[House Document 108-97]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]



108th Congress, 1st Session - - - - - - - - House Document 108-97


			OUR FLAG

   		     __________
	

"I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE
TO THE FLAG OF THE UNITED
STATES OF AMERICA AND TO
THE REPUBLIC FOR WHICH IT
STANDS, ONE NATION UNDER
GOD, INDIVISIBLE, WITH LIBERTY
AND JUSTICE FOR ALL."

108th Congress, 1st Session H.Doc. 108-97

OUR FLAG

JOINT COMMITTEE ON PRINTING

UNITED STATES CONGRESS

Printed by authority of House Concurrent Resolution 139, 108th Congress

U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE
WASHINGTON : 2003

For sale by the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office
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PRINTED UNDER THE DIRECTION OF THE JOINT COMMITTEE ON PRINTING
ROBERT W. NEY, Representative from Ohio, SAXBY CHAMBLISS, Senator from Georgia,
Chairman Vice Chairman
JOHN T. DOOLITTLE, Representative from California THAD COCHRAN, 
Senator from Mississippi
JOHN LINDER, Representative from Georgia GORDON SMITH, Senator from 
Oregon
JOHN B. LARSON, Representative from Connecticut DANIEL K. INOUYE, 
Senator from Hawaii
ROBERT A. BRADY, Representative from Pennsylvania MARK DAYTON, 
Senator from Minnesota
HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 139
(Submitted by Mr. Ney)
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
108th Congress, 1st Session
April 7, 2003
Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring),
SEC. 3. OUR FLAG
(a) IN GENERAL.-The 2003 revised edition of the publication entitled
"Our Flag" shall be printed as a House document under the direction of
the Joint Committee on Printing.
(b) ADDITIONAL COPIES.-In addition to the usual number, there shall
be printed the lesser of-
(1) 550,000 copies of the document, of which 440,000 copies
shall be for the use of the House of Representatives, 100,000 copies 
shall be for the use of the Senate, and 10,000 copies shall be for the 
use of the Joint Committee on Printing; or (2) such number of copies 
of the document as does not exceed a total production and printing 
cost of $198,108, with distribution to be allocated in the same 
proportion as described in paragraph (1), except that in no case 
shall the number of copies be less than 1 per Member of 
Congress.

Introduction

During the night of September 13, 1814, the British fleet bombarded 
Fort McHenry in the harbor at Baltimore, Maryland. 
Francis Scott Key, a 34-year old lawyer-poet, watched the 
attack from the deck of a British prisoner-exchange ship. He had gone 
to seek the release of a friend but they were refused permission to go 
ashore until after the attack had been made. As the battle ceased on 
the following morning, Key turned his telescope to the fort and saw 
that the American flag was still waving. The sight so inspired him 
that he pulled a letter from his pocket and began to write the poem 
which eventually was adopted as the national anthem of the United 
States-"The Star-Spangled Banner." Key was returned to Baltimore and 
later that day took a room at a Baltimore tavern where he completed 
the poem. Years later, Key told a hometown audience in Frederick, 
Maryland: "I saw the flag of my country waving over a city-the
strength and pride of my native State-a city devoted to plunder
and desolation by its assailants. I witnessed the preparation for
its assaults. I saw the array of its enemies as they advanced to
the attack. I heard the sound of battle; the noise of the conflict
fell upon my listening ear, and told me that 'the brave and the
free' had met the invaders."

The Joint Committee on Printing is pleased to present the latest
edition of Our Flag. This Congressional publication briefly describes 
the history of the flag, and sets forth the practices and observances 
appropriate to its display. The Committee hopes that this document 
will be both useful and informative to its audience. 

Acknowledgement 

The Joint Committee on Printing extends thanks and appreciation to 
the individuals and organizations that contributed their knowledge to 
this booklet.

"Let the praise, then, if any be due, be given, not 
to me, who only did what I could not help doing, 
not to the writer, but to the inspirers of the song!" 
-Francis Scott Key 

The History of the Stars and Stripes 

The Stars and Stripes originated as a result of a resolution 
adopted by the Marine Committee of the Second 
Continental Congress at Philadelphia on June 14, 1777. 
The resolution read: 
"Resolved, that the flag of the United States be thirteen 
stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen 
stars, white in a blue field representing a new constellation." 
The resolution gave no instruction as to how many points the stars 
should have, nor how the stars should be arranged on the blue union. 
Consequently, some flags had stars scattered on the blue field without 
any specific design, some arranged the stars in rows, and some in a 
circle. 
The first Navy Stars and Stripes had the stars arranged in staggered 
formation in alternate rows of threes and twos on a blue field. Other 
Stars and Stripes flags had stars arranged in alternate rows of four, 
five and four. Some stars had six points while others had eight. 
Strong evidence indicates that Francis Hopkinson of New Jersey, a 
signer of the Declaration of Independence, was responsible for the stars 
in the U.S. flag. At the time that the flag resolution was adopted, 
Hopkinson was the Chairman of the Continental Navy Board's Middle 
Department. Hopkinson also helped design other devices for the 
Government including the Great Seal of the United States. For his 
services, Hopkinson submitted a letter to the Continental Admiralty 
Board asking "whether a Quarter Cask of the public Wine will not be a 
proper & reasonable Reward for these Labours of Fancy and a suitable 
Encouragement to future Exertions of a like Nature." His request was 
turned down since the Congress regarded him as a public servant. 

An Early Stars and Stripes

During the Revolutionary War, several patriots made flags for 
our new Nation. Among them were Cornelia Bridges, 
Elizabeth (Betsy) Ross, and Rebecca Young, all of 
Pennsylvania, and John Shaw of Annapolis, Maryland. Although Betsy 
Ross, the best known of these persons, made flags for 50 years, there 
is no proof that she made the first Stars and Stripes. It is known 
that she  made flags for the Pennsylvania State Navy in 1777. The flag 
popularly known as the "Betsy Ross flag," which arranged the stars in 
a circle, did not appear until the early 1790's. 

The claims of Betsy Ross were first brought to the attention of the 
public in 1870 by one of her grandsons, William J. Canby. In a paper 
he read before the meeting of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, 
Canby stated: 
"It is not tradition, it is report from the lips of the principal 
participator in the transaction, directly told not to one or two, but 
a dozen or more living witnesses, of which I myself am one, though but 
a little boy when I heard it.... Colonel Ross with Robert Morris and 
General Washington, called on Mrs. Ross and told her they were a 
committee of Congress, and wanted her to make a flag from the drawing, 
a rough one, which, upon her suggestions, was redrawn by General 
Washington in pencil in her back parlor. This was prior to the 
Declaration of Independence. I fix the date to be during Washington's 
visit to Congress from New York in June, 1776 when he came to confer 
upon the affairs of the Army, the flag being no doubt, one of these 
affairs."

The Grand Union Flag

The first flag of the colonists to have any resemblance to the 
present Stars and Stripes was the Grand Union Flag, sometimes 
referred to as the Congress Colors, the First Navy 
Ensign, and the Cambridge Flag. Its design consisted of 13 stripes,
 alternately red and white, representing the Thirteen Colonies, with 
a blue field in the upper left-hand corner bearing the red cross of 
St. George of England with the white cross of St. Andrew of Scotland. 
As the flag of the revolution it was used on many occasions. It was 
first flown by the ships of the Colonial Fleet on the Delaware River. 
On December 3, 1775, it was raised aboard Captain Esek Hopkin's 
flag-ship Alfred by John Paul Jones, then a Navy lieutenant. Later 
the flag was raised on the liberty pole at Prospect Hill, which was 
near George Washington's headquarters in Cambridge, Massachusetts. 
It was our unofficial national flag on July 4, 1776, Independence Day; 
and it remained the unofficial national flag and ensign of the Navy 
until June 14, 1777, when the Continental Congress authorized the 
Stars and Stripes. 
Interestingly, the Grand Union Flag also was the standard of the
British East India Company. It was only by degrees that the Union 
Flag of Great Britain was discarded. The final breach between the 
Colonies and Great Britain brought about the removal of the British 
Union from the canton of our striped flag and the substitution of 
stars on a blue field. 

Fifteen Stars and Stripes

When two new States were admitted to the Union (Kentucky 
and Vermont), a resolution was adopted in January of 
1794, expanding the flag to 15 stars and 15 stripes. This 
flag was the official flag of our country from 1795 to 1818, and was 
prominent in many historic events. It inspired Francis Scott Key to 
write "The Star-Spangled Banner" during the bombardment of Fort 
McHenry; it was the first flag to be flown over a fortress of the 
Old World when American Marine and Naval forces raised it above the 
pirate stronghold in Tripoli on April 27, 1805; it was the ensign of 
American forces in the Battle of Lake Erie in September of 1813; and 
it was flown by General Jackson in New Orleans in January of 1815.

However, realizing that the flag would become unwieldy with a 
stripe for each new State, Capt. Samuel C. Reid, USN, suggested to 
Congress that the stripes remain 13 in number to represent the 
Thirteen Colonies, and that a star be added to the blue field for 
each new State coming into the Union. Accordingly, on April 4, 1818, 
President Monroe accepted a bill requiring that the flag of the 
United States have a union of 20 stars, white on a blue field, and 
that upon admission of each new State into the Union one star be 
added to the union of the flag on the fourth of July following its 
date of admission. The 13 alternating red and white stripes would 
remain unchanged. This act succeeded in prescribing the basic design 
of the flag, while assuring that the growth of the Nation would be 
properly symbolized. 

Eventually, the growth of the country resulted in a flag with 48 
stars upon the admission of Arizona and New Mexico in 1912. Alaska 
added a 49th in 1959, and Hawaii a 50th star in 1960. With the 
50-star flag came a new design and arrangement of the stars in the 
union, a requirement met by President Eisenhower in Executive Order 
No. 10834, issued August 21, 1959. To conform with this, a national 
banner with 50 stars became the official flag of the United States. 
The flag was raised for the first time at 12:01 a.m. on July 4, 1960, 
at the Fort McHenry National Monument in Baltimore, Maryland. 

Traditionally a symbol of liberty, the American flag has carried the 
message of freedom to many parts of the world. Sometimes the same 
flag that was flying at a crucial moment in our history has been flown 
again in another place to symbolize continuity in our struggles for 
the cause of liberty. One of the most memorable is the flag that flew 
over the Capitol in Washington on December 7, 1941, when Pearl Harbor 
was attacked. This same flag was raised again on December 8 when war 
was declared on Japan, and three days later at the time of the 
declaration of war against Germany and Italy. President Roosevelt 
called it the "flag of liberation" and carried it with him to the 
Casablanca Conference and on other historic occasions. It flew from 
the mast of the U.S.S. Missouri during the formal Japanese surrender 
on September 2, 1945. 
Another historic flag is the one that flew over Pearl Harbor on 
December 7, 1941. It also was present at the United Nations Charter 
meeting in San Francisco, California, and was used at the Big Three 
Conference at Potsdam, Germany. This same flag flew over the White 
House on August 14, 1945, when the Japanese accepted surrender terms. 
"Old Ironsides" in the War of 1812. Courtesy U.S. Naval Academy 
Museum  Following the War of 1812, a great wave of nationalistic 
spirit spread throughout the country; the infant Republic had 
successfully defied the might of an empire. As this spirit spread, 
the Stars and Stripes became a symbol of sovereignty. The homage 
paid that banner is best expressed by what the gifted men of later 
generations wrote concerning it. The writer Henry Ward Beecher said: 

"A thoughtful mind when it sees a nation's flag, sees not the 
flag, but the nation itself. And whatever may be its symbols, its 
insignia, he reads chiefly in the flag, the government, the 
principles, the truths, the history that belongs to the nation that 
sets it forth. The American flag has been a symbol of Liberty and 
men rejoiced in it.

"The stars upon it were like the bright morning stars of God, and the 
stripes upon it were beams of morning light. As at early dawn the 
stars shine forth even while it grows light, and then as the sun 
advances that light breaks into banks and streaming lines of color, 
the glowing red and intense white striving together, and ribbing the 
horizon with bars effulgent, so, on the American flag, stars and 
beams of many-colored light shine out together ...." In a 1917 Flag 
Day message, President Wilson said:

"This flag, which we honor and under which we serve, is the 
emblem of our unity, our power, our thought and purpose as a 
nation. It has no other character than that which we give it from 
generation to generation. The choices are ours. It floats in majestic 
silence above the hosts that execute those choices, whether in 
peace or in war. And yet, though silent, it speaks to us-speaks to 
us of the past, of the men and women who went before us, and 
of the records they wrote upon it. 

"We celebrate the day of its birth; and from its birth until now 
it has witnessed a great history, has floated on high the symbol of 
great events, of a great plan of life worked out by a great people.... 
"Woe be to the man or group of men that seeks to stand in 
our way in this day of high resolution when every principle we 
hold dearest is to be vindicated and made secure for the salvation 
of the nation. We are ready to plead at the bar of history, and our 
flag shall wear a new luster. Once more we shall make good with 
our lives and fortunes the great faith to which we were born, and 
a new glory shall shine in the face of our people." 

Early American Flags

Archeological digs in northern India, dating around 3,500 B.C., 
have uncovered a seal, used to sign documents. The seal 
shows a procession of seven men carrying square standards, 
held aloft on poles like modern flags. While these ancient flags were 
rigid, like boards, and not made of cloth as modern flags are, they 
provided ample testimony that heraldry and the displaying of banners 
dated to the earliest civilizations.

In American history, the Vikings carried a flag which bore a black 
raven on a field of white. In 1492 Columbus sailed to our shores 
with his three small ships displaying the Spanish flag bearing two 
red lions on two white fields and two yellow castles on two red 
fields. The Dutch brought their own striped flags when they settled 
in New Amsterdam, which we now call New York, and pioneers from 
other nations also brought along the standards of their countries 
when they settled on our shores. It is only natural, therefore, that 
America should create colonial flags as soon as the first colonists 
settled. Given the disparate array of settlers, it is not surprising 
that a wide variety of flags was created. 

The first flags adopted by our colonial forebears were symbolic of 
their struggles with the wilderness of the new land. Beavers, pine 
trees, rattlesnakes, anchors and various other insignia were affixed 
to different banners with mottoes such as "Hope," "Liberty," "Appeal 
to Heaven," or "Don't Tread on Me."

In the early days of the Revolution, there were colonial and 
regimental flags by the score. The Boston Liberty flag, consisting of 
nine alternate red and white horizontal stripes, flew over the 
Liberty Tree, a fine old elm in Hanover Square in Boston, where the 
Sons of Liberty met. Still another was a white flag with a green pine 
tree and the inscription, "An Appeal to Heaven." This particular flag 
became familiar on the seas as the ensign of the cruisers commissioned 
by General Washington, and was noted by many English newspapers of 
the time. 

Flags with a rattlesnake theme also gained increasing prestige with
colonists. The slogan "Don't Tread on Me" almost invariably appeared 
on rattlesnake flags. A flag of this type was the standard of the 
South Carolina Navy. Another, the Gadsden flag, consisted of a yellow 
field with a rattlesnake in a spiral coil, poised to strike, in the 
center. Below the snake was the motto, "Don't Tread on Me." Similar 
was the Culpepper flag, banner of the Minutemen of Culpepper (now 
spelled Culpeper) County, Virginia. It consisted of a white field 
with a rattlesnake in a spiral coil in the center. Above the 
rattlesnake was  the legend "The Culpepper Minute Men" and below, the 
motto, "Liberty or Death" as well as "Don't Tread on Me." 

In December of 1775, an anonymous Philadelphia correspondent
wrote to Bradford's Pennsylvania Journal concerning the symbolic use 
of the snake. He began the letter by saying:

"I recollected that her eye excelled in brightness that of any other 
animal, and that she has no eye-lids. She may, therefore, be esteemed 
an emblem of vigilance. She never begins an attack, nor, when once 
engaged, ever surrenders. She is, therefore, an emblem of magnanimity 
and true courage."

It was probably the deadly bite of the rattler, however, which was 
foremost in the minds of its designers, and the threatening slogan 
"Don't Tread on Me" added further significance to the design. 

The Moultrie flag was the first distinctive American flag displayed 
in the South. It flew over the ramparts of the fort on Sullivan's 
Island, which lies in the channel leading to Charleston, South 
Carolina, when the British fleet attacked on June 28, 1776. The 
British ships bombarded the fort for 10 hours. But the garrison, 
consisting of some 375 regulars and a few militia, under the command 
of Col. William Moultrie, put up such a gallant defense that the 
British were forced to withdraw under cover of darkness. This 
victory saved the southern Colonies from invasion for another two 
years. The flag was blue, as were the uniforms of the men of the 
garrison, and it bore a white crescent in the upper corner next to 
the staff, like the silver crescents the men wore on their caps, 
in-scribed with the words "Liberty or Death."

The Maritime Colony of Rhode Island had its own flag, which was 
carried at Brandywine, Trenton, and Yorktown. It bore an anchor, 
13 stars, and the word "Hope." Its white stars in a blue field are 
believed by many to have influenced the design of our national flag. 
The Army preferred its regimental flags on the battlefield instead 
of the Stars and Stripes. A popular form of the U.S. flag that was 
used in battle had the obverse (front) of the Great Seal in the 
canton. The Army also used the Stars and Stripes with 13 stars in a 
circle. The Stars and Stripes was officially used in Army artillery 
units in 1834, and in infantry units in 1842.

Historical Flags 

FORT MOULTRIE

South Carolinians defending Fort 
Moultrie in Charleston Harbor in 1776 
raised one of the earliest flags of American 
liberty. The blue corresponded to their uniform, 
the silver crescent appeared as a badge 
worn on their caps. The cause for which 
they fought-liberty-was emblazoned on 
the crescent. 

RHODE ISLAND REGIMENT 

The State flags of America found their 
earliest forms during the Revolutionary War. 
The starry canton in the flag of the Rhodeï¿½20
Island Regiment symbolized national unity, 
but the white field corresponded to the uniform 
of the State troops. The anchor symbol 
and motto which completed the design had 
been used for more than a century. The original 
flag may be found in the State House in 
Providence. 

BENNINGTON FLAG 

Originally believed to have been carried 
during the Revolution, this flag is now seen as 
having probably been made for the 50th 
anniversary of the Declaration of Independence 
in 1826. Its design is typical of the exuberant 
artistic expressions found in flags of 
the 19th century. 

GREEN MOUNTAIN BOYS 

General John Stark of New Hampshire 
commanded a militia brigade known as the 
"Green Mountain Boys." Tradition relates 
that its green flag was flown at the Battle of 
Bennington on August 16, 1777, As in many 
American flags, the stars here were arranged 
in an arbitrary fashion. Nevertheless they 
signified the unity of the Thirteen Colonies 
in their struggle for independence. 

COMMODORE PERRY'S FLAG

During the War of 1812 Captain James 
Lawrence of the Chesapeake encouraged his 
men, as he lay dying, by exhorting "Don't 
Give Up the Ship." Three months later at 
the Battle of Lake Erie, Commodore Perry 
emblazoned these words on a flag which 
carried him to victory. Similar flags and 
mottoes have inspired Americans throughout 
our two centuries of existence. 

CAVALRY GUIDON

During the Civil War a special version of 
the United States flag-with swallowtail and 
stars of gold instead of white-was carried by 
the cavalry. General Custer and others used 
the flag in succeeding decades in the West. 

The Flag Today

The flag of the United States of America has 13 horizontal 
stripes-7 red and 6 white-the red and white stripes alternating, 
and a union which consists of white stars of 5 points on a blue 
field placed in the upper quarter next to the staff and extending 
to the lower edge of the fourth red stripe from the top. The number 
of stars equals the number of States in the Union. The proportions of 
the flag as prescribed by Executive Order of President Eisenhower on 
August 21, 1959, are as follows:

Hoist (width) of flag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1.0 
Fly (length) of flag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1.9 
Hoist (width) of union . . . . . . . . . .0.5385 
Fly (length) of union . . . . . . . . . . . . . .0.76 
Width of each stripe . . . . . . . . . . . . .0.769 
Diameter of each star . . . . . . . . . . .0.0616 

Flag Anatomy

Flag Laws and Regulations

The laws relating to the flag of the United States of America are 
found in detail in the United States Code. Title 4, Chapter 1 pertains 
to the flag and seal, seat of Government and the States; Title 18, 
Chapter 33 pertains to crimes and criminal procedures; Title 36, 
Chapter 10 pertains to patriotic customs and observances. These laws 
were supplemented by Executive Orders and Presidential Proclamations. 

Title 36, Chapter 10-PATRIOTIC CUSTOMS
ï¿½171. National anthem; Star-Spangled Banner, conduct during playing 
During rendition of the national anthem when the flag is displayed, 
all present except those in uniform should stand at attention facing 
the flag with the right hand over the heart. Men not in uniform 
should remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it at 
the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart. Persons in uniform 
should render the military salute at the first note of the anthem and 
retain this position until the last note. When the flag is not 
displayed, those present should face toward the music and act in the 
same manner they would if the flag were displayed there.

ï¿½172. Pledge of Allegiance to the flag; manner of delivery 
The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, "I pledge allegiance to the 
Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which 
it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice 
for all.", should be rendered by standing at attention facing the flag 
with the right hand over the heart. When not in uniform men should 
remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left 
shoulder, the hand being over the heart. Persons in uniform should 
remain silent, face the flag, and render the military salute.

ï¿½173. Display and Use of flag by civilians; codification of rules and 
customs; definition

The following codification of existing rules and customs pertaining 
to the display and use of the flag of the United States of America is 
established for the use of such civilians or civilian groups or 
organizations as may not be required to conform with regulations 
promulgated  by one orï¿½20more executive departments of the Government 
of the United States. The flag of the United States for the purpose 
of this chapter shall be defined according to Title 4, United States 
Code, chapter 1, section 1 and section 2 and Executive Order 10834 
issued pursuant thereto. 

ï¿½174. Time and occasions for display 
(a) It is the universal custom to display the flag only from sunrise 
to sunset on buildings and on stationary flagstaffs in the open. 
However, when a patriotic effect is desired, the flag may be displayed 
twenty-four hours a day if properly illuminated during the hours of 
darkness.

