The Flag

I. Who, When & Why? 1. 2 nd Continental Congress 2. June 14 th 1777 a. Less than 1 year after the D of I 3. Unity during the American Revolution

II. Symbolism 1. Red a. Courage 2. White a. Liberty 3. Blue a. Loyalty b. During the Revolution stripes a. 13 colonies 5. Stars a. States

III. Important facts about the flag 1. Pledge of Allegiance a. Loyalty pledge to U.S.A 2. Flown from sunrise to sunset a. Daily and holidays 3. Front of a procession 4. Flown higher than state flags 5. Same level as other national flags

III. Important facts about the flag continued… 6. Never used for advertising 7. Never touch the ground 8. speaker’s right 9. Displayed on or in front of public buildings 10. Retired flags burned in ceremony 11. Half staff indicates mourning June 16, 2005: Fred Matthews holds a used and faded American Flag while Chester Tomczak prepares to lay a flag preserving the memory of American prisoners of war on the flames. American Legion Post 148 Adjutant Jim Vojtecky looks on. In a solemn annual ceremony held at the Alder Street Park, the veterans, respectfully and properly dispose of retired American flags, each of which is, according to the U.S. Flag Code, “in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display..." The Disposal of Unserviceable Flags Ceremony is held each year on Flag Day, June 14. (photo by Bob Walter)

IV. Star Spangled Banner 1. War of 1812 a. Britain v. U.S.A. b. British burn Washington D.C. c. Battle of Baltimore -long night’s naval battle -American flag was still there -”by the dawn’s early light…” -Frances Scott Key