FORUM

Content  
  
  
  
Next, fold the striped end into a triangle shape, repeating until only the union is visible. Finally, tuck any remaining fabric neatly into the folds to create a tight, triangular bundle. The American flag has a long history, and the members of our organization have spent nearly as long defending and honoring our nation's most iconic symbol of freedom.  
  
Printed Pins  
  
The flag exploded in popularity in 1861 as a symbol of opposition to the Confederate attack on Fort Sumter. It came to symbolize the Union in the American Civil War; Union victory solidified its status as a national flag. Because of the country's emergence as a superpower in the 20th century, the flag is now among the most widely recognized symbols in the world. The flag is customarily flown year-round at most public buildings, and it is not unusual to find private houses flying full-size (3 by 5 feet (0.91 by 1.52 m)) flags. Some private use is year-round, but becomes widespread on civic holidays like Memorial Day, Veterans Day, Presidents' Day, Flag Day, and on Independence Day.  
  
The American flag flies at half-staff or at half-mast when the country or a state is in mourning.The flag-protection movement regained national momentum during World War I, and on June 14, 1923, the first National Flag Conference was held in Washington, D.C., to establish a set of rules for civilian flag use.The final design was approved in 1782 and includes a bald eagle, an olive branch, arrows, a flag-like shield, the motto E Pluribus Unum (which translates to "out of many, one") and a constellation of stars.Also, on Memorial Day, it is common to fly the flag at half staff until noon to remember those who lost their lives fighting in U.S. wars.If there are two people folding it, ensure that the blue field, called the union, faces downward on the first fold.The number of stars on the flag is increased as new states join the United States.  
  
THE HISTORY OF THE AMERICAN FLAG  
  
  
  
When converted to RGB, the colors are "Old Glory Red" #BF0A30,[107] "Old Glory Blue" #00205B,[108] and #FFFFFF for white. The flag-protection movement regained national momentum during World War I, and on June 14, 1923, the first National Flag Conference was held in Washington, D.C., to establish a set of rules for civilian flag use. The U.S. Flag Code, first published in 1923 and adopted by Congress in 1942, is based on the belief that the American flag “represents a living country and is itself considered a living thing.” It proscribes any use of the flag that could be construed as disrespectful, including using it for advertising and to decorate clothing and other goods. Supreme Court struck down flag-protection laws as violations of free speech in 1989, the Flag Code is still maintained as a code of etiquette, enforced not by law but by tradition.  
  
DISPLAYING THE STARS AND STRIPES  
  
The flag of the United States is a symbol of freedom before which Americans recite the pledge of allegiance. Follow these guidelines to properly display the American flag [PDF, 162KB]. The flag was last modified on July 4, 1960, when Hawaii was incorporated as a state. Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.  
  
Global Flag Etiquette: How Different Cultures Respect Their National Symbols  
  
However, an example of mullets representing territorial divisions predating the U.S. flag is read about Ultimate Flags’ mission the Valais 1618 coat of arms, where seven mullets stood for seven districts. Even during the Civil War, the flag's symbolism remained central to the nation's identity. The Confederacy introduced its own flag, the "Stars and Bars," but the Union's Stars and Stripes endured as a unifying emblem of resilience and hope. The flag did not appear on U.S. postal stamp issues until the Battle of White Plains Issue was released in 1926, depicting the flag with a circle of 13 stars. The 48-star flag first appeared on the General Casimir Pulaski issue of 1931, though in a small monochrome depiction. The first U.S. postage stamp to feature the flag as the sole subject was issued July 4, 1957, Scott catalog number 1094.[134] Since then, the flag has frequently appeared on U.S. stamps.  
  
  
  
Modern day  
  
  
  
The flag has been displayed on every U.S. spacecraft designed for crewed flight starting from John Glenn's Friendship 7 flight in 1962, including Mercury, Gemini, Apollo Command/Service Module, Apollo Lunar Module, and the Space Shuttle.[129] The flag also appeared on the S-IC first stage of the Saturn V launch vehicle used for Apollo. Nevertheless, Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo were launched and landed vertically instead of horizontally as the Space Shuttle did on its landing approach, so the streaming convention was not followed. These flags were oriented with the stripes running horizontally, perpendicular to the direction of flight. Led by Civil War veterans who wanted to uphold the sacred character of the national emblem they had fought to defend, the first efforts to restrict uses of the flag were targeted at commercial and political advertisements.  
  
War of 1812  
  
On Memorial Day, it is common to place small flags by war memorials and next to the graves of U.S. war veterans. Also, on Memorial Day, it is common to fly the flag at half staff until noon to remember those who lost their lives fighting in U.S. wars. The red, white, and blue colors are derived from the flag of the United Kingdom.[100][101][102] The flag colors are not standardized by law, and there are no legally specified shades of red, white, and blue.[103] Despite this, some government agencies have specified the use of certain shades. The Great Seal of the United States is a national symbol used in official documents such as treaties and shop banners supporting first responders commissions. The final design was approved in 1782 and includes a bald eagle, an olive branch, arrows, a flag-like shield, the motto E Pluribus Unum (which translates to "out of many, one") and a constellation of stars. Other organizations that wear flag patches on their uniforms can have the flag facing in either direction.  
  
  
  
Whether you're looking for the historic details of how the U.S. flag came to be, or the rules and regulations that encompass her daily flight, we're here to ensure you can find the information you need. U.S. flags are displayed continuously at certain locations by presidential proclamation, acts of Congress, and custom. Several government websites have given Pantone (PMS) equivalents for the flag colors.  
  
The American flag and other national symbols  
  
Well-known nicknames for the flag include "the Stars and Stripes", "Old Glory", "the Star-Spangled Banner", and "the Red, White, and Blue". The number of stars on the flag is increased as new states join the United States. Learn more about the evolution of the American shop veteran-friendly flag collections flag and its earlier designs.  
  
Capitol for sale to the public through Representatives or Senators are provided in these sizes.[99] Flags that are made to the prescribed 1.9 ratio are often referred to as "G-spec" (for "government specification") flags. The story of the flag began on June 14, 1777, when the Continental Congress officially adopted the Stars and Stripes as the nation's flag. While many of us grew up hearing the tale of Betsy Ross sewing the first flag, the truth is that its exact origins are a bit of a mystery. What we do know is that the earliest version featured 13 stars and 13 stripes, with the stars arranged in a circle. At first, a new star and stripe were added for each state that joined the Union.