Flags of the United States
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| Flags of the United States | |
|---|---|
 Zimand · CC BY-SA 3.0 · source | |
| Name | United States flag |
| Nickname | Stars and Stripes, Old Glory, Star-Spangled Banner |
| Use | National flag |
| Proportion | 10:19 |
| Adoption | June 14, 1777 |
| Design | Thirteen horizontal stripes alternating red and white; blue canton bearing fifty white five-pointed stars |
| Designer | Francis Hopkinson (attributed) |
Flags of the United States are the national flags used to represent the United States of America, appearing in contexts ranging from American Revolutionary War battlefields to modern Presidency of the United States ceremonies. The flag's evolution reflects shifts tied to the Continental Congress, the Declaration of Independence, and federal law such as the Flag Act of 1777 and later statutes codified under the United States Code. State, military, and historical flags derive iconography and protocol from the national banner, intertwining with events including the War of 1812, the American Civil War, and the Civil Rights Movement.
History
The flag's origins trace to the Second Continental Congress resolution of 1777 and designs attributed to figures like Francis Hopkinson and patterns used by units in the Continental Army, Continental Navy, and militia groups active in the Siege of Boston. During the War of 1812 the flag inspired the poem that became the Star-Spangled Banner, tied to the bombardment of Fort McHenry and figures such as Francis Scott Key. Nineteenth-century changes corresponded with territorial expansion—admitting states like Missouri, Iowa, California, Alaska, and Hawaii—while the Civil War era saw competing flags for the Union and the Confederate States of America, involving leaders such as Abraham Lincoln and Jefferson Davis. Twentieth-century adjustments reflected statehood admissions and national events like the World War I, World War II mobilizations, and the Cold War; official codification emerged through acts of Congress and executive practice during administrations including Woodrow Wilson and Franklin D. Roosevelt.
Design and Symbolism
The flag's design—thirteen stripes and fifty stars—symbolizes the original thirteen colonies such as Virginia, Massachusetts, and New York and the fifty states including Texas, Florida, and New Mexico; stars were standardized in size and arrangement under specifications that reference heraldic practice and naval flags used by the United States Navy. Colors derive from heraldry and appear in seals linked to institutions like the Great Seal of the United States and imagery associated with figures such as George Washington and Benjamin Franklin. Variations in star arrangements appeared on early flags used by vessels like those in the United States Revenue Cutter Service and designs connected to events such as the Louisiana Purchase and westward expansion led by explorers like Lewis and Clark. Designers and critics have debated symbolism in artworks by figures such as Jasper Johns and in patriotic music including The Star-Spangled Banner and America the Beautiful.
Official Specifications and Protocol
Specifications for dimensions, proportions, and color shades are set in federal guidance and military regulations such as those promulgated for the United States Army, United States Air Force, and United States Coast Guard. Congressional statutes and executive orders have influenced protocol tied to presidential practice under the Executive Office of the President and ceremonial uses at institutions like the United States Capitol and the White House. Protocol covers half-staff observances declared by presidents such as John F. Kennedy and implemented across federal departments including the Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security. Manufacturing standards reference textile practices prevalent in regions historically associated with flag production like Philadelphia and legal disputes have reached courts including the Supreme Court of the United States concerning expressive uses.
Variants and Related Flags
Numerous related banners exist: the Gadsden flag used in Revolutionary-era militia contexts, state flags such as those of California, New York, and Texas that incorporate seals and mottos, military standards like the Army flag of the United States and the United States Marine Corps emblem, and historical patterns including the Bennington flag and the Grand Union Flag. Other variants include ensigns used by the United States Navy and the United States Coast Guard, flags for territories like Puerto Rico, Guam, and American Samoa, and organizational flags for entities such as the Boy Scouts of America and the American Legion. Commemorative and protest flags have appeared alongside movements involving figures and events like the Vietnam War, the Women's suffrage movement, and the Stonewall riots.
Usage and Display Practices
Display practices occur at federal sites such as the United States Capitol, Mount Rushmore, and federal courthouses, as well as civic sites like Independence Hall and sporting venues hosting teams such as the New York Yankees and the Dallas Cowboys. Customs include raising and lowering at sunrise and sunset as observed in naval contexts aboard vessels like USS carriers and in ceremonies presided over by officials including governors of New York or mayors of New York City. Educational institutions such as Harvard University, United States Military Academy, and public schools follow guidance for pledge rituals and commemorations tied to holidays like Independence Day, Flag Day, and Memorial Day.
Cultural Impact and Controversies
The flag figures prominently in art, protest, and law: artists like Jasper Johns and Andy Warhol have reinterpreted its imagery, while controversies have arisen over flag desecration cases adjudicated by the Supreme Court of the United States and legislative responses including efforts by members of Congress such as senators and representatives from states like Texas and California. Debates over flag display in contexts involving athletes such as Colin Kaepernick, institutions including the National Football League, and events like the Vietnam War protests highlight intersections with civil liberties defended by organizations such as the American Civil Liberties Union. Scholarly and public discussions involve historians specializing in periods from the American Revolution to the 21st century, legal scholars considering First Amendment jurisprudence, and civic groups including the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion.