The American Flag

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The National Flag of the United States of America Introduction Simply referred to as “The American Flag”. Nicknames include “Old Glory”, “Stars and Stripes” and “The Star-Spangled Banner”. Consists of thirteen equal alternating horizontal stripes of red with white, representing the original thirteen colonies. And also a blue rectangle in the upper left hand corner bearing fifty white, five-pointed stars arranged in nine offset horizontal rows, representing the 50 states of the union. Red symbolizes Hardiness and Valor, White symbolizes Purity and Innocence and Blue represents Vigilance, Perseverance and Justice. History of the Flag The origin of the stars and stripes design is inadequately documented. The story credits Betsy Ross for sewing the first flag from a pencil sketch handed to her by George Washington, although no evidence for this exists. The design of the flag has been modified 26 times officially, since 1777. The 50-star flag we have today was ordered by President Eisenhower on August 21, 1959. Flag Etiquette The United States Flag Code outlines certain guidelines for the use, display, and disposal of the flag. The flag should never be allowed to touch the ground and, if flown at night, must be illuminated. If the edges become tattered through wear, the flag should be repaired or replaced. When a flag is so tattered that it can no longer serve as a symbol of the United States, it should be destroyed in a dignified manner, preferably by burning. Display The flag is displayed at half-staff or half-mast as a sign of respect or mourning. Nationwide, this action is proclaimed by the president; state-wide or territory-wide, the proclamation is made by the governor. Further, the flag is always flown at half-staff at three locations in the United States. These locations are The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier; Arlington

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