This is a symbolic action intended to express deep dissatisfaction with the government or other actions occurring in the country. Saluting is one way to show respect for the american flag. The first fold is a symbol of life the second fold is for our belief in eternal life the third fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veteran departing rank, who gave a portion of his or her. Please practice handwashing and social distancing, and check out our resources for adapting to these times. It consists of thirteen equal horizontal stripes of red top and bottom alternating with white, with a blue rectangle in the canton referred to specifically as the union bearing fifty small, white, fivepointed stars arranged in nine offset horizontal. Va may not conduct or sponsor, and respondent is not required to respond to this collection of information unless it displays a valid omb control number. Like every other element on the american flag, theres deep meaning behind these stripes.
Now your little ones can learn a bit of history about our beautiful flag with this short reading comprehension printable. Outer point is then turned inward parallel with the open edge to form a second triangle. Share the history of the american flag as a national symbol. Flag code illustrates and describes the correct way to display the american flag. It is intended to honor the memory of a veteran who served honorably in the u. The third fold is made in honor and tribute of the veteran departing our ranks, and who gave a portion of his or her life for the defense of our country to attain peace. Since 1984, approximately th4,000 3rd, 4th and 5 graders from public, private and homestudy schools in baltimore city and the surrounding counties have formed a living american flag at fort mchenry, and elementary schools sites. The flag is folded to represent the original thirteen colonies of the united states. A printable pdf version of the flag is also available.
A united states flag is provided to drape the casket of a deceased veteran. It has been the inspiration for holidays, songs, poems, books, artwork and so much more. What is the meaning of a black and white american flag. The flag of the united states of america has gone through 27 different iterations, and plays a big part in the lives of americans and american culture. Here are some interesting and fun facts to know about the iconic stars and stripes. On june 14, 1777, the continental congress passed an act establishing an official flag for the new nation. The american flag is an important symbol of the united states. The united states flag code outlines proper flag etiquette for everything from properly folding a flag to flying a flag correctly. Jul 11, 2017 today, the flag continues to carry the red and white alternating stripes and now displays 50 white, 5pointed stars against a blue background, representing the 50 states. While the american flag itself is a national symbol, the stars and stripes on it are symbols, too. This paper will focus on how the american flag is a symbol for those who have fought for us, never made it home and the freedom we are granted from it. The meaning of the american flag by edward white 1434117600000 1434117600000 june 14, 2015, is flag day, a day set aside for americans to commemorate the adoption of the stars and stripes by the continental congress on june 14, 1777, as our official national flag.
The flagfolding ceremony represents the same religious principles on which our great country was originally founded. However, thomsons words have carried on in custom and tradition. Although the colors of the flag did not originally hold a specific meaning, many people have since suggested the significance of the colors. Not only is the flag used as a symbol of pride, but it can also be used as a symbol of distress or dismay. The language of the federal code makes clear that the flag is a living symbol. From its unofficial beginning as the continental colors or grand union flag to the long serving 50star. While some believe that it was a philadelphia seamstress, ms. Meaning of flag folding program the flag folding ceremony represents the same religious principles on which our great country was originally founded. A blue rectangle in the top corner beside the flagpole has fifty small, white, fivepointed stars arranged in a regular pattern of nine rows of six followed by five stars.
When and how to retire an american flag respectfully. Major stump, with assistance from stephanie spence and dawn planas conservation contractors for the moving beyond earth gallery folded the flag, while i lisa young read an explanation of the meaning behind each of the thirteen folds in a properlyfolded american flag. The 5 principles of good flag design will lead to a successful flag that accomplishes that purpose. Guidelines for display of the flag public law 94344, known as the federal flag code, contains rules for handling and displaying the u. Va furnishes a burial flag for the following veterans who received other than dishonorable. Please see my disclosure policy for more information with quickie activities like this, i like to add a few books into the mix. B from the folded edge then fold again over to meet the open edge. The evolution of the american flag throughout history. The modernday american flag possesses stripes of alternating red and white color.
