The American Flag

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The American Flag
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Also Known AsThe Star Spangled Banner
I believe our flag is more than just cloth and
ink. It is a universally recognized symbol that
stands for liberty, and freedom. It is the
history of our nation, and its marked by the
blood of those who died defending it. -John
Thune
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Symbolism of the Colors
What They Represent

• Red-Hardiness and Valor
• White-Purity and Innocence
• Blue-Vigilance, perseverance, and justice

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The First Official Flag
The very first flag had thirteen white stars in a
blue field with seven red stripes and six white
stripes alternating starting with red.
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Betsy Ross

• General Washington asked her to make a flag and
  Betsy sewed it with the help of a few others.
• This flag with the stars arranged in a circle did
  not appear until the early 1790s

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When it Waves

• The universal custom is to fly the flag from
  sunrise to sunset on buildings and in the open
• Flags which are displayed twenty-four hours a day
  must be properly illuminated
• It should not be displayed during storms or harsh
  weather unless it is an all-weather flag
• Always displayed on National and State holidays

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Flag Etiquette

• The flag should be cleaned or mended when
  necessary.
• When a flag is so worn it is no longer fit to
  serve as a symbol of our country, it should be
  destroyed by burning in a dignified manner.
• When the flag is lowered no part of it should
  touch the ground or other objects.
• As the flag is raised one should stop, stand at
  attention and place their hand over their heart.
  Men and women in uniform should remove their
  covers and hold them at their left shoulder.

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Flag Restoration
The very flag that inspired Francis Scott Keys
writing of the National Anthem is currently being
restored in a temporary laboratory located in the
Smithsonian American History Museum
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Teaching About the FlagSummary

• Introducing our flag and what it is today
• Discussing the history of the flag
• Teaching when is appropriate to display the flag
• Understanding what it represents and symbolizes
• Understanding flag etiquette