Foundations of United States Citizenship Lesson 1, Chapter 6 1 History of the Flag

Foundations of United States Citizenship Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The American Flag and Other Symbols 2 What is the history of the American flag? The Second Continental Congress officially adopted the American flag in Philadelphia on June 14, The design called for 13 stripes, alternating red and white A union—the upper left corner of the flag—with 13 stars, white in a blue field Francis Hopkinson is probably responsible for the stars in the American flag.

Foundations of United States Citizenship Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The American Flag and Other Symbols 3 What is the history of the American flag? (cont’d) During the Revolutionary War, patriots made flags for our new nation. Betsy Ross The claim that she designed the first flag of the United States is based on family traditions. Grandson William J. Canby claimed Grandma Betsy made the 1 st flag.

Foundations of United States Citizenship Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The American Flag and Other Symbols 4 What is the history of the American flag? (cont’d) Grand Union Flag First flag of the colonists that looked like the present Stars and Stripes Also known as the Congress Colors, the “First Navy Ensign, or the Cambridge Flag Design: 13 stripes, blue field with two crosses

Foundations of United States Citizenship Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The American Flag and Other Symbols 5 What is the history of the American flag? (cont’d) In 1794, Congress passed an act requiring that the flag have 15 stars and 15 stripes. This became the official flag from 1795 to It played a role in historic events. Inspired the “Star Spangled Banner”

Foundations of United States Citizenship Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The American Flag and Other Symbols 6 What is the history of the American flag? (cont’d) Capt Samuel C. Reid, USN, suggested Constant of 13 stripes, but one star added to blue field for each new state added to Union April 4, 1818: President Monroe accepted bill that reflected Reid’s ideas. Capt William Driver called the flag “Old Glory” before a voyage.

Foundations of United States Citizenship Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The American Flag and Other Symbols 7 What is the history of the American flag? (cont’d) The flag changed as new states were admitted to the Union. Last added stars were for Arizona, New Mexico, Alaska and Hawaii. With the 50-star flag came a new design and arrangement of stars in the union.

Foundations of United States Citizenship Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The American Flag and Other Symbols 8 What is the history of the American flag? (cont’d) Colors used in the American flag White: purity and innocence Red: hardiness and valor Blue: vigilance, perseverance, and justice An American flag with 50 stars was raised for the first time on July 4, 1960, at Fort McHenry in Baltimore Harbor. The American flag is traditionally a symbol of liberty and freedom.

Foundations of United States Citizenship Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The American Flag and Other Symbols 9 What is the history of the American flag? (cont’d) Elements in the design of today’s flag 13 horizontal stripes—7 red and 6 white, alternating Union of white, five-pointed stars on blue field Blue field in the upper quarter of the flag next to the staff, extending to the lower edge of the fourth red stripe from the top Number of stars equal to the number of states in the Union

Foundations of United States Citizenship Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The American Flag and Other Symbols 10 What laws and regulations govern the flag? United States Code Can be found in the Congressional Archives in Washington DC Executive orders and presidential proclamations

Foundations of United States Citizenship Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The American Flag and Other Symbols 11 When should the flag be displayed? Display flag only from sunrise to sunset on buildings and on stationary flagstaffs in the open. Can display all-weather flag 24 hours a day if properly lit at night. Can display flag in good weather on all days, especially certain holidays.

Displaying the Flag January (3)February (3) March (1?)April (1?) May (2)June (1) July (1)August (?) September (3)October (2) November (3)December (2)

January – New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Day, Inauguration Day February – Lincoln’s Birthday, Washington’s Birthday, Presidents’ Day March/April – Easter May – Armed Forces Day, Memorial Day June – Flag Day July – Independence Day August Foundations of United States Citizenship Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The American Flag and Other Symbols 13

September – Labor Day, Patriot Day, Constitution Day October – Columbus Day, Navy Day November – Election Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day December – Pearl Harbor Day, Christmas Day Foundations of United States Citizenship Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The American Flag and Other Symbols 14

Foundations of United States Citizenship Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The American Flag and Other Symbols 15 When should the flag be displayed? (cont’d) The flag should be displayed Daily on or near the main administration building of every public institution On election days in or near every polling place During school days in or near every schoolhouse

Foundations of United States Citizenship Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The American Flag and Other Symbols 16 How should the flag be positioned and displayed? In a procession with another flag or flags Marching right or front and center of line On a float in a parade On staff or suspended, folds falling free On a vehicle, railroad train, or boat Not draped over any surface On a motorcar Staff attached to chassis or right fender