Within this paper you will find my stance on this issue. Note that you may need to adjust printer settings for the best results since flags come in varying dimensions. The first version of the american flag was the grand union flag, also known as the continental colors, the congress flag, the cambridge flag, and the first naval ensign in 1777, the second continental congress passed the flag resolution. Even before they declared their independence from great britain in 1776, american colonists created their own flags to provide a symbol for their opposition to. In 1968, congress adopted the federal flag desecration law, which made it illegal to publicly mutilate, deface or otherwise show the flag contempt. On june 14, 1923, at the first national flag conference held in washington, d. General george washington first raised the continental army flag in 1776, a red and white striped flag with the british union jack where we now have stars. With independence day right around the corner, millions of patriotic americans are purchasing flags to show their support and celebrate this nationally recognized holiday if you truly want to celebrate our nations independence, however, you need to first familiarize yourself with the symbolism behind the american flag, as this plays a key role in its meaning and purpose. An american flag coloring page printable by miss vicky ive provided an american flag coloring page so that your kids can make their own flag while learning about patriotism and.
What are the different versions of the american flag. There are fifty white stars against a blue background. You will also understand why this issue is so near and dear to me. Desecration of the american flag 1540 words 7 pages. Students will analyze an image of an american flag from the postcivil war era 18657 and compare its details i. May 02, 2019 from that day, the meaning stuck and was applied to both the great seal and the american flag. Today, the flag continues to carry the red and white alternating stripes and now displays 50 white, 5pointed stars against a blue background, representing the 50 states. The folds of the american flag the meaning behind each. In times of social unrest, some may protest by burning the flag. 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. On june 14, 1777, the continental congress created the flag act, which mandated that, the flag of the united states be made of thirteen stripes, alternate red and white. Meaning of the folds of the american flag courageous. When did congress adopt the stars and stripes as the american flag.
Black and white american flags have several meaning and the answers you get depend entirely upon who you ask. Free united states flag downloads including pictures in gif, jpg, and png formats in small, medium, and large sizes. Although the colors of the flag did not originally hold a specific meaning, many people have. The american flag the american flag has thirteen equal horizontal stripes of red top and bottom alternating with white. Here is a list of rules and guidelines for displaying the american flag and treating it with proper respect. Standing at attention and facing the flag with their right hand over the heart, they recite. Beginning with, the now 50 stars displayed in the canton of the flag represent the current number of states in the union. Apr 14, 2016 in addition to representing the 50 states, the 50 stars on the american flag also represents a divine goal. The flag of the united states of america is a symbol of freedom and liberty to which americans pledge their allegiance. American forces in the battle of lake erie in september of 18, the flag that withstood enemy bombardment at fort mchenry, maryland on september and 14, 1814, inspiring francis scott key to write the starspangled banner, and it was flown by general andrew jackson at the battle for new. Use these printable worksheets to teach students about the american flag, the bald eagle, the great seal of the united states, and other patriotic symbols.
The 50 stars represent each of the 50 states in the u. If youve ever attended a military funeral, perhaps you noticed that the honor guards pay meticulous attention to folding the u. Flags began thousands of years ago, first used for. The ninth fold is an honor to womanhood, for it has been through their faith, love, loyalty, and devotion that the character of the men and women who have. The meaning behind the folds of the united states flag.
The flag has been used to display our nationalism, as well as our rebellion, and everything else in between. D outer point is then turned inward parallel with the open edge to form. The second fold signifies our belief in eternal life. Stars, stripes and symbols of america library of congress. The second fold is a symbol of our belief in eternal life. An american flag coloring page printable preschool activities. Oct 23, 2017 an american flag coloring page printable by miss vicky ive provided an american flag coloring page so that your kids can make their own flag while learning about patriotism and the symbols of the usa. Congress that the stripes remain in number to represent the. The folds of the american flag the meaning behind each fold. The meaning behind folding an american flag national air. Flag of the united states super teacher worksheets. Reading about the american flag never gets old to those of us who are patriotic americans. In 1977, the house of representatives published a book in which it described the american flags stars as being a symbol of the heavens and the divine goal to which man has aspired from time immemorial.
