Flag Day

Flags have powerful connotations. The colors of a flag and symbols on a flag have great meaning for those who proudly fly it.

Called the "Stars and Stripes," or "Old Glory," the American flag is one of the most complicated in the world. Did you know that is takes 64 pieces of fabric to make an American Flag? The current flag has 13 red and white alternating stripes which represent the original 13 states and 50 stars which represents the states of the Union on a blue background.

Another interesting fact about the American flag is that it has changed designs more than any other flag in the world. The first flag, called the Grand Union, was flown at the headquarters of the Continent Army on January 1, 1776. Betsy Ross is said to have contributed to this design. The legend goes that she showed George Washington how to make a five-pointed star and suggested thirteen stars in a circle for the first flag.

National flags are not merely symbols of a country. Flags have powerful connotations.
We Americans take the treatment of our flag seriously. There is a code of ethics for the use of the American Flag that includes rules such as:

The national flag cannot be used for advertising.
It must not be folded while being displayed.
The flag should be lighted at all times, either by sunlight or by an appropriate light source.
No one should write on an American flag.
It cannot cover a monument or any ceilings.
The flag should not be used for any decoration in general. Bunting of blue, white and red stripes is available for these purposes. The blue stripe of the bunting should be on the top.
The flag should not be used as part of a costume or athletic uniform, except that a flag patch may be used on the uniform of military personnel, fireman, policeman and members of patriotic organizations.
When the flag is lowered, no part of it should touch the ground or any other object; it should be received by waiting hands and arms.


On June 14, 1777, the Continental Congress proposed that the United States have a national flag instead of the British Union Jack. Until 1877 there were few public ceremonies honoring the Stars and Stripes, when on, June 14, it was flown from every government building in honor of the centennial of the adoption of a national flag. In 1890, North Dakota and New Jersey made a law that required schools to fly the flag daily. The first official Flag Day was observed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1893. New York also proclaimed June 14 as Flag Day 1897, though other states were slow to follow.

In August 1949, President Harry S. Truman proclaimed June 14 as Flag Day. From then on the President has proclaimed the commemoration yearly. Many Americans display the Stars and Stripes outside their homes and businesses in honor of Flag Day.

Our Pledge:
I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Want to find out more about our flag and Flag Day?

Flag Timeline
The Betsy Ross House
Francis Scott Key and The Star Spangled Banner
Education World Flag Day Lessons

Hot Chalk's Flag Day Lesson Plans

Now don't you feel like a Yankee Doodle Dandy?! (which by the way, has quite a story behind it)