“I 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.”
Flag Day is the official birthday of the American flag. There are 14 official Flag Flying Holidays in the United States:
New Year’s Day, Lincoln’s Birthday, Washington’s Birthday, Armed Forces Day, Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Day, V-J Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Veteran’s Day, Pearl Harbor Day, Christmas, and State Admission Day. Many Americans choose to fly their flag every day during war time.
Here are some facts about Flag Etiquette:
It takes an Act of Congress to fly the flag 24 hours a day.
The American flag should be flown at half staff every Memorial Day.
The American flag should never touch the ground as it is stored or flown.
The American flag is flown upside down ONLY to signal you are in trouble.
No other flag should be flown above the American flag.
No other flag should be larger when flown with the American flag.
The American flag should never be used as a decoration or table covering.
The American flag should never we worn as clothes or accessories.
The American flag should never have anything attached to it or placed on it.
The American flag, when torn, should be ceremoniously burned.
Here are some Fun Facts About the American Flag:
In 2007, $4.7 million was spent on U.S. imports of American flags. $4.3 million of that amount was for U.S. flags made in China.
$2.4 million of U.S. flags were exported in 2007. Mexico was the leading customer, purchasing $1.2 million worth.
$349.2 million of fabricated flags, banners and similar emblems were shipped in 2007 by the nation’s manufacturers.
A Vexillologist is an expert in the history of flags.
Red signifies hardiness and valor.
Blue signifies vigilance, perseverance, and justice; the color of the Chief.
White signifies purity and innocence.
“The star is a symbol of the heavens and the divine goal to which man has aspired from time immemorial. The stripe is symbolic of the rays of light emanating from the sun.” (Source: Our Flag, 1989 House of Representatives)
Captain William Driver coined the name “Old Glory”, the nickname for the American Flag. Old Glory has 24 stars and is displayed at the Smithsonian in Washington DC. The American flag that inspired the national anthem, Star-Spangled Banner, is also displayed at the Smithsonian.