If you have a few different country flags, the flags. Vector files are available in ai, eps, and svg formats. One aspect on which the first american flag history is hotly debated is the one that deals with, who designed the first american flag. Jul 17, 20 american flag stencil pattern corporate american flag meaning stay safe and healthy. The eighth 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, and to honor our mother, for whom it flies on mothers day. Explain that both flags are american flags but the one with fewer stars is older. How to fold an american flag flag folding instructions how to tri fold the american flag flag folding meaning when to observe flag folding ceremonies where to find a great american flag owning an american flag is a honorable tradition for many american families, but it also comes with great responsibility. The american war of independence was from 17751783. It even describes in great detail how to retire an american flag respectfully. How to properly retire an american flag us flag etiquette. Ask students about the flags of their native countries. The story of the american flag linkedin slideshare.
C then starting from the striped end, a triangular fold is started by bringing the striped corner of the folded edge to the open edge. Many of our readers ask about american flag etiquette and the u. The stripes represent the original colonies that became states. American flagfolding procedures the american legion. General george washington first raised the continental army flag in 1776, a redand white striped flag with the british union jack where we now have stars. Folding the american flag into a triangle gives unique honor and respect to the flag. Students will study the american flag, and then create their own flag to represent. Traditionally a symbol of liberty, the american flag has carried the mes. The third fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veteran departing our ranks. History of our flag 1776on july 4th the flag becomes the first national symbol of the u.
The portion of the flag denoting honor is the canton of blue containing the stars representing states our veterans served in uniform. On june 22, 1942, congress passed a joint resolution, later amended on december 22, 1942, that encompassed what has come to be known as the u. A short history of the american flag what so proudly we hail. Here is the meaning of each of those folds and what it means. Guards make crisp, precise folds a total of times to complete the ceremony. Betsy ross, there is strong evidence pointing towards francis hopkinson, the signer of the declaration of independence. The american flag is a source of american history, legend, unity and respect. The american flag is a symbol of our country and should be shown proper how and why do we respect. With some, its an economic statem,ent about how so many have lost th. Even today, there is no official assignment of meaning to the colors of the flag. Please practice handwashing and social distancing, and. The american flag was adopted in 1777 during the american war of independence.
The meaning of the american flag american center for law. Found from a book about the symbolism of the american flag published in 1977. The flag folding ceremony represents the same religious principles on which our great country was originally founded. Congress adopted the stars and stripes as the american flag on june 14, 1777. The flag is so important that its history tells the story of america itself. The symbolism of the american flag is of revolutionary significance.
What the american flag means to me 319 words 123 help me. Folded edge is then folded over to meet the open edge. As adopted by the national flag conference, washington, d. Through the years the number of stars in the canton has increased with the addition of new states, and the meaning of the flag has expanded to unimaginable heights. Correct method of folding the united states flag a fold the lower striped section of the flag over the blue field. A short history of the american flag our flag carries american ideas, american history, and american feelings, henry ward beecher declared in 1861 to a group of union soldiers.
The meaning behind the folds of the united states flag april 29, 2019 michigan woman creates american flag wall using thousands of pennies march 18, 2019 pittsburghbased national flag foundation honored before kickoff of steelers game november 9, 2018. From 1777 to 1960, the american flag design changed frequently to reflect a growing number of states being added to the union. American flag learn about the symbolism in the design of the american flag. Acknowledge students responses about the american flags meaning and. There are red and white stripes on the american flag. The flag of the united states of america, often referred to as the american flag or u. Meaning of the folds of the american flag it is said that american flag is folded times and each fold has a meaning. A triangular fold is then started by bringing the striped corner of the folded edge to the open edge. Have you ever wondered what each of the folds represents. To salute all persons present of the flag, except those in uniform, should face the flag and stand at attention with the right hand over the heart.
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