The American FlagThe American FlagExplain two historical facts about

the American flag

Outline the steps to hoist & lower the American flag

Demonstrate procedures to present a flag to a distinguished recipient

Quick WriteQuick Write

Make a quick list of everything you know about the design of the American flag.

Write down what you know about how to display it, treat it, and show it respect.

What does the American flag mean to you?

History of the American flagHistory of the American flag During the Revolutionary War, patriots made

flags Grand Union Flag

◦ First flag of the colonists that looked like the present Stars and Stripes

◦ Also known as the Congress Colors, the “First Navy Ensign, or the Cambridge Flag

◦ Design: 13 stripes, blue field with two crosses On June 14, 1777 the American flag was adopted

. The design called for

◦ 13 stripes, alternating red and white◦ A union—the upper left corner of the flag—

with13 stars, white in a blue field

Betsy Ross is believed to be the one who designed the first flag of the United States

History of the American flagHistory of the American flag

In 1794, Congress passed an act requiring that the flag have 15 stars and 15 stripes.

This flag inspired the “Star Spangled Banner”

History of the American flagHistory of the American flagCapt Samuel C. Reid, USN, suggested

◦Constant of 13 stripes, but one star added to blue field for each new state added to Union

Number of stars equal to the number of states in the Union

Colors used in the American flag◦White: purity and innocence◦Red: hardiness and valor◦Blue: vigilance, perseverance, and justice

The American flag is traditionally a symbol of liberty and freedom.

When should the flag be When should the flag be displayed?displayed?Display flag only from sunrise to sunset on

buildings and on stationary flagstaffs in the open.

Can display all-weather flag 24 hours a day if properly lit at night.

Can display flag in good weather on all days, especially certain holidays.

Where should the flag be Where should the flag be displayed? displayed? The flag should be displayed

◦Daily on or near the main administration building of every public institution

◦On election days in or near every polling place◦During school days in or near every schoolhouse

How should the flag be How should the flag be positioned and displayed?positioned and displayed?In a procession with another flag or flags

◦Marching right or front and center of lineOn a float in a parade

◦On staff or suspended, folds falling freeOn a vehicle, railroad train, or boat

◦Not draped over any surfaceOn a motorcar

◦Staff attached to chassis or right fenderNo other flags or pennants above it

◦Exceptions: services at sea, U.N. flag

Flag Display Summary Flag Display Summary

Highest point: above all othersTo the rightDisplay flag flat or hanging freeHoist American flag first, lower lastAbove and behind speakerNot as covering for objectWith flags of other nations

◦Separate staffs, equal size, same height

Flag Positioned & Displayed Flag Positioned & Displayed

When covering a casket◦Place flag with union at head and over left shoulder.

Do not lower flag into grave or let it touch ground.

Displayed w/United Nations flag◦American flag should be on right and above United

Nations flag.

Show respect for the flagShow respect for the flagNever dip the flag to any person or thing.Never display the flag with the union

down, except as a signal of dire distress.Never let the flag touch anything beneath

it.Never carry the flag flat or horizontally.Never use the flag as apparel, bedding, or

drapery.Never use the flag as a ceiling covering.

Show respect for the flagShow respect for the flag

Do not put any markings on the flag.Never use the flag to receive, hold, carry, or

deliver anything.Never use the flag for advertising.Never use any part of the flag as a costume or

athletic uniform.Wear a flag pin on the left lapel near the heart.If a flag is worn out, destroy it in a dignified

way (burning).

Flying the flag at Flying the flag at half-staffhalf-staff◦First, hoist it to the peak for an instant.◦Then, lower it to the half-staff position.◦Before it is lowered for the day, hoist it

to the peak again.

Presidential order Fly flag at half-staff after death of

◦President or former president◦Vice president, Chief Justice, retired Chief Justice, or Speaker of the House

◦Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, secretary of an executive or military department, former vice president, governor of a state/territory/possession

◦Member of Congress