Home » Culture & Society

The Flag of the United States of America

Ranked #29,463 in Culture & Society, #577,242 overall

The Flag of the United States of America

It is not known exactly who designed the first United States flag. However, on June 14, 1777, the Continental Congress passed the first flag act. It stated, "Resolved, That the flag of the United States be made of thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new Constellation."

From then until 1960 (after Hawaii became the 50th state) when the current flag with 50 stars went into use, the flag has gone through many changes and has been displayed in many places.

Here you will find resources and information detailing the proper display and care of the flag of the United States. 

Celebrate America's 230th Birthday!

Celebrate America's 230th Birthday Ringer Shirt
July 4, 2006 marks the 230th birthday of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Celebrate America's landmark birthday!

View this design on other shirt styles

Historical Flag: Grand Union Flag

In use: January 8, 1776 - June 14, 1777

This is the flag of the original 13 colonies. It formed the basis for the Stars and Stripes.

Historical Flag: 13 Stars

In use: June 14, 1777 - May 1, 1795

This is one of the first flags that featured the familiar Stars and Stripes design. Several different star configurations were used, including a circle. Eventually, this rectangular star field became the standard.

USA T-Shirt

USA Black T-Shirt
Show your patriotic spirit by wearing this classic USA with flag background black t-shirt.

View this design on other shirt styles

Historical Flag: 48 Stars

In use: July 4, 1912 - July 3, 1959

This flag was in use the longest with 47 years of service. When Alaska joined the Union, this flag was replaced with a 49 star version.

Historical Flag: 50 Stars

In use: July 4, 1960 - present

This is the current version of the flag of the United States. It has been in use for 46 years and will become the most used flag on July 4, 2008. (Unless a 51st state is added before that time.)

Displaying the Flag Outdoors

  • When displayed on a staff projected from a building the union (blue section with stars) should be at the peak of the staff.
  • When displayed on the same pole with another flag, the flag of the United States must always be at the top.
  • When flown with flags of states or other organizations on seperate poles of the same height, the flag of the United States should be placed at the place of honor (the flags own right). The flag of the United States should be the first to be raised and the last to be lowered.
  • When flown with flags of other nations, all poles should be at the same height and all flags the same size. The flags should be raised and lowered simultaneously.
  • The flag should always be raised briskly and lowered ceremoniously.
  • The flag should only be displayed between sunrise and sunset. It can be displayed at night, but must be illuminated.
  • When carried in a parade or procession, the flag of the United States should be at the right of the marchers.
  • To salute the flag, all persons should come to attention. Those in uniform should give the appropriate salute. Civilians should place their right hand over their hearts and men should remove their head covers and hold it over their left shoulder such that their right hand is on their heart.

by

palmetto

I dig through the Internet to compile information on selected topics. If you have a particular topic you want covered, contact me at: DigGopher@gmail.com more »

Feeling creative? Create a Lens!

Explore related pages

Related Tags