American Flag

On January 1, 1776, the Continental Army came under the control of George Washington. In May of that year, Betsy Ross sewed the first American Flag, consisting of 13 stripes, alternating in colors of red and white. George Washington had it hoisted at Prospect Hill. She was a struggling seamstress who knew George and Martha Washington from Church. George Washington showed her the layout, which included stars with 6 points. She cut out a star with 5 points, and George Washington is said to have liked it and went with the design.

The first flag act was passed in 1977. Congress declared that the official flag of the United States would have 13 stripes, alternating red and white. It would also have 13 white stars on a blue background to represent each of the states in the Union. The stars each had 5 points, and were designed in a circle, representing the unity of the states. This flag act was updated several times through 1960. Congress added to it each time new states joined the Union.

Since 1960, the American Flag has stayed the same. It has 13 stripes to represent the original colonies. 7 of the stripes are red with the remaining 6 being white. The flag has 50 stars, each representing 1 state. The point of the stars points towards the sky to represent the presence of God. The stars remain on a blue background. The three colors also represent America. The red for valor and hardiness, white for purity and innocence. With blue representing vigilance, perseverance, and justice.

The American Flag has been an issue of controversy with some claiming it is their right to burn a flag. The law has decided that we can't pass and enforce laws against flag burning unless we modify the US Constitution and remove an important part of the First Amendment. However, it is considered very disrespectful in our society to burn the American Flag. It is also disrespectful to fly torn and tattered flags. They should be maintained properly. In light of terrorist attacks and the war with Iraq, American Flags are once again flying high and with honor for us to remember the freedoms we have in this country.

The United States Army Institute of Heraldry has designs in place for the American flag with up to 56 stars on it. This is because of ongoing statehood possibilities in Puerto Rico, the District of Columbia, U.S. Virgin Islands, the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, and American Samoa. While negotiations are far from complete, the hope is that one day their will be more that 50 states in the United States of America.