Foundations of United States Citizenship Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The American Flag and Other Symbols 17 How should the flag be positioned and displayed? (cont’d) No other flags or pennants above it Exceptions: services at sea, U.N. flag National colors only on vehicles designed for colors and color guards If displayed with crossed staffs, flag on and staff in front

Foundations of United States Citizenship Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The American Flag and Other Symbols 18 How should the flag be positioned and displayed? (cont’d) Display flag flat or hanging free. With other flags of states/localities/societies On separate staffs: Flag in center, at highest point Hoist American flag first, lower last On same halyard: American flag at highest point No other flags/pennants above or to right of American flag

Foundations of United States Citizenship Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The American Flag and Other Symbols 19 How should the flag be positioned and displayed? (cont’d) With flags of other nations Separate staffs, equal size, same height On horizontal staff or angled staff from windowsill, balcony, or front of building Union at peak of staff (unless at half-staff) Over a sidewalk, on rope from house to pole Hoist out from building, union first

Foundations of United States Citizenship Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The American Flag and Other Symbols 20 How should the flag be positioned and displayed? (cont’d) Against a wall or in a window Union uppermost, to flag’s own right Over the middle of the street Vertically, union toward north or east Flat on speaker’s platform Above and behind speaker In ceremony for unveiling statue/monument Not as covering for object

Foundations of United States Citizenship Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The American Flag and Other Symbols 21 How should the flag be positioned and displayed? (cont’d) When flying the flag at half-staff First, hoist it to the peak for an instant. Then, lower it to the half-staff position. Before it is lowered for the day, hoist it to the peak again. On Memorial Day, display the flag at half-staff until noon only.

Foundations of United States Citizenship Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The American Flag and Other Symbols 22 How should the flag be positioned and displayed? (cont’d) Presidential order: Fly flag at half-staff upon death of important government figures. Flag may be displayed at half-staff for death of other officials or foreign dignitaries. Governor of state/territory/possession may decide to fly national flag at half-staff upon death of present or former official of that government.

Foundations of United States Citizenship Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The American Flag and Other Symbols 23 How should the flag be positioned and displayed? (cont’d) Fly flag at half-staff after death of President or former president Vice president, Chief Justice, retired Chief Justice, or Speaker of the House Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, secretary of an executive or military department, former vice president, governor of a state/territory/possession Member of Congress

Foundations of United States Citizenship Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The American Flag and Other Symbols 24 How should the flag be positioned and displayed? (cont’d) When covering a casket Place flag with union at head and over left shoulder. Do not lower flag into grave or let it touch ground. When displayed with United Nations flag American flag should be on right and above United Nations flag.

Foundations of United States Citizenship Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The American Flag and Other Symbols 25 What is the proper way to show respect for the flag? Never dip the flag to any person or thing. Never display the flag with the union down, except as a signal of dire distress. Never let the flag touch anything beneath it.

Foundations of United States Citizenship Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The American Flag and Other Symbols 26 What is the proper way to show respect for the flag? (cont’d) Never carry the flag flat or horizontally. Never use the flag as apparel, bedding, or drapery. When using bunting, always arrange it with blue above, white in the middle, and red below.

Foundations of United States Citizenship Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The American Flag and Other Symbols 27 What is the proper way to show respect for the flag? (cont’d) Never use or store the flag in a way that might tear, soil, or damage it. Never use the flag as a ceiling covering. Do not put any markings on the flag. Never use the flag to receive, hold, carry, or deliver anything.

Foundations of United States Citizenship Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The American Flag and Other Symbols 28 What is the proper way to show respect for the flag? (cont’d) Never use the flag for advertising. Never use any part of the flag as a costume or athletic uniform. Wear a flag pin on the left lapel near the heart. If a flag is worn out, destroy it in a dignified way (burning).

Foundations of United States Citizenship Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The American Flag and Other Symbols 29 What courtesies should be rendered to the flag and the National Anthem? The National Anthem is played at most flag ceremonies. Parades, reveille, retreat, prior to events Sometimes, “To the Colors,” a bugle call, is used instead. It is given the same respect as the National Anthem.

Foundations of United States Citizenship Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The American Flag and Other Symbols 30 What courtesies should be rendered to the flag and the National Anthem? (cont’d) Military and civilian courtesies for flag ceremonies When indoors – stand at attention and face the music When outdoors in uniform – stand at attention, face music, and salute If flag is not visible, face the music.

