The American flag is one of the most recognizable symbols in the world. As children, Americans are taught to see the flag as a symbol of freedom of liberty. Many children pledge allegiance to the flag by placing their right hands over their harts and reciting: “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.” The flag features 13 alternation red and white stripes. These stripes are a visual and symbolic representation of the original 13 colonies that were settled in America. The 50 white stars on the blue part of the flag are meant to represent the USA’s 50 states. Additionally, each color on the flag is symbolic. Red for valor and bravery. Blue for vigilance and justice. White for purity and innocence. Want to learn more? Read here for interesting American flag wall art facts.
Valor and Bravery
- If someone were to ask you who created the flag, who would you respond with? Betsy Ross, most likely. Did you know that there is debate over whether she actually created the flag? Ross is only credited with the flags creation due to her grandson presenting family statements to the government in 1870. Beyond that, however, there actually isn’t much proof. Many people believe that Francis Hopkin designed the flag because he’s named as the flags designer in journals from the Continental Congress.
- Did you know that the American flag has evolved over time? There are actually 27 official versions of it. Since there weren’t always 50 states, for instance, there weren’t always 50 stars on the flag. Each flag iteration was similar, but mainly different by the number of stars and stripes.
- As previously stated, the colors of the flag stand for different things. Red for valor and bravery. Blue for vigilance and justice. White for purity and innocence. Did you know the colors even have specific names? Blue is technically named “Old Glory Blue,” while red is technically named “Old Glory Red.”
- Did you know that the current version of the flag wasn’t even created by a government official? In 1949, a 17 year old student named Robert G. Heft created an updated flag for a school project. He submitted his idea to the government when Alaska and Hawaii gained statehood, and his design was chosen.
- Did you know there are tons of official rules from the U.S. Flag Code about how a flag should be displayed and used? Want to know some rules? First, the flag shouldn’t be flown in bad weather. Second, the flag should be raised quickly, but lowered slowly. Third, no other flags should be placed above it. Fourth, it must be flown at every school and during all school days. Fifth, if flown at night, the flag should be illuminated. Read below for more American flag wall art facts.
Purity and Innocence
- Every 4th of July, what are people wearing? Shirts and shorts covered in stars and stripes. Did you know that this is actually forbidden by the U.S. Flag Code. It specifies that the stars and stripes should never be used on clothing, bedding or decorations. Unfortunately, American flag themed merchandise is some of the highest selling in the country! I supposed Americans will keep breaking this rule!
- Many people believe that flying a flag upside down is extremely disrespectful. Did you know that flying a flag upside down isn’t only a sign of protest, but a sign of distress? If you were at sea and saw a ship flying their flag upside down, something is very, very wrong! Always remember that in the future!
- Burning a flag is one of the worst things people think you can do to a flag. Usually done as a sign of protest, it’s seen as very disrespectful to America. There was even a law passed to make it illegal! The Flag Protection Act of 1968 made burning flags illegal, but the law was repealed about 20 years later. The Supreme Court ruled that the law a violation of the citizens’ first amendment rights.
- 9/11 is one of the most infamous dates in American history. National tragedies are nothing new worldwide, but this tragedy had effects that reverberated around the world and changed the scope of history forever. It has been noted that in some ways, this tragedy brought Americans together. According to Walmart Corporate Communications, they sold 100,000 flags immediately after the happenings of 9/11, compared to the 6,000 they sold in September 2000. Walmart sold 7.8 million U.S. flags in 2002.
- Did you know that indestructible flags exist for the express purpose of preventing damage from weather or fire? A Green Beret veteran designed an indestructible flag made out of the materials kevlar and nomex, which both ensure that the flag can’t be burned or turn while flying. Did you enjoy these American flag wall art facts?
Conclusion
Looking for some more American flag wall art facts? Here. Did you know that there are 6 American flags on the moon? Only 5 of them are standing, however. Did you know that in the opening sequence of the first season of Gilligan’s Island, the flag shown during it was flown at half-staff? Wondering why? President Kennedy was assassinated the day the pilot episode was filmed! We hope you enjoyed the American flag wall art facts!