For the Veteran, thank you for bravely doing what you’re called to do so we can safe safely & respectfully do what we’re free to do.
�e United States Flag Old Glory �e Continental Congress lee no record to show why it chose the colors. However, in 1782, the Congress of the Confederation chose these same colors for the Great Seal of the United States and listed their meaning as follows: WHITE .......to mean purity and innocence RED ............ for valor and hardiness BLUE .......... for vigilance, perseverance and justice According to legend, George Washington interpreted the elements of the ag this way; the stars were taken from the sky, the red from the British colors, and the white stripes signiied the secession from the home country.
Design for the Verso of the Great Seal of the United States, 1782. From the National Archives.
Between 1777 and 1960, Congress passed several acts that changed the shape, design, and arrangement of the flag and allowed stars and stripes to be added to reflect the admission of each new state. • Act of April 4, 1818 – provided for 13 stripes and one star for each state, to be added to the flag on the 4th of July following the admission of each new state, signed by President Monroe. • Executive Order of President Taft dated June 24, 1912 – established proportions of the flag and provided for arrangement of the stars in six horizontal rows of eight each, a single point of each star to be upward. • Act of Jan. 13, 1974 – provided for 15 stripes and 15 stars after May 1795. • Executive Order of President Eisenhower dated Jan. 3, 1959 – provided for the arrangement of the stars in seven rows each, staggered horizontally and vertically. • Executive Order of President Eisenhower dated Aug. 21, 1959 – provided for the arrangement of the stars in nine rows of stars staggered horizontally and eleven rows of starts staggered vertically. • Today the flag consists of thirteen horizontal stripes, seven red alternating with 6 white. The stripes represent the original 13 colonies; the stars represent the 50 states of the Union. The color of the flag are symbolic as well: Red symbolizes Hardiness and Valor, White symbolizes Purity and Innocence and Blue represents Vigilance, Perseverance and Justice.
How to Fold the American Flag Step 1. Begin with the flag parallel to the floor. It is best to use two people when folding the flag.
Step 4. Starting with the striped end of the folded flag, fold the bottom corner up to meet the open edge of the flag creating a triangular shape.
fold
fold
Step 2. Fold the flag in half lengthwise, crossing the red strips over the top of the blue square and stars. fold
Step 5. Fold the triangle section in towards the stars, aligning the outside edge along the top. fold
Step 6. Continue folding down and across in this manner until the final corner remains. Step 3. Holding the flag so that the side with the blue square is toward the ground, fold the flag in half again lengthwise, bringing the folded edge up to meet the open edge (as shown) so that the blue square and stars are on the outside. fold
fold
Your final shape should be a blue triangle with stars on both sides
�e Meaning of Flag Folds
.e rst fold of our ag is a symbol of life. .e second fold is a symbol of our belief in eternal life. .e third fold is made in honor and rememberance of the veterans departing our ranks who gave a portion of their live for the defense of our country to attain peace throughout the world.
How to Display the American Flag The U.S. flag stands for our nation and the shared history, pride, principles, and commitment of its people. When we properly display this powerful symbol, we signal our respect for everything it represents.
The flag shouldn’t be flown in inclement weather unless it’s an all-weather flag.
Flags displayed at night should be properly illuminated.
In a time of national mourning, hang the flag at half-mast.
The flag can be flown every day, but it is often flown to show patriotism on these observances: New Year’s Day Inauguration Day Lincoln’s Birthday Washington’s Birthday Armed Forces Day
Memorial Day Flag Day Independence Day Labor Day Patriot Day
Constitution Day Columbus Day Navy Day Veterans Day Thanksgiving Day
From your porch, place the union (blue section) at the peak of the staff.
Keep your flag completely dry and folded properly - into a triangle, with the union (blue section) visible - before storing it in a well-ventilated area. If the flag is damaged or worn out, it should be disposed of with dignity.
Against a wall or on a window, place the union (blue section) at the top left corner.
On your vehicle, clamp the staff to the right front fender.
With another flag, place the U.S. flag to your left when crossed.
The flag should not touch anything below it or rest on the ground.
Source: United States Code, Title 4, Chapter 1 - The Flag
�e American Flag Represents Our Freedom, National Pride and History