United States flag

United States flag. The national flag of the United States, 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 in 1960 following the admission of Hawaii; the thirteen stripes represent the original Thirteen Colonies. It is one of the world's most recognized symbols, embodying the nation's history, ideals, and federal union.

Design and specifications

The flag's proportions are officially set at 10:19, though ratios like 2:3 or 3:5 are common in non-governmental use. The specific shades of red, white, and blue are defined by the U.S. Government as Old Glory Red, White, and Old Glory Blue. The arrangement of the 50 stars in the canton, in nine offset rows of six and five, was designed by Robert G. Heft as a high school project in 1958. The executive branch, through the Department of Defense and general services, maintains detailed standards for its construction, as outlined in official documents like Executive Order 10834. These specifications govern everything from the size of the union to the precise geometry of each star, ensuring uniformity in official production.

History

The first national flag, the Grand Union Flag, was used by the Continental Army in 1775. The familiar design of stars and stripes was established by the Flag Act of 1777, passed by the Second Continental Congress, which decreed "thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation." The design is popularly attributed to Betsy Ross, though historical evidence is scant. Key evolutions include the 15-star, 15-stripe "Star-Spangled Banner" that inspired Francis Scott Key during the War of 1812, and the addition of stars for new states like Texas and California. The current 50-star version, created after the admission of Alaska and Hawaii, is the longest-used design in the nation's history.

Symbolism and terminology

The flag's core symbolism is federalism: the union of states (stars) and the original colonies (stripes). The colors have no official meaning but were interpreted by the Continental Congress's secretary, Charles Thomson, in 1782: white for purity, red for valor, and blue for vigilance and justice. Specific terms define its parts: the "canton" or "union" is the blue field with stars, the "fly" is the length, and the "hoist" is the width. Phrases like "Old Glory," popularized by sea captain William Driver, and "The Star-Spangled Banner," from the national anthem, are deeply embedded in the national lexicon. The flag's imagery is central to works like the Pledge of Allegiance and the anthem itself.

Display and use

Protocol for handling and displaying the flag is codified in the United States Flag Code, a federal law first established in 1923. Key rules include illumination if flown at night, prohibition against use as apparel or bedding, and mandating it be flown at the White House, United States Capitol, and all United States Postal Service facilities. The code outlines proper display in relation to other flags, such as those of the United Nations or individual states like New York. It is flown at half-staff by order of the President of the United States or state governors to mark tragedies, such as after the September 11 attacks or the death of a figure like John McCain.

Cultural impact

The flag is a pervasive cultural icon, featured in art from Jasper Johns' paintings to the photograph Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima by Joe Rosenthal. It is central to national holidays like Independence Day and Memorial Day. Its image has been adapted for protest and solidarity, from the American Revolution to the Civil Rights Movement led by figures like Martin Luther King Jr.. In popular culture, it appears in films like Captain America: The First Avenger and is worn by athletes at events like the Olympic Games. The flag-raising at Fort McHenry and the subsequent anthem permanently linked the symbol to American resilience and identity.

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