(b) The flag should be hoisted briskly and lowered ceremoniously. 
(c) The flag should not be displayed on days when the weather is 
inclement, except when an all weather flag is displayed. 
(d) The flag should be displayed on all days, especially on New 
Year's Day, January 1; Inauguration Day, January 20; Lincoln's 
Birthday, February 12; Washingto's Birthday, third Monday in 
February; Easter Sunday (variable), Mother's Day, second Sunday in 
May; Armed Forces Day, third Saturday in May: Memorial Day (half-
staff until noon), the 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; Veterans Day, November 11; 
Thanksgiving Day, fourth Thursday in November; Christmas Day, 
December 25; and such other days as may be proclaimed by the 
President of the United States; the birthdays of States (date of 
admission); and on State holidays. 


(e) The flag should be displayed 
daily on or near the main administration 
building of every public institution. 

(f) The flag should be displayed in or near every polling place on 
election days.
(g) The flag should be displayed during school days in or near every 
schoolhouse. 
ï¿½175. Position and manner of display 
The flag, when carried in a procession with another flag or flags, 
should be either on the marching right; that is, the flag's own right, 
or, if there is a line of other flags, in front of the center of that 
line. 
(a) The flag should not be displayed on a float in a parade except 
from a staff, or as provided in subsection (i) of this section. 
Over the middle of a street With another flag on crossed staffs 
<<< north or east <<< 
A.M. P.M. On the same halyard with flags of 
Memorial Day states, cities and organizations 
Suspended over a sidewalk 

Flag Illustrations 

At an angle from a building On a speaker's platform 
When unveiling a statue On a wall or monument Draped over a casket 

Flag Illustrations

In a procession
Grouped with flags of other States, With flags of two or more nations 
cities and organizations 
Saluting the flag Proper display of bunting 
(b) The flag should not be draped over the hood, top, sides, or back 
of a vehicle or of a railroad train or a boat. When the flag is 
displayed on a motorcar, the staff shall be fixed firmly to the 
chassis or clamped to the right fender.
(c) No other flag or pennant should be placed above or, if on the 
same level, to the right of the flag of the United States of America, 
except during church services conducted by naval chaplains at sea, 
when the church pennant may be flown above the flag during 
church services for the personnel of the Navy. No person shall display 
the flag of the United Nations or any other national or international 
flag equal, above, or in a position of superior prominence or 
honor to, or in place of, the flag of the United States at any place 
within the United States or any Territory or possession thereof: 
Provided, That nothing in this section shall make unlawful the 
continuance of the practice heretofore followed of displaying the 
flag of the United Nations in a position of superior prominence or 
honor, and other national flags in positions of equal prominence or 
honor, with that of the flag of the United States at the headquarters 
of the United Nations.
(d) The flag of the United States of America, when it is displayed 
with another flag against a wall from crossed staffs, should be on 
the right, the flag's own right, and its staff should be in front of 
the staff of the other flag.
(e) The flag of the United States of America should be at the center 
and at the highest point of the group when a number of flags of 
States or localities or pennants of societies are grouped and displayed 
from staffs.
(f) When flags of States, cities, or localities, or pennants of 
societies  are flown on the same halyard with the flag of the United 
States, the latter should always be at the peak. When the flags are 
flown from adjacent staffs, the flag of the United States should be 
hoisted first and lowered last. No such flag or pennant may be placed 
above the flag of the United States or to the United States flag's 
right. (g) When flags of two or more nations are displayed, they are 
to be flown from separate staffs of the same height. The flags should 
be of approximately equal size. International usage forbids the 
display of the flag of one nation above that of another nation in time 
of peace. 
(h) When the flag of the United States is displayed from a staff 
projecting horizontally or at an angle from the window sill, balcony, 
or front of a building, the union of the flag should be placed at the 
peak of the staff unless the flag is at half staff. When the flag is 
suspended over a sidewalk from a rope extending from a house to a pole 
at the edge of the sidewalk, the flag should be hoisted out, union 
first, from the building.
(i) When displayed either horizontally or vertically against a wall, 
the union should be uppermost and to the flag's own right, that is, 
to the observer's left. When displayed in a window, the flag should 
be displayed in the same way, with the union or blue field to the left 
of the observer in the street.
(j) When the flag is displayed over the middle of the street, it should 
be suspended vertically with the union to the north in an east and 
west street or to the east in a north and south street. 
(k) When used on a speaker's platform, the flag, if displayed flat, 
should be displayed above and behind the speaker. When displayed 
from a staff in a church or public auditorium, the flag of the United 
States of America should hold the position of superior prominence, in 
advance of the audience, and in the position of honor at the 
clergyman's or speaker's right as he faces the audience. Any other 
flag so displayed should be placed on the left of the clergyman or 
speaker or to the right of the audience.
(l) The flag should form a distinctive feature of the ceremony of 
unveiling a statue or monument, but it should never be used as the 
covering for the statue or monument. 
(m) The flag, when flown at half-staff, should be first hoisted to 
the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff position. 
The flag should be again raised to the peak before it is lowered for 
the day. On Memorial Day the flag should be displayed at half-staff 
until noon only, then raised to the top of the staff. By order of 
the President, the flag shall be flown at half-staff upon the death 
of principal figures of the United States Government and the 
Governor of a State, territory, or possession, as a mark of respect 
to their memory. In the event of the death of other officials or 
foreign dignitaries, the flag is to be displayed at half-staff 
according to Presidential instructions or orders, or in accordance 
with recognized customs or practices not inconsistent with law. 
In the event of the death of a present or former official of the 
government of any State, territory, or possession of the United 
States, the Governor of that State, territory, or possession may 
proclaim that the National flag shall be flown at half-staff. The 
flag shall be flown at halfstaff thirty days from the death of the 
President or a former President; ten days from the day of death of 
the Vice President, the Chief Justice or a retired Chief Justice of 
the United States, or the Speaker of the House of Representatives; 
from the day of death until interment of an Associate Justice of 
the Supreme Court, a Secretary of an executive or military department, 
a former Vice President, or the Governor of a State, territory, or 
possession; and on the day of death and the following day for a Member
of Congress. As used in this subsection- 

