The United States flag stands for the land, the people, the government and the ideals of the United States of America, no matter when or where it is displayed. The flag was officially adopted on June 14, 1777 when the Continental Congress resolved that "the flag of the united states be 13 stripes alternate red and white, that the Union be 13 stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation." The name Stars and Stripes has become the most popular name for the United States flag. Altogether, the Stars and Stripes has been through 27 versions. The most recent revision was made on July 4, 1960 when Hawaii was admitted to statehood. Nobody really knows who designed the flag or made the first version. Soon after it was adopted, Congressman Francis Hopkinson claimed that he had designed it. In 1870, William J. Canby claimed that his grandmother, Elizabeth (Betsy) Ross, had made the first United States flag. No official records confirm this contention. It is a fact, however, that Betsy Ross was a Philadelphia seamstress who made flags during the Revolutionary War. The Continental Congress left no official record to show why it chose the colors red, white and blue for the flag. These colors, however, have come to symbolize the following: red represents hardiness and courage, white represents purity and innocence and blue represents vigilance, perseverance and justice. The 13 stripes in the flag represent the original 13 colonies.

Flag Etiquette

Half Mast

When should the U.S. flag be flown at half mast?

• Memorial Day until noon. At noon the flag should be raised to the top of the pole.
• Upon the death of a principal government figure of the U.S. government or the governor of a state or territory, IF SO ORDERED BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES.
• Upon the death of a former state or territorial government official IF SO ORDERED BY THE GOVERNOR OF SUCH STATE OR TERRITORY.

Display

The display of the American Flag is governed by law to ensure that it will be treated with the respect due the flag of a great nation. This is known as the Flag Code.

The American Flag should be placed in the center, and higher, when displayed with a group of state, local, or organizational flags flown from staffs. It may also be positioned to the right of other flags (if you were to hold the flag while facing your audience, your right side would be the flag's own right).

Should the U.S. flag be flown after dark?

• It is customary to fly the U.S. flag only during the day. However, if a patriotic effect is intended, the flag may be flown twenty-four hours a day, provided that it is properly illuminated at night.

On what days should the U.S. flag be displayed?

• The flag should be displayed on all days. There are, however, several days when it is most important to display the flag. These are:
  • New Years Day, January 1
  • Inauguration Day, January 20
  • Lincoln's Birthday, February 12
  • Washington's Birthday, third Monday in February
  • Easter Sunday
  • Mother's Day, second Sunday in May
  • Armed Forces Day, third Saturday in May
  • Memorial Day, last Monday in May
  • Flag Day, June 14
  • Independence Day, July 4
  • Labor Day, first Monday in September
  • Constitution Day, September 17
  • Columbus Day, second Monday in October
  • Navy Day, October 27
  • Veteran's Day, November 11
  • Thanksgiving Day, fourth Thursday in November
  • Christmas Day, December 25

Disposal

When a flag is so worn it is no longer fit to serve as a symbol of the United States, it should be destroyed in a dignified manner, preferably by burning. The American Legion and other organizations regularly conduct dignified flag-burning ceremonies. Also, you may drop off or send your worn United States Flags to us at Gorham Flag Center and we will ensure these flags are given to one of the many organizations who handle the proper disposal and ceremonies.