pole.

These are often used with indoor pole sets, porch flags and parade display.

Glossary

When the flag material is extended the colors of the stripes and canton continue and the flag appears to be elongated. If extra material is added it is usually white and looks like a traditional header.

Rope and Thimble Heading

Large flags require more support in the header. The extra weight could cause the header to tear off the flag, so the solution is a rope and thimble. This type of attachment also allows a bigger flag to fly better.

Glossary

The flag of the USA has a few nicknames. Sometimes referred to as Old Glory, The Stars and Stripes or The Star Spangled Banner. Over the years there have been many variations. As states have been added to the Union, the flag has evolved. Learn the history of the American Flag.

The original Flag Act of 1777 made no provision for the position of the stars and stripes, which meant it was left up to the imagination of the flag maker.

This freedom produced flags in all shapes, sizes, and combinations. Here is an example from 1845.

This was finally changed in 1912 when President William Howard Taft signed an executive order declaring an official flag design. The current version (50 stars) became official on July 4,1960 and is the longest running American flag design.

So let’s take a look.

American Flag Colors

Specifically, the colors are «White«, «Old Glory Red«, and «Old Glory Blue«. Based on color a card published by the JOSA, the colors are specified in terms of fabric.

In order to use official flag colors for screen or print the State Department recommends the following translation.

Contrary to popular myth, the colors of the flag were not chosen for any specific meaning. They were simply inherited from the flag of Great Britain. (King’s Colours)

Later, when the seal of the United States was designed, the colors (red, white, and blue) were reused for consistency and specific meanings were assigned.

Reporting to Congress, Charles Thompson (Secretary), described the new Seal as follows:

«The colors of the pales (the vertical stripes) are those used in the flag of the United States of America; White signifies purity and innocence, Red, hardiness & valour, and Blue, the color of the Chief (the broad band above the stripes) signifies vigilance, perseverance & justice.»

For this reason, it is common to attribute the same meanings from the Seal to the colors of the American flag.

In 1986, president Ronald Reagan interpreted the colors this way:

«The colors of our flag signify the qualities of the human spirit we Americans cherish. Red for courage and readiness to sacrifice; white for pure intentions and high ideals; and blue for vigilance and justice.»

Official US flag dimensions are spelled out in the US Code. Title 4, Chapter 1, is called The Flag, and is commonly referred to as the US Flag Code.

One important note. The «official» dimensions apply to the executive branch of Government and are required for flags that are displayed in specific government areas. Flags that adhere to these dimensions are considered G-Spec or Government Specified.

For the general public, it is more common and popular to fly the American flag in sizes of 12×18″, 2’x3′, 2.5″x4′, 3’x5′, 4’x6′, and 5’x8′.

If you take a closer look, you will notice when the flag is in G-Spec ratio:

We have already dissected the flag into parts, now it’s time to explain the meaning behind each symbol.

From the US Flag Code: Section1

The flag of the United States shall have thirteen horizontal stripes, alternate red and white, and a union consisting of white stars on a field of blue

Thirteen Stripes

The 13 Stripes on the American flag represent the 13 original colonies/states of Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, and Virginia.

Legend has it that Hopkins actually designed two flags, one for the Navy and one for the U.S. government. The only difference between the two flags was the order of the stripes. The naval flag started with a red stripe and the government started with a white stripe on top.

Some speculate that red eventually took its place on top and bottom for practical reasons, white would show more wear and tear.

Fifty Stars

The 50 white stars of the flag represent each of the 50 states in the United States.

Originally, the stars were to signify a «new constellation«. As the number of stars changed with the addition of new states, so did the arrangement of stars on the flag.

The current arrangement is 9 rows. The rows are slightly offset, alternating 6 stars in a row on top and bottom with 5 star rows between. Each star should be aligned with a single point on top.

In 1958, Robert Heft was a high school student. The stars of Hawaii and Alaska were being added to the flag and new design submissions were being accepted.

Heft submitted his design as a class assignment. His teacher, Stanley Pratt, gave him a B- for the design, saying «it lacked imagination».

The two made a deal that if the design was accepted by Congress, Taft would change the grade to an A. Heft’s design was chosen by Congress and President Dwight D. Eisenhower from over 1500 submissions, and the rest is history.

When the time comes, Heft has a design for an American Flag with 51 stars.

Significance of the Five-Pointed Star

Before it was introduced in the design of the United States Flag, the five-pointed star was rarely used in Heraldry.

Heraldry is the study, design, and display of armorial bearings. Flags often take their design from military influence and heraldic devices. In the 18th Century, it was much more common to use a six-pointed star.

Francis Hopkins’ original designs did include six-pointed stars. And since the Flag Act of 1777 was so vague, flag makers were free to interpret the Stars and Stripes design and arrangement.

In 1776, Colonel George Washington, George Ross (Betsy’s great uncle), and Robert Morris, approached an upholsterer named Betsy Ross to commission a flag.

The delegation presented a design with 6-pointed stars. (Supposedly, they preferred 5-pointed stars, but thought it would be difficult to mass produce.)

According to legend, Betsy Ross presented an easy way to make a five-pointed star with just one scissor cut and the new design was born.

Ross is also attributed with placing the13 stars in a circle.

This is where fact and myth get murky. No evidence comes directly from anyone involved and there was no documentation of those events until nearly 100 years later.

Also, the oldest representation of the «Betsy Ross» flag is from 1792, in a painting by John Trumbull.

While the complete design is in question, it is likely that Betsy Ross deserves credit for the the 5-pointed star modification. Five-pointed stars are now more commonly used in flags and in Western culture have become synonymous with fame or «stardom«.

Which end is the fly end of the flag?

The fly end is the edge of the flag furthest away from the pole. The term fly is used to describe the length of the flag, and the fly end is the side that is not secured. By nature, it «flies» freely and endures the most stress or whip.

What part of a flag is the canton?

What is a grommet on a flag?

A grommet is a metal ring or eyelet embedded in the header. These are usually made of brass and used to secure an outdoor flag.

Do the 13 stripes on the American flag have meaning?

The 13 Stripes on the American flag represent the 13 original colonies/states of Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, and Virginia.

What do the fifty stars on the US flag represent?

Who designed the arrangement for the 50 stars on the US flag?

The current arrangement of 9 rows of stars was designed by a high school student named Robert Heft. He submitted the design for a class project and Congress ultimately adopted the configuration. Heft already has a design in mind for the 51st star.