1. The American Flag and Other Symbols
Foundations of United States Citizenship
Lesson 1, Chapter 6

2. Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The American Flag and Other Symbols
Chapter overview
The American flag and other symbols
What is the history and symbolism of the American flag?
How should the flag be displayed and honored?
What are the history and meaning of the National Anthem, the Pledge of Allegiance, and Flag Day?
What are the uses of and symbols in the Great Seal of the United States and the Air Force Seal?
What is the American’s Creed?
Foundations of United States Citizenship
Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The American Flag and Other Symbols

3. Chapter overview (cont’d)
Civics
What is civics?
Why do people need government?
What are the functions and levels of government?
What is democratic government?
What are the requirements and responsibilities of American citizens and people who live in America?
How and why should citizens volunteer in their communities?
Foundations of United States Citizenship
Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The American Flag and Other Symbols

4. Chapter overview (cont’d)
The Constitution of the United States
What do the statements in the articles, sections, and amendments in the Constitution mean?
What are the three main parts of the Constitution?
How can the Constitution be amended?
How is the Constitution interpreted by the Supreme Court, Congress, the president, and custom?
Foundations of United States Citizenship
Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The American Flag and Other Symbols

5. Chapter overview (cont’d)
The Bill of Rights
What freedoms does the First Amendment protect, and how are they limited?
How are the rights of the accused protected by the Bill of Rights?
What other rights are protected by the Bill of Rights?
How did the Bill of Rights gradually come to protect all Americans equally?
What is the history of the struggle for civil rights, and how does it affect us today?
Foundations of United States Citizenship
Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The American Flag and Other Symbols

6. Chapter overview (cont’d)
U.S. national government
What is Congress, and how is it organized?
How does a bill become a law?
What are the requirements to become a U.S. president?
What is the job of the vice president, and who is in line to replace the president after the vice president?
How does the Judicial Branch carry out equal justice?
What is the federal court system, and what kinds of cases are tried in U.S. district courts and courts of appeals?
What are the roles of federal judges and Supreme Court justices?
Foundations of United States Citizenship
Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The American Flag and Other Symbols

7. Chapter overview (cont’d)
Comparing systems of government
What are authoritarian governments?
What are the characteristics of the systems of government in the People’s Republic of China, Cuba, Iran, Iraq, and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea)?
How and why did Soviet Communism collapse in Russia, and what is the outlook for Russia’s future?
What types of governments are considered democratic?
Foundations of United States Citizenship
Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The American Flag and Other Symbols

8. Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The American Flag and Other Symbols
Motivation
What should you do when the American flag is being hoisted or lowered?
When should you salute during the playing of the National Anthem?
Foundations of United States Citizenship
Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The American Flag and Other Symbols

9. Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The American Flag and Other Symbols
Lesson overview
What is the history and symbolism of the American flag?
What laws and regulations govern the flag?
When should the flag be displayed?
How should the flag be positioned and displayed?
What is the proper way to show respect for the flag?
Foundations of United States Citizenship
Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The American Flag and Other Symbols

10. Lesson overview (cont’d)
What is the proper way to show respect for the National Anthem?
What is the significance of the Pledge of Allegiance?
What is the history of Flag Day?
What is the significance of the Great Seal of the United States?
What is the significance of the Air Force Seal?
What is the American’s Creed?
Foundations of United States Citizenship
Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The American Flag and Other Symbols

11. Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The American Flag and Other Symbols
Quick Write
Make a quick list of everything you know about the design of the American flag. Then, write down what you know about how to display it, treat it, and show it respect. What do the American flag and other patriotic symbols mean to you?
Foundations of United States Citizenship
Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The American Flag and Other Symbols

12. 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

13. 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.
Foundations of United States Citizenship
Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The American Flag and Other Symbols

14. 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

15. 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 1818.
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

16. 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.
Foundations of United States Citizenship
Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The American Flag and Other Symbols

17. 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

18. 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.
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

19. 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

20. What laws and regulations govern the flag?
United States Code
Title 4, Chapter 1
Title 18, Chapter 33
Title 36, Chapter 10
Executive orders and presidential proclamations
Foundations of United States Citizenship
Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The American Flag and Other Symbols

21. 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.
Foundations of United States Citizenship
Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The American Flag and Other Symbols

22. 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

23. 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

24. 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

25. 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

26. 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

27. 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

28. 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

29. 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

30. 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

31. 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

32. 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

33. 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

34. 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

35. 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

36. Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The American Flag and Other Symbols
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

37. Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The American Flag and Other Symbols
What courtesies should be rendered to the flag and the National Anthem? (cont’d)
Military and civilian courtesies for flag ceremonies
When in uniform and in formation
When in uniform but not in formation
When indoors
When outdoors in uniform
Foundations of United States Citizenship
Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The American Flag and Other Symbols

38. Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The American Flag and Other Symbols
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

39. Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The American Flag and Other Symbols
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
Foundations of United States Citizenship
Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The American Flag and Other Symbols

40. Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The American Flag and Other Symbols
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

41. 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

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

43. 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

44. 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

45. 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

46. 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

47. Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The American Flag and Other Symbols
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

48. Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The American Flag and Other Symbols
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

49. Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The American Flag and Other Symbols
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

50. 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

51. 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
Foundations of United States Citizenship
Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The American Flag and Other Symbols

52. Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The American Flag and Other Symbols
Lesson review
The Second Continental Congress adopted the American flag on June 14, 1777.
During the Revolutionary War, several patriots made flags for our new nation. Among them was Betsy Ross.
The colonists’ first flag was the Grand Union flag.
Foundations of United States Citizenship
Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The American Flag and Other Symbols

53. Lesson review (cont’d)
The first change in the flag’s design was in 1794.
Act requiring 15 stars and 15 stripes to account for two new states
Official flag from 1795 to 1818
Foundations of United States Citizenship
Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The American Flag and Other Symbols

54. Lesson review (cont’d)
Changes to the flag resulting from bill signed in 1818
Union of 20 stars
Process for adding new stars to the flag
50-star flag
New design and arrangement of stars in the union
Official American flag
Foundations of United States Citizenship
Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The American Flag and Other Symbols

55. Lesson review (cont’d)
Colors used in the flag
White: purity and innocence
Red: hardiness and valor
Blue: vigilance, perseverance, justice
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

56. Lesson review (cont’d)
Current American flag features
13 horizontal stripes, alternating red and white
Union of five-pointed white stars on a blue field
Laws that govern the flag are found in the United States Code.
Foundations of United States Citizenship
Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The American Flag and Other Symbols

57. Lesson review (cont’d)
The flag is usually displayed only from sunrise to sunset on buildings and on stationary flagstaffs in the open.
A law signed in 1976 permits display of an all-weather American flag all day and night with proper lighting.
Foundations of United States Citizenship
Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The American Flag and Other Symbols

58. Lesson review (cont’d)
The flag can be displayed in good weather on all days, especially certain holidays.
Flag should be displayed on certain days in certain places.
At public institutions daily
At polling places on election days
At schoolhouses on school days
Foundations of United States Citizenship
Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The American Flag and Other Symbols

59. Lesson review (cont’d)
Carry the flag on the marching right or front and center in a line of flags.
AF personnel should follow specific guidelines for positioning and displaying the American flag.
In general, no other flag or pennant should be placed above or to the right of the American flag.
Foundations of United States Citizenship
Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The American Flag and Other Symbols

60. Lesson review (cont’d)
In general, the American flag should be displayed flat or hanging free.
The flag is flown at half-staff on Memorial Day morning and by order of the president or a governor.
When the American flag and United Nations flag are on display together, the American flag is on the right and uppermost.
Foundations of United States Citizenship
Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The American Flag and Other Symbols

61. Lesson review (cont’d)
AF personnel should always show respect to the American flag.
Be aware of guidelines for displaying, carrying, and using the flag.
Know how to properly destroy a flag that is no longer fit for display.
Foundations of United States Citizenship
Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The American Flag and Other Symbols

62. Lesson review (cont’d)
AF personnel should follow specific procedures to show respect to the flag.
During flag ceremonies
When the National Anthem or “To the Colors” is played during these ceremonies
Francis Scott Key wrote “The Star-Spangled Banner” in This poem later became the National Anthem.
Foundations of United States Citizenship
Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The American Flag and Other Symbols

63. Lesson review (cont’d)
The Pledge of Allegiance expresses patriotism and loyalty, a free nation, and the need to preserve liberty and justice.
Every June 14, we celebrate Flag Day.
Commemorates birthday of Stars and Stripes
1877: First national Flag Day observed
1949: Flag Day made permanent observance
Foundations of United States Citizenship
Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The American Flag and Other Symbols

64. Lesson review (cont’d)
The Great Seal of the United States was adopted on June 20, 1782.
Reflects Founding Fathers’ beliefs, their values, and the sovereignty of a new nation
Obverse used to authenticate president’s signature
Obverse and reverse appear on the dollar bill
Foundations of United States Citizenship
Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The American Flag and Other Symbols

65. Lesson review (cont’d)
The design of the Air Force seal is based on historic tradition and symbolism.
The American’s Creed is a statement about the type of government in the United States and the principles on which it is based.
The American’s Creed was written by William Tyler Page in 1918.
Foundations of United States Citizenship
Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The American Flag and Other Symbols

66. Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The American Flag and Other Symbols
Summary
What is the history of the American flag?
What laws and regulations govern the flag?
When should the flag be displayed?
How should the flag be positioned and displayed?
What is the proper way to show respect for the flag?
Foundations of United States Citizenship
Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The American Flag and Other Symbols

67. Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The American Flag and Other Symbols
Summary (cont’d)
What courtesies should be rendered to the flag and the National Anthem?
What is the significance of the Pledge of Allegiance?
What is the history of Flag Day?
What is the significance of the Great Seal of the United States?
What is the significance of the Air Force Seal?
What is the American’s Creed?
Foundations of United States Citizenship
Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The American Flag and Other Symbols

68. Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The American Flag and Other Symbols
Next
Done— The American flag and other symbols
Next— Civics
Foundations of United States Citizenship
Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The American Flag and Other Symbols