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.

World Flags

The first known flags were those used around 3,000 B.C. in Ancient Greece and Egypt. They were called vexilloids. Today we call vexillology the study of flags. These first flags were carvings on top of metal or wooden poles. It wasn’t until 2,000 years ago that the idea to use material with a design on top of the pole was introduced. Flags are used to give a message, represent your organization, and celebrate events.

Today, a flag is described as a colored fabric that symbolizes something or that sends a signal. In medieval times, Knights carried flags to easily tell their friends from their enemies because they all looked alike in their armor. Most everyone is familiar with surrender flag, a plain white flag waived to indicate to your enemy that you give up.

Every country has a unique flag. Every state in the United States has its own state flag. Most organizations have their own flag including Girl/Boy Scouts of America, VFW, and many schools. One of the most well know flags in the Olympic Flag because it represents all nations. The 5 circles on the flag represent the 5 continents coming together in peace for friendly competition.

Another well known flag is that of the United Nations. The olive branch in the center represents peace for all Nations. The American flag flies at half-mast to honor the dead, as well as drapes the coffin at the funerals of those who have served in the military.

Regardless of who the flag belongs to, colors used have particular meanings. Red is for courage and power. White represents surrender. Orange is a reminder of sacrifice. Green represents safety and hope. Yellow is for caution. Black is a sign of death and mourning.

Flags come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. Much thought goes into the design of each flag because they want it to be a representation of who they are and what they stand for. Knowing the meanings of the colors on flags will help you to decipher that information .