Foundations of United States Citizenship Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The American Flag and Other Symbols 31 What courtesies should be rendered to the flag and the National Anthem? (cont’d) When outdoors in civilian clothes When a flag is escorted past outdoors When a flag is on a stationary flagstaff When a flag is small or cased and folded When indoors in civilian clothing During indoor ceremonies

Foundations of United States Citizenship Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The American Flag and Other Symbols 32 What courtesies should be rendered to the flag and the National Anthem? (cont’d) When riding in a civilian or military vehicle When the flag is at half-staff When the flag is hoisted, is lowered, or passes by When the National Anthem is played

Types of Flags Base Flag – used in fair weather from sunrise to sunset All Purpose Flag – used in any weather and flown 24 hours a day Ceremonial Flag – used in parades with 2 or more squadrons; has 3” gold fringe on 3 sides of flag

Organizational Flag – used when there are less than 2 squadrons; has gold fringe on 3 sides Transportation Flag – used for all motorized vehicles

Foundations of United States Citizenship Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The American Flag and Other Symbols 35 What courtesies should be rendered to the flag and the National Anthem? (cont’d) The National Anthem Was written by Francis Scott Key Was inspired by the sight of an American flag waving over Fort McHenry after a British attack Began as a poem and became the National Anthem of the United States

Foundations of United States Citizenship Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The American Flag and Other Symbols 36 What is the significance of the Pledge of Allegiance? The original Written in the office of a Boston magazine Intended to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the discovery of America First published and used in 1892 Authorship claimed by two people

Foundations of United States Citizenship Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The American Flag and Other Symbols 37 What is the significance of the Pledge of Allegiance? (cont’d) 1923: Wording changed from “my flag” to “the flag of the United States.” 1945: Congress recognized Francis M. Bellamy as the author. 1954: Words “under God” were added.

Foundations of United States Citizenship Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The American Flag and Other Symbols 38 What is the significance of the Pledge of Allegiance? (cont’d) Purposes of the Pledge Expresses patriotism and loyalty Expresses the freedom of our nation Reminds us of our duty to preserve liberty and justice for all

Foundations of United States Citizenship Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The American Flag and Other Symbols 39 What is the significance of the Pledge of Allegiance? (cont’d) Reciting the Pledge Come to attention and face the flag. When not in uniform, remove headdress and hold it at left shoulder. When in uniform, remain silent, stand at attention, face the flag, and salute if outdoors. If indoors, stand at attention.

Foundations of United States Citizenship Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The American Flag and Other Symbols 40 What is the history of Flag Day? Celebrates the birthday of the Stars and Stripes: June 14, 1777 First national observance: June 14, 1877 In 1916, President Wilson called for nationwide observance. In 1949, Flag Day became a permanent observance.

Foundations of United States Citizenship Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The American Flag and Other Symbols 41 What is the significance of the Great Seal of the United States? Designed to reflect the Founding Fathers’ beliefs, their values, and the sovereignty of the new nation Completed on June 20, 1782 Contains vertical stripes with the same colors used in in the American flag

Foundations of United States Citizenship Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The American Flag and Other Symbols 42 What is the significance of the Great Seal of the United States? (cont’d) The obverse of the Great Seal authenticates the president’s signature on many official documents. Treaty ratifications International agreements Appointments of ambassadors

Foundations of United States Citizenship Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The American Flag and Other Symbols 43 What is the significance of the Great Seal of the United States? (cont’d)? Features of the obverse of the Great Seal American bald eagle Shield with 13 red and white stripes and blue bar Motto of the United States—E Pluribus Unum Olive branch and 13 arrows Constellation of stars Design of obverse is shown in many ways.

Foundations of United States Citizenship Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The American Flag and Other Symbols 44 What is the significance of the Great Seal of the United States? (cont’d) Features of the reverse of the Great Seal Pyramid Eye over the pyramid Motto—Annuit Coeptis Roman numerals Words under the pyramid—Novus Ordo Seclorum

Foundations of United States Citizenship Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The American Flag and Other Symbols 45 What is the significance of the Air Force Seal? Design is based on historic tradition and symbolism. Coat of arms with two parts Crest Shield White stars Numerals under the shield Band encircling the design Inscriptions

Foundations of United States Citizenship Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The American Flag and Other Symbols 46 What is the American’s Creed? American’s Creed — Statement about the type of government in the United States and the principles on which it is based, followed by personal commitment Written by William Tyler Page in 1918