(1) the term "half-staff" means the position of the flag when it 
is one-half the distance between the top and bottom of the staff; 
(2) the term "executive or military department" means any 
agency listed under sections 101 and 102 of title 5, United States 
Code; and 
(3) the term "Member of Congress" means a Senator, a 
Representative, a Delegate, or the Resident Commissioner from 
Puerto Rico.
(n) When the flag is used to cover a casket, it should be so placed 
that  the union is at the head and over the left shoulder. The flag 
should not be lowered into the grave or allowed to touch the ground. 
(o) When the flag is suspended across a corridor or lobby in a 
building with only one main entrance, it should be suspended 
vertically with the union of the flag to the observer's left upon 
entering. If the building has more than one main entrance, the flag 
should be suspended vertically near the center of the corridor or 
lobby with the union to the north, when entrances are to the east 
and west or to the east when entrances are to the north and south. 
If there are entrances in more than two directions, the union should 
be to the east.
ï¿½176. Respect for the Flag 
No disrespect should be shown to the flag of the United States of 
America; the flag should not be dipped to any person or thing. 
Regimental colors, State flags, and organization or institutional 
flags are to be dippedï¿½20as a mark of honor.
(a) The flag should never be displayed with the union down, except 
as a signal of dire distress in instances of extreme danger to life 
or property. 
(b) The flag should never touch anything beneath it, such as the 
ground, the floor, water, or merchandise. 
(c) The flag should never be carried flat or horizontally, but 
always aloft and free.
(d) The flag should never be used as wearing apparel, bedding, or 
drapery. It should never be festooned, drawn back, nor up, in folds, 
but always allowed to fall free. Bunting of blue, white, and red, 
always arranged with the blue above, the white in the middle, and 
the red below, should be used for covering a speaker's desk, draping 
the front of the platform, and for decoration in general.
(e) The flag should never be fastened, displayed, used, or stored in 
such a manner as to permit it to be easily torn, soiled, or damaged 
in any way.
(f) The flag should never be used as a covering for a ceiling. 
(g) The flag should never have placed upon it, nor on any part of it, 
nor attached to it any mark, insignia, letter, word, figure, design, 
picture, or drawing of any nature.
(h) The flag should never be used as a receptacle for receiving, 
holding, carrying, or delivering anything.
(i) The flag should never be used for advertising purposes in any 
manner whatsoever. It should not be embroidered on such articles as 
cushions or handkerchiefs and the like, printed or otherwise impressed 
on paper napkins or boxes or anything that is designed for temporary 
use and discard. Advertising signs should not be fastened to a staff 
or halyard from which the flag is flown.
(j) No part of the flag should ever be used as a costume or athletic 
uniform. However, a flag patch may be affixed to the uniform of 
military personnel, firemen, policemen, and members of patriotic 
organizations.
The flag represents a living country and is itself considered a living 
thing. Therefore, the lapel flag pin being a replica, should be worn 
on the left lapel near the heart. 
(k) The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a 
fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, 
preferably by burning.
ï¿½177. Conduct during hoisting, lowering or passing of flag 
During the ceremony of hoisting or lowering the flag or when the flag 
is passing in a parade or in review, all persons present except those 
in uniform should face the flag and stand at attention with the right 
hand over the heart. Those present in uniform should render the 
military salute. 
When not in uniform, men should remove their headdress with their 
right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the 
heart. Aliens should stand at attention. The salute to the flag in a 
moving column should be rendered at the moment the flag passes. 
ï¿½178. Modification of rules and customs by President 
Any rule or custom pertaining to the display of the flag of the United 
States of America, set forth herein, may be altered, modified, or 
repealed, or additional rules with respect thereto may be prescribed, 
by the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the United States, 
whenever he deems it to be appropriate or desirable; and any such 
alteration or additional rule shall be set forth in a proclamation. 

Flag Presentation

Presentation of the flag during a ceremony should be preceded 
by a brief talk emphasizing the importance of the occasion. 
Following the presentation all present should salute the flag, 
recite the pledge of allegiance, and sing the national anthem. 
Folding the Flag 
1. Two persons, facing each other, hold the flag waist high and 
horizontally between them.
2. The lower striped section is folded, lengthwise, over the blue 
field. Hold bottom to top and edges together securely. 
3. Fold the flag again, lengthwise, folded edge to open edge. 
4. A triangular fold is started along the length of the flag, from 
the end to the heading by bringing the striped corner of the folded 
edge to meet the open edge.
5. The outer point is turned inward parallel with the open edge, 
forming a second triangle.
6. Repeat the triangular folding until the entire length of the flag 
is folded.
7. When the flag is completely folded only the triangular blue field 
should be visible.

Care of Your Flag

The life of your flag depends on your care. Dirt can cut fabrics, 
dull colors, and cause wear. Most outdoor flags can be 
washed in mild detergent and thoroughly rinsed. Indoor 
and parade flags should be dry-cleaned. Many dry cleaners offer free 
cleaning of U.S. flags during the months of June and July. Damaged 
flags can be repaired and utilized as long as the overall dimensions 
are not noticeably altered. American Legion Posts and local governments 
often have facilities to dispose of unserviceable flags. Store your 
flags in a well ventilated area away from any harsh chemicals or 
cleaning compounds. If your flag gets wet, never store it until it is 
completely dry. Wet folds cause permanent creases. Dampness ruins 
fabric and causes mildew. Pole care is also related to flag care. 
Rust and scale cause permanent stains and some metallic oxides 
actually eat holes in fabric. 
Sizes of Flags

The size of the flag is determined by the exposed height of the 
flagpole from which it is flying. The only consideration is 
for the flag to be in proper proportion to its pole. Flags 
which fly from angled poles on homes and those which are displayed on 
standing poles in offices and other indoor displays are usually either 
3' x 5' or 4' x 6'. Color guards usually carry flags measuring 4' x 6'. 
Other recommended sizes are shown in the following table:

FLAGPOLE HEIGHT (FT.) FLAG SIZE (FT.)
20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 x 6 
25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 x 8 
40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 x 10 
50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 x 12 
60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 x 15 
70 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 x 18 
90 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 x 25 
125 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 x 30 
200 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30 x 40 
250 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40 x 50 

Flags at the United States Capitol

No record has been found for the earliest date the flag wasï¿½20
flown over the east and west fronts of the Capitol. Early 
engravings and lithographs in the office of the Architect of 
the Capitol show flags flying on either side of the original 
low dome above the corridors connecting the areas now known as 
Statuary Hall and the Old Senate Chamber.

After the addition of the new House and Senate wings in the 1850s, 
even before the great dome was completed in 1863, photographs of the 
period show flags flying over each new wing and the central east and 
west fronts.

The custom of flying the flags 24 hours a day over the east and west 
fronts was begun during World War I. This was done in response to 
requests received from all over the country urging that the flag of the 
United States be flown continuously over the public buildings in 
Washington, DC.

The east and west front flags, which are 8 x 12 feet, are replaced by 
new ones when they become worn and unfit for further use. Prior to 
machinemade flags, individuals were hired by the Congress to handsew 
these flags. Presidential proclamations and laws authorize the display 
of the flag 24 hours a day at the following places:

Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine, Baltimore, 
Maryland (Presidential Proclamation No. 2795, July 2, 1948). 
Flag House Square, Albemarle and Pratt Streets, Baltimore Maryland 
(Public Law 83-319, approved March 26, 1954). 
United States Marine Corp Memorial (Iwo Jima), Arlington, Virginia 
(Presidential Proclamation No. 3418, June 12, 1961). 
On the Green of the Town of Lexington, Massachusetts (Public Law 
89-335, approved November 8, 1965). 
The White House, Washington, DC. (Presidential Proclamation No. 
4000, September 4, 1970).
Washington Monument, Washington, DC. (Presidential Proclamation 
No. 4064, July 6, 1971, effective July 4, 1971). Fifty flags of 
the United States are displayed at the Washington Monument 
continuously. United States Customs Ports of Entry which are 
continually open (Presidential Proclamation No. 4131, May 5, 1972). 
Grounds of the National Memorial Arch in Valley Forge State Park, 
Valley Forge, Pennsylvania (Public Law 94-53, approved July 4, 1975). 
Many other places fly the flag at night as a patriotic gesture by 
custom. 

How to Obtain a Flag Flown Over the Capitol

Constituents may arrange to purchase flags that have been flown 
over the Capitol by getting in touch with their Senators or 
Representative. A certificate signed by the Architect of the 
Capitol accompanies each flag. Flags are available for purchase in 
sizes of 3' x 5' or 5' x 8' in fabrics of cotton and nylon.

American War Mothers Flag

The American War Mothers is a national organization chartered 
by Congress with its headquarters in Washington, DC. Its 
members are mothers whose sons and daughters have served 
or who are serving in the Armed Forces. Its objective is to aid the 
serviceman or veteran and his family, including those who are 
hospitalized. According to records in the Office of the Architect 
of the U.S. Capitol, the American War Mothers flag was purchased by 
them and first flown over the U.S. Capitol, always below the American 
flag, on Armistice Day, November 11, 1926. 

The authority for flying that flag over the U.S. Capitol on this 
occasion and in subsequent years has been granted annually by written 
permission of the Vice President and the Speaker of the House of 
Representatives.

