Americans have been proud of their flag in all of its different designs since the United States of America gained independence from Great Britain in 1783. The flag has changed a few times, mainly as the number of states within the Union increased. Here a few facts about the stars and stripes.
Some facts about the American Flag:
- The present flag with 50 stars on it was officially adopted on 14 June 1960, soon after Hawaii had become the 50th state. The original American flag had 13 stars as at that point in time there were 13 states.
- Whenever another state was admitted into the Union another star was added to the federal flag (so in theory if any state left a star would be taken off).
- Every state is represented by one of the fifty stars.
- The thirteen red and white stripes are there to remind American citizens of the thirteen British colonies that broke away from the British Empire to form the United States.
- Old Glory, Stars and Stripes and the Star Spangled Banner are the most frequently used nicknames for the American flag.
- The current version of the Stars and Stripes was designed by a 18 year old student.He was not paid to redesign it, and his only reward was a B – for his assignment grade.
- The United States armed forces fold the flag thirteen times .
- 14th June was the day selected for Americans to have their national flag day.This is the anniversary of the day when the Second Continental Congress approved the design of an American flag.
- The colors of the flag were carefully selected to have symbolic meaning. Red represents hardiness as well as valor. White symbolizes purity plus innocence. Blue stands for justice, vigilance besides persistence.
- Belief it or not it is not illegal to burn the flag, as according to the Supreme Court making it so would would become an attack on the right to freedom of speech.
Thus the American flag has a proud history, that is as old as the nation that it represents. It is also one of the most recognized flags across the globe.
Leave a Reply