Flag of the United States

Flag of the United States. The national flag of the United States of America, often called the Stars and Stripes or Old Glory, consists of thirteen equal horizontal stripes of red and white, with a blue rectangle in the canton bearing fifty small, white, five-pointed stars. The current design, with 50 stars representing the 50 states, was adopted on July 4, 1960, following the admission of Hawaii to the Union. It is one of the most recognized symbols of the United States and embodies the nation's history, ideals, and federal structure.

Design and specifications

The precise colors and proportions are defined by federal law, specifically Executive Order 10834 issued by President Dwight D. Eisenhower. The flag's canton, or union, is a specific shade of blue known as "Old Glory Blue," while the stripes use "Old Glory Red" and white. The arrangement of the fifty stars, in alternating rows of six and five, was standardized by Robert G. Heft, a high school student whose design was chosen after Alaska gained statehood. Standard dimensions follow a 10:19 ratio, though variations exist for specific uses, such as those prescribed for the United States Army or for display on vehicles like Air Force One. The creation and manufacturing of flags for official use is managed by the General Services Administration.

History

The first official national flag, the Flag Act of 1777 passed by the Second Continental Congress, established the familiar pattern of thirteen stripes and thirteen stars, though the exact design of the stars was not specified, leading to patterns like the Betsy Ross flag. A major change occurred with the Flag Act of 1794, which added two stars and stripes for Vermont and Kentucky, creating the unique 15-star, 15-stripe flag that inspired Francis Scott Key to write "The Star-Spangled Banner" during the War of 1812. Subsequent acts, including the Flag Act of 1818, reverted to thirteen stripes and called for adding stars only upon the admission of new states. Key milestones include the 48-star flag after Arizona's admission in 1912, which flew through both World War I and World War II, and the 49-star flag following Alaska's statehood in 1959.

Symbolism and terminology

The colors themselves carry symbolic meaning, with red representing hardiness and valor, white symbolizing purity and innocence, and blue signifying vigilance, perseverance, and justice. The thirteen stripes honor the original Thirteen Colonies that declared independence from Great Britain, while each star represents a sovereign state within the federal union. Specific parts of the flag have formal names; the blue field is called the union or canton, and the stripes are collectively known as the field. The flag's nicknames, such as Old Glory, are deeply rooted in American lore, with the term popularized by sea captain William Driver in the 19th century. The phrase "Stars and Stripes" has been used for centuries and is the namesake of the official newspaper of the United States Armed Forces.

Display and use

Protocol for handling and displaying the flag is outlined in the United States Flag Code, a federal guideline established by Congress. The flag is flown daily at all public buildings, including the White House, the United States Capitol, and United States Postal Service facilities. It is prominently displayed on national holidays like Independence Day and Memorial Day. When displayed with other flags, such as those of the United Nations or individual states, it must hold the position of honor. The code also prescribes proper methods for folding the flag into a triangular shape, a tradition often performed by members of the Boy Scouts of America. Special rules govern its use during events of national mourning, as directed by proclamations from the President of the United States.

Cultural impact

The flag is a pervasive cultural icon, featured in countless works of art, from the paintings of Jasper Johns to the photography of Ansel Adams. It is central to the pledge of allegiance, a ritual established in the late 19th century and later formally adopted by Congress. The image has been adapted for various movements, from the patriotic posters of James Montgomery Flagg during World War I to its contested use during protests like those against the Vietnam War. It appears on everything from the uniforms of NASA astronauts to the patches of the United States Navy SEALs. The flag's symbolism is powerfully evoked in music, most famously in The Star-Spangled Banner, which became the official national anthem in 1931, and in songs by artists like Woody Guthrie and Bruce Springsteen.

Category:National symbols of the United States Category:Flags of the United States