What Does the U.S. Flag Stand For?
The U.S. flag, also known as the Stars and Stripes, Old Glory and The Star-Spangled Banner, stands for the United States of America as a government, nation and even an ideology. Americans often fly the flag as an expression of patriotism, and it is featured in official government ceremonies such as military funerals and political inaugurations. The flag holds tremendous weight around the world as a recognizable symbol of the United States of America.
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Design and Symbolism
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The American flag features thirteen horizontal stripes that alternate between dark red and white. These represent the 13 original colonies. In the top left corner are fifty white stars against a navy blue background. These stars represent the current fifty states that make up the United States of America. According to Charles Thompson, Secretary of the Continental Congress, the chosen colors have specific meaning as well. "White signifies purity and innocence," he said. "Red, hardiness and valor, and blue, the color of the chief, signifies vigilance, perseverance and justice."
History
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Though the precise origin of the American Flag remains under historical speculation, a man named Francis Hopkinson is widely considered the flag's original designer. Philadelphia seamstress Betsy Ross has been widely discredited for being the first person to make the flag. On June 14, 1777, Congress made its first official resolution regarding the flag that read: "The flag of the United States shall be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white, with a union of thirteen stars of white on a blue field." The arrangement of the stars, however, was originally subject to the individual flag maker, though they were usually arranged in a circle, sometimes with the thirteenth star in the center.
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Modifications
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In 1818, Congress passed legislation mandating that "on the admission of every new state into the Union, one star be added to the union of the flag." Thus, when Vermont and Kentucky joined the union, the flag was modified. This practice continued throughout the history of the United States. From 1912 to 1959, the flag contained forty-eight stars until two more were added to represent Alaska and Hawaii in 1960.
Flag Etiquette and Customs
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There are numerous customs and codes associated with the American flag that are outlined in the U.S. constitution. There are specific guidelines for when and where to fly the flag and how to hang and fold it. The flag is flown at half-mast as a sign of respect following the death of a political figure and on special days of remembrance, such as Memorial Day and September 11th. Though protected by free speech, desecration or burning of the flag is often seen as an act of disrespect towards the flag and what it stands for. Flag burnings were common during the 1960s and 1970s as a symbol of protest during the Vietnam War. There are a number of locations where the flag is continuously displayed, including the White House and the surface of the Moon.
Future of the Flag
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Movements supporting the statehood of Puerto Rico, the District of Columbia and other areas have proposed alterations to the flag. If the flag is ever changed again, the change will most likely entail a change in the number of stars. One design proposed by the New Progressive Party of Puerto Rico would rearrange the stars in a circular pattern.
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