Flag Day

Americans take their national symbol, the flag, very seriously. There are rules in place regarding the handling of the flag. It can not be used for advertising and can not be used to cover a monument or a ceiling. It must not be folded when displayed nor should anyone write on it. The flag can not be dipped for any reason.

The American flag has undergone many changes since it was proposed at the Continental Congress on June 14, 1777. The flag is made from sixty-four pieces of fabric. There are thirteen red and white alternating stripes which represent the original thirteen states and fifty stars which represent each of the states on a blue background.

The design of the original flag has been attributed to both Betsy Ross and George Washington. The first flag was called the Grand Union. It was first flown at the headquarters of the Continental Army of January 1, 1776. The design of the first flag had 13 stars in a circle on a blue background.

The first official Flag Day was observed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1893. New York followed suit in 1897. Other states were slow to follow. In August 1949, President Harry S. Truman proclaimed June 14 as Flag Day. Americans are asked to display the flag outside their homes and businesses on this day.

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