Provision for the ceremony was further recognized when the flagpole 
on the east front, after the extension of 1960, was installed with 
two halyards.

Traditionally the flag has been raised at 11 minutes after 11 a.m. by 
a detail from the Capitol Police. The flag flies until sundown, 
although originally it flew only for three hours. A bugler selected 
from one of the armed services plays taps. Brief memorial services are 
held in connection with the ceremony. These services have been 
accommodated on the east and west front steps or in Statuary Hall 
and permission to hold them is generally granted in the same letter 
that permits the flag to be flown. The act of July 1, 1882, regulating 
the use of the Capitol Grounds vests the Vice President and the Speaker 
with the authority to grant this privilege.

The American War Mothers flag is kept in a safe at the U.S. Capitol.
The present flag, first used in 1970, replaced the original woolen flag 
of 1926. It is of a synthetic fabric, 47 x 72 inches in size, 
consisting of a white field with a red border 11 inches wide. At the 
top is an 11-inch blue star for the 4,695,039 who served in World 
War I. These figures are 2 1ï¿½2 inches in blue. Across the center in 
4-inch letters are the words "United States Service Flag." Below is 
an 11-inch gold star for the 60,672 who gave their lives. These 
figures are 2 1ï¿½2 inches high in gold. 
How to Obtain a Burial Flag for a Veteran

Any honorably discharged veteran is entitled to a burial flag. 
The funeral director, as part of the services, will make the 
necessary arrangements for the family on behalf of the veteran. 
The flag may be used to cover the casket and it is presented to the 
family as a keepsake. The local office of the Department of Veterans' 
Affairs can also provide information on the procedure for obtaining a 
flag for a deceased veteran.

Flags of States and Territories

ALABAMA

Entered the Union in 1819 as the 22nd 
State; flag adopted in 1895. The diagonal 
cross and the square shape of the flag recall 
the Battle Flag of the Confederacy, organized 
in February of 1861 in Montgomery, 
Alabama's capital.

ARIZONA

Entered the Union in 1912 as the 48th 
state; flag adopted in 1917. Red and yellow 
are the colors of Spain, while blue is for the 
United States and the copper star symbolizes 
mineral resources. The rays suggest the 
setting sun over the desert. 

ALASKA

Entered the Union in 1959 as the 49th 
State; flag adopted in 1927. Benny Benson, 
a 13-year-old student, chose the North Star 
and the Big Dipper when he designed 
Alaska's flag in a territorial school contest. 
Its colors recall the Alaskan sky and its gold. 

ARKANSAS

Entered the Union in 1836 as the 25th 
State; flag adopted in 1913, modified in 
1923 and 1924. Arkansas' rank in the Union 
is indicated by the stars which border the 
diamond, recalling that it is the only State 
where minerals are mined. The four stars in 
the diamond refer to important aspects of 
Arkansas history.

CALIFORNIA

Entered the Union in 1850 as the 31st 
State; flag adopted in 1911, modified in 
1953. Americans, in what was then Mexican 
territory, proclaimed the independence of 
California on June 14, 1846. The banner of 
their "Bear Flag Republic" was later adopted 
by the State.

CONNECTICUT

Ratified the Constitution in 1788 as the 
fifth State; flag adopted in 1897. The 
grapevines in the coat of arms refer to the 
three original colonies-Connecticut, New 
Haven, and Saybrook. The motto "He Who 
Brought Us Over Will Sustain Us," is based 
on the 80th Psalm.

COLORADO

Entered the Union in 1876 as the 38th 
State; flag adopted in 1911, modified in 
1964. Yellow and white refer to the mining 
of gold and silver, while these colors plus 
blue are found in the Rocky Mountain 
columbine, the State flower. Red is also for 
the Spanish word for that color-colorado. 

DELAWARE

Ratified the Constitution on December 1, 
1787, as the first State; flag adopted in 1913. 
Revolutionary War uniforms are honored in 
the blue and buff colors while commerce 
(the ship), and agriculture (wheat, corn, ox, 
farmer) are featured in the coat of arms.

FLORIDA

Entered the Union in 1845 as the 27th 
State; flag adopted in 1900, modified in 
1985. The cross derives from the 
Confederate Battle Flag. The State seal 
shows a Seminole woman, a steamboat, and 
the State tree-a sabal palmetto palm.

HAWAII

Entered the Union in 1959 as the 50th 
State; flag adopted in 1816, modified in 
1845. The British Union Jack recalls the one 
presented to King Kamehameha I in 1793 
by Captain George Vancouver. The eight 
stripes are for the principal islands of 
Hawaii.

GEORGIA

Ratified the Constitution in 1788 as the 
fourth State; Redesign adopted in 2001 consisting 
of the state seal surrounded by 13 
white stars and a gold ribbon containing the 
three state flags with "In God We Trust" 
beneath the ribbon.

IDAHO

Entered the Union in 1890 as the 43rd 
State; flag adopted in 1927. The seal incorporates 
symbols of agriculture, mining, 
forestry, wildlife, and women's rights. The 
Latin motto means "May She Last Forever." 

ILLINOIS

Entered the Union in 1818 as the 21st 
State; flag adopted in 1915, modified in 
1970. The central design is from the State 
seal and shows national symbols plus dates 
of Statehood (1818) and the seal itself 
(1868).

IOWA

Entered the Union in 1846 as the 29th 
State; flag adopted in 1921. The eagle and 
motto ribbon are found in the State seal. 
The stripes recall the French Tricolor since 
Iowa was acquired from France as part of the 
Louisiana Purchase.

INDIANA

Entered the Union in 1816 as the 19th 
state; flag adopted in 1917. The outer ring of 
stars is for the original States, the inner ring 
for those up to and including Indiana. 
Enlightenment and liberty spreading 
throughout the land are represented by the 
torch and rays.

KANSAS

Entered the Union in 1861 as the 34th 
State; flag adopted in 1925, modified in 
1927 and 1963. A sunflower, the State floral 
emblem, appears above the State seal with 
figures representing pioneer life. The motto 
means "To the Stars Through Difficulties."

KENTUCKY

Entered the Union in 1792 as the 15th 
State; flag adopted in 1918, modified in 
1962. The frontiersman and hunter, representing 
Kentucky and the original States, 
express the meaning of the motto in the 
seal. The State flower (goldenrod) frames the 
design at the bottom.

MAINE

Entered the Union in 1820 as the 23rd 
State; flag adopted in 1909. The motto "I 
Direct" refers to the North Star, Maine having 
once been the northernmost State. 
Agriculture, shipping and forestry are symbolized 
by other elements in the coat of arms. 

LOUISIANA

Entered the Union in 1812 as the 18th 
State; flag adopted in 1912. In heraldry a 
pelican tearing at her breast to feed her 
young is a symbol of self sacrifice. Louisiana 
used this symbol as a territory prior to 
Statehood.

MARYLAND

Ratified the Constitution in 1788 as the 
seventh State; flag adopted in 1904. The 
coat of arms of the Lords Baltimore unites 
symbols of the Calvert and Crossland families. 
Maryland has used similar flags since at 
least 1638.

MASSACHUSETTS

Ratified the Constitution in 1788 as the 
sixth State; flag adopted in 1908, modified 
in 1971. The State motto translates "This 
Hand Opposed to Tyrants Searches, with the 
Sword, for Peaceful Conditions Under 
Liberty." The star indicates Statehood while 
the Native American was a Massachusetts 
symbol as early as 1629.

MINNESOTA

Entered the Union in 1858 as the 32nd 
State; flag adopted in 1957. A scene from 
pioneer life appears in the State seal together 
with the motto "The North Star." The 
nineteen stars indicate Minnesota's rank in 
Statehood, following the original thirteen 
States.

