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On 14 June 1777, the Continental Congress passed the first Flag Act in Philadelphia. Stars have been added to the flag as new states join the union. Currently, the flag has 50 stars. There are thirteen stripes, one for each of the colonies. In 1782, the Congress of the Confederation chose these same colors for the Great Seal of the United States and listed the meanings of the colors.
Vexillology (vek-sil-AHL-uh-jee) —
noun: the study of flags
From Latin vexillum, "flag"
+ (Greek) -logy (from logos, " word, discourse")
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Agreeable to the order of the day, the Congress resolved itself into a committee of the whole to take into consideration the ways and means of raising money and the state of America; after some time spent therein the president resumed the chair, and Mr. [Samuel] Ward reported, that the committee had come to certain resolutions, which they desired him to report, but not having yet come to a conclusion ordered him to move for leave to sit again. The report of the committee being read and debated, Resolved, That a General be appointed to command all the continental forces, raised, or to be raised, for the defence of American liberty. That five hundred dollars, per month, be allowed for his pay and expenses. The Congress then proceeded to the choice of a general, by ballot, when George Washington, Esq. was unanimously elected. Resolved, that the Congress will to Morrow again resolve itself into a committee of the whole to take into consideration the state of America. Adjourned till to Morrow, at eight o'clock. |
Flag Day became a holiday in New York State in 1897 on June14th. Gradually, other states joined New York. In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson established Flag Day by national proclamation.
Proper Care of the Flag
Learn about the U.S. laws governing the flag and the proper care of the flag in the United States Flag Code
Folding the Flag
The following information on Folding the Flag was sent by Russell Maynard of Michigan. Did you know that government schools stopped teaching this in 1955? Sad, isn't it! The flag is folded 13 times to symbolize the original 13 colonies, but there is much more to the flag folding. Read on ...
The 1st fold of our flag
is a symbol of life.
The 2nd fold is a symbol of our belief in eternal life.
The 3rd fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veterans departing our ranks who gave a portion of their lives for the defense of our country to attain peace throughout the world.
The 4th fold represents our weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in time of war for His divine guidance.
The 5th fold is a tribute to our country, for in the words of Stephen Decaur, "Our Country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right; but it is still our country, right or wrong."
The 6th fold is for where our hearts lie. It is with our hearts that, "We pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States Of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all."
The 7th fold is a tribute to
our Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed Forces that we protect
our country and our flag against all her enemies, whether they
be found within or without the boundaries of our republic.
The 8th fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley
of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day.
The 9th fold is a tribute to womanhood, and Mothers. For it has been through their faith, their love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great has been molded.
The 10th fold is a tribute to the fathers, for they, too, have given their sons and daughters for the defense of our country since they were first born.
The 11th fold represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon and glorifies in the Hebrews' eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
The 12th fold represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in the Christians' eyes, God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit.
The 13th fold, or when the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost reminding us of our nation's motto, "In God We Trust."
After the flag is completely folded and tucked in, it takes on the appearance of a cocked hat, ever reminding us of the soldiers who served under General George Washington, and the sailors and marines who served under Captain John Paul Jones, who were followed by their comrades and shipmates in the Armed Forces of the United States, preserving for us the rights, privileges and freedoms we enjoy today. There are some traditions and ways of doing things that have deep meaning. In the future, you'll see flags folded and now you will know why.
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It means America first; it means an undivided allegiance. It means American united, strong and efficient, equal to her tasks. It means that you cannot be saved by the valor and devotion of your ancestors; that to each generation comes its patriotic duty; and that upon your willingness to sacrifice and endure as those before you have sacrificed and endured the rests the national hope. It speaks of equal rights; the inspiration of free institutions exemplified and vindicated; of liberty under law intelligently conceived and impartially administered. There is not a thread in it but scorns self-indulgence, weakness, and rapacity. It is eloquent of our community interests, outweighing all divergences of opinion, and of our common destiny. Given as a prize to those of the highest standing, it happily enforces the lesson that intelligence and zeal must go together, that discipline must accompany emotions, and that we must ultimately rely upon enlightened opinion. Note: |
Joke
A visitor from Holland was chatting with his American friend and
was jokingly explaining about the red, white and blue in the Netherlands
flag.
"Our flag symbolizes our taxes," he said. "We get red when we talk about them, white when we get our tax bill, and blue after we pay them."
"That's the same with us," the American said, "only we see stars, too."
Literature
Patriotic Prose / Poetry Interesting, hard to locate items !
Patriotic Poems More patriotic poems for your celebrations !
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This citizenship, which has been solemnly conferred on you, is a thing of the spirit -- not of the flesh. When you took the oath of allegiance to the Constitution of the United States, you claimed for yourself the God-given unalienable rights which that sacred document sets forth as the natural right of all men. You have made sacrifices to reach this desired goal. We, your fellow citizens, realize this, and the warmth of our welcome to you is increased proportionately. However, we would tincture it with friendly caution. As you have learned during these years of preparation, this great honor carries with it the duty to work for and make secure this longed-for and eagerly-sought status. Government under our Constitution makes American citizenship the highest privilege and at the same time the greatest responsibility of any citizenship in the world. The important rights that
are now yours and the duties and responsibilities attendant thereon
are set forth elsewhere in this manual. It is hoped that they
will serve as a constant reminder that only by continuing to
study and learn about your new country, its ideals, achievements,
and goals, and by everlastingly working at your citizenship can
you enjoy its fruits and assure their preservation for generations
to follow. [from: Basic Guide to Naturalization and Citizenship, Immigration and Naturalization Service, U.S. Department of Justice] |
Other Patriotic Holidays
Be sure to check out other patriotic holiday pages: D-Day, Independence Day, Pearl Harbor Day, Memorial Day, Veterans' Day, Presidents Day
Find out What the Bible says about freedom, liberty, etc.
Internet Field Trips
Flag Rules and Regulations
This site gives a time line of the US flag showing the various
changes it has gone through -- fascinating site!
The Unofficial American Flag Home Page
Listen to the national anthem while you learn about the flag —
tons of fun links
Flag Etiquette
Teaches proper care of the flag, proper display of the flag, and
more
Betsy Ross Home Page
Take a cyber visit to her home in PA, learn about her life, the
connection between Mrs. Ross and the U.S. flag, and more
The Pledge of Allegiance Short History by Dr. John W. Baer.
This is a fascinating story and a must read for many homeschoolers.
Flag Day in the United States
is June 14th
Not only are there many fun links and interesting things to do,
but it is an important site as well
The Bald Eagle
Another national symbol. Learn all about this majestic bird
World Flags
Learn all about the flags of the world — be careful or otherwise
you will be looking and reading about the flags of the world for
hours and not realize it !
Flags of All Countries
Another fascinating site including more information about a country
than its flag
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