MICHIGAN

Entered the Union in 1837 as the 26th 
State; flag adopted in 1911. The national 
motto is accompanied in the Michigan arms 
by the slogans "I Shall Defend" and "If You 
Seek a Pleasant Peninsula, Look Around 
You." An elk, moose, and scenes from 
nature are included in the design. 

MISSISSIPPI

Entered the Union in 1817 as the 20th 
State; flag adopted in 1894. The State flag is 
a combination of two Confederate flags- 
the Stars and Bars and the Battle Flag, both 
including the national colors. 

MISSOURI

Entered the Union in 1821 as the 24th 
State; flag adopted in 1913. On a background 
of the national colors appear the 
Missouri arms framed by stars indicating its 
order of Statehood. The Latin motto means 
"Let the Welfare of the People Be the 
Supreme Law."

NEBRASKA

Entered the Union in 1867 as the 37th 
State; flag adopted in 1925. Included in the 
State seal are the Rocky Mountains, the 
Missouri River, wheat and corn, a steamboat, 
a train, and a blacksmith with his 
hammer and anvil.

MONTANA

Entered the Union in 1889 as the 41st 
State; flag adopted in 1905, modified 1981. 
The State seal shows the Great Falls of the 
Missouri River and tools indicating mining 
and agriculture. The motto "Gold and 
Silver" appears on a ribbon below. 

NEVADA

Entered the Union in 1864 as the 36th 
state; flag adopted in 1991. Sprigs of sagebrush 
the state flower, form a wreath on 
Nevada's flag. The silver star symbolizes 
Nevada's mineral wealth, and the words 
"Battle Born" indicate that Nevada became 
a state during the Civil War.

NEW HAMPSHIRE

Ratified the Constitution in 1788 as the 
ninth State; flag adopted in 1909, modified 
in 1932. The importance in New Hampshire 
of shipbuilding during the Revolutionary 
War is suggested by the State seal. The nine 
stars correspond to New Hampshire's rank 
among the States.

NEW MEXICO

Entered the Union in 1912 as the 47th 
State; flag adopted in 1925. The red and 
gold colors of Spain, which once ruled the 
area, are combined with an ancient sun 
symbol of the Zia tribe of Native Americans 
in this flag.

NEW JERSEY

Ratified the Constitution in 1787 as the 
third State; flag adopted in 1896. The buff 
background is for the uniforms worn by 
Revolutionary War soldiers from New Jersey. 
The coat of arms has the goddesses of liberty 
and agriculture, as well as three plows 
and a horse's head.

NEW YORK

Ratified the Constitution in 1788 as the 
11th State; flag adopted in 1901. The coat of 
arms shows a scene along the Hudson River, 
framed by goddesses of liberty and justice. 
The American eagle surmounts the world at 
the top; the motto "Excelsior" appears below. 

NORTH CAROLINA

Ratified the Constitution in 1789 as the 
12th State; flag adopted in 1885. The 
national colors, a star for Statehood, and the 
initials of the State are included. The dates 
are for the Mecklenburg Declaration of 
Independence (May 20, 1775) and the 
Halifax Resolves (April 12, 1776).

OHIO

Entered the Union in 1803 as the 17th 
State; flag adopted in 1902. The only nonrectangular 
State flag has stars indicating 
Ohio's order of Statehood. The red disk and 
white rim are for the State tree (the buckeye) 
and first letter of the State name. 

NORTH DAKOTA

Entered the Union in 1889 as the 39th 
State; flag adopted in 1911. A military flag 
with a modified version of the United States 
coat of arms was carried by the Dakota 
Territorial Guard and later the North Dakota 
National Guard. The State flag is a modified 
version of those banners.

OKLAHOMA

Entered the Union in 1907 as the 46th 
State; flag adopted in 1925, modified 1941 
and 1988. An Osage shield stands for 
defense, its small crosses for lofty ideals. The 
blue background symbolizes loyalty, while 
the olive branch and calumet are for peace. 

OREGON

Entered the Union in 1859 as the 33rd 
State; flag adopted in 1925. The ox wagon of 
pioneers combines with scenes of nature and 
symbols of agriculture and shipping. The 
reverse of the flag is blue with a gold beaver. 

RHODE ISLAND

Ratified the Constitution in 1790 as the 
13th State; flag adopted in 1897. An anchor 
traditional symbol of hope, was first adopted 
by Rhode Island as a symbol in 1647. 
Rhode Island troops in the Revolutionary 
War carried flags of white with an anchor 
and thirteen stars.

PENNSYLVANIA

Ratified the Constitution in 1787 as the 
second State; flag adopted in 1907. The 
coat of arms incorporates a ship for commerce 
and a plow and wheat sheaves for 
agriculture. Draft horses, the American 
eagle, and the State motto complete the 
design.

SOUTH CAROLINA

Ratified the Constitution in 1788 as the 
eighth State; flag adopted in 1861. Troops 
defending harbor forts during the 
Revolutionary War displayed a blue flag with 
a white crescent. The State tree, a palmetto, 
was added to the flag when South Carolina 
proclaimed its independence in 1861.

SOUTH DAKOTA

Entered the Union in 1889 as the 40th 
State; flag adopted in 1963. The State seal is 
represented against a sunburst. Its design 
includes symbols of stock raising, industry, 
agriculture, commerce, and nature.

TEXAS

Entered the Union in 1845 as the 28th 
State; flag adopted in 1839. The American 
origin of the settlers who revolted against 
Mexican rule and established the independent 
Republic of Texas was reflected in the 
flags they carried, including the one which 
eventually became the State flag of the 
"Lone Star State."

TENNESSEE

Entered the Union in 1796 as the 16th 
State; flag adopted in 1905. The three stars 
refer to the act that Tennessee was the third 
State to join after the Original Thirteen and 
is composed of three geographic regions. 
The colors are found in the flags of the 
United States and of the Confederacy.

UTAH

Entered the Union in 1896 as the 45th 
State; flag adopted in 1911, modified in 
1913. The beehive symbolizes industry, 
while the American eagle and flags stand for 
loyalty to the Nation. The early settlers were 
saved from starvation by eating the sego lily, 
now recognized as the State flower.

VERMONT

Entered the Union in 1791 as the 14th 
State; flag adopted in 1923. The coat of 
arms, based on the State seal, shows a scene 
from nature with pine tree and mountains. 
Branches of pine below commemorate the 
1814 Battle of Plattsburgh.

WASHINGTON

Entered the Union in 1889 as the 42nd 
State; flag adopted in 1923, modified in 
1967. The "Evergreen State" shows the color 
green for the background of its flag, which 
bears the State seal. The president for whom 
the State was named was made part of the 
seal in 1889.

VIRGINIA

Ratified the Constitution in 1788 as theï¿½20
10th State, flag adopted in 1861. The Latin 
motto "Thus Ever to Tyrants" is reflected in 
the design of the seal which shows a woman 
subduing a king. Around the edges are vines 
of ivy known as Virginia creeper.

WEST VIRGINIA

Entered the Union in 1863 as the 35th 
State; flag adopted in 1905, modified in 
1907 and 1929. The big laurel, the State 
flower, frames the shield of the State seal. 
The hunter and miner stand over a motto 
meaning "Mountaineers Are Always Free." 

WISCONSIN

Entered the Union in 1848 as the 30th 
State; flag adopted in 1913, modified in 
1981. Various symbols of agriculture, mining, 
shipping, and industry are found in the 
coat of arms of Wisconsin. The badger over 
the shield is a reference to the State nickname. 

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Established in 1791; flag adopted in 
1938. The personal arms of George 
Washington form the District flag. It has no 
historical relationship to the Stars and 
Stripes, despite the similarity of design.

WYOMING

Entered the Union in 1890 as the 44th 
State; flag adopted in 1917. The State seal 
appears on a silhouette of a bison, familiar 
to 19th century settlers. The red is for 
Native Americans white for purity, and blue 
for the sky, justice, and loyalty.

AMERICAN SAMOA

Unincorporated American territory since 
1900; flag adopted in 1960. Red, white, and 
blue are the colors of Samoa and the United 
States. The American bald eagle holds traditional 
Samoan symbols, a staff and war club.

GUAM

Established as a territory of the United 
States in 1898; flag adopted in 1917, modified 
in 1948. The traditional Chamorro canoe, a 
palm tree, and the mouth of the Agaï¿½a River 
appear in the seal. The shape of the seal recalls 
the ancient Guamanian sling stone.

PUERTO RICO

Commonwealth established in 1952; flag 
adopted in 1952. Based on the Cuban flag 
and, ultimately, the Stars and Stripes, the 
flag of Puerto Rico was created in 1895 
when the island was seeking independence 
from Spain.

NORTHERN MARIANAS

Commonwealth established in 1986; flag 
adopted in 1972. Blue is for the Pacific 
Ocean, the star for the commonwealth. The 
gray latte stone is for Taga, a legendary 
Chamorro. The Stone and star are surrounded 
by the traditional Carolinian mwaar.

VIRGIN ISLANDS

Established as a territory of the United 
States in 1917; flag adopted in 1921. The 
coat of arms of the United States has been 
simplified and stylized for use in the territorial 
flag together with the initials of the 
islands. Many believe the arrows stand for 
St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix.

Text by Dr. Whitney Smith, Flag Research Center, Winchester, 
Massachusetts.

Flag Day

Each year on June 14, we celebrate the birthday of the Stars and 
Stripes, which came into being on June 14, 1777. At that time, 
the Second Continental Congress authorized a new flag to symbolize 
the new Nation, the United States of America.

The Stars and Stripes first flew in a Flag Day celebration in 
Hartford, Connecticut in 1861, during the first summer of the Civil 
War. The first national observance of Flag Day occurred June 14, 1877, 
the centennial of the original flag resolution.

By the mid 1890's the observance of Flag Day on June 14 was a popular 
event. Mayors and governors began to issue proclamations in their 
jurisdictions to celebrate this event.

In the years to follow, public sentiment for a national Flag Day 
observance greatly intensified. Numerous patriotic societies and 
veterans groups became identified with the Flag Day movement. Since 
their main objective was to stimulate patriotism among the young, 
schools were the first to become involved in flag activities. 

In 1916 President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation calling for a nationwide observance of Flag Day on June 14. It was not until 1949 
that Congress made this day a permanent observance by resolving "That 
the 14th day of June of each year is hereby designated as Flag 
Day . . ." The measure was signed into law by President Harry Truman.

Although Flag Day is not celebrated as a Federal holiday, Americans 
everywhere continue to honor the history and heritage it represents. 

The Great Seal of the United States

On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress passed a resolution 
authorizing a committee to devise a seal for the United States of 
America. This mission, designed to reflect the Founding Fathers' 
beliefs, values, and sovereignty of the new Nation, did not become a 
reality until June 20, 1782.

In heraldic devices, such as seals, each element has a specific 
meaning. Even colors have specific meanings. The colors red, white, 
and blue did not have meanings for the Stars and Stripes when it was 
adopted in 1777. However, the colors in the Great Seal did have 
specific meanings. Charles Thompson, Secretary of the Continental 
Congress, reporting to Congress on the Seal, stated:

"The colors of the pales (the vertical stripes) are those used in the 
flag of the United States of America; White signifies purity and 
innocence, Red, hardiness & valour, and Blue, the color of the Chief 
(the broad band above the stripes) signifies vigilance, perseverance 
& justice." The obverse front of the Great Seal-which is used 2,000 
to 3,000 times a year-authenticates the President's signature on 
numerous official documents such as treaty ratifications, 
international agreements, appointments of Ambassadors and civil 
officers, and communications from the President to heads of foreign 
governments. The design of the obverse of the Seal, which is the 
U.S. coat of arms, can be shown on coins, postage stamps, passports, 
monuments and flags, and in many other ways. The American public 
sees both the obverse and less familiar reverse, which is never used 
as a seal, every day when exchanging the $1 dollar bill.

The Great Seal die, counter die, press, and cabinet in which they are 
housed, are located in the Exhibit Hall of the Department of State 
inside a locked glass enclosure. An officer from the Department's 
Presidential Appointments Staff does the actual sealing of documents 
after the Secretary of State has countersigned the President's 
signature.

Obverse

The American bald eagle is prominently featured supporting a shield 
composed of 13 red and white stripes (pales) representing the Thirteen 
Original States with a blue bar (chief) uniting the shield and 
representing Congress. The motto of the United States, E Pluribus 
Unum (meaning out of many, one), refers to this union. The olive branch 
and 13 arrows grasped by the eagle allude to peace and war, powers 
solely vested in the Congress, and the constellation of stars 
symbolizes the new Nation taking its place among the sovereign powers.

Reverse

The pyramid signifies strength and duration: The eye over it and the 
motto, Annuit Coeptis (meaning He, [God] has favored our undertakings), 
allude to the many interventions of Providence in favor of the American 
cause. The Roman numerals below are the date of the Declaration of 
Independence. The words under it, Novus Ordo Seclorum (meaning a new 
order of the ages), signify the beginning of the new American era in 
1776.

Fort McHenry

Fort McHenry is located in Baltimore, Maryland. This low 
citadel overlooks the entrance to Baltimore harbor and it is 
where the Americans defended the city against British land 
and naval attack on September 13-14 in 1814. It was during this battle 
that Francis Scott Key began the draft to "The Star-Spangled Banner" 
after seeing the flag still flying after a day and night of 
bombardment.
The fort continued in active military service for nearly a century 
after the battle but changing technology eventually made it obsolete 
as a coastal defense system. Today the 43-acre fort is preserved as a 
national monument and historic shrine. The property is managed by the 
National Park Service and the flag is flown over the fort 24 hours a 
day. Fort McHenry National Monument and Historical Shrine (c) Paul A.
Souders/CORBIS

The Flag House

The Flag House is located on the northwest corner of Albermarle and 
Pratt Streets in Baltimore, Maryland. It was the home of Mary 
Pickersgill from 1807 to 1857, and it was where she made the original 
"Star-Spangled Banner," which measured 30 by 42 feet. the stripes were 
two feet wide and the stars were two feet from point to point. Mrs. 
Pickersgill was paid $405.90 for her services. the flag was delivered 
to Fort McHenry on August 19, 1813, a full year before the Battle of 
Baltimore.

In 1876, Caroline Pickersgill Purdy wrote a letter to Georgiana 
Armistead Appleton, daughter of the Fort McHenry Commandant, in 
which she recounted the details of the making of the flag. Caroline 
wrote: "It was made by my mother, Mrs. Mary Pickersgill, and I 
assisted her. My grandmother, Rebecca Young, made the first flag of 
the Revolution under General Washington's directions, and for this 
reason my mother was selected by Commodore Barney and General 
Stricker to make this star-spangled banner, being an exceedingly 
patriotic woman. This flag, I think, contained four hundred yards of 
bunting, and my mother worked many nights until twelve o'clock to 
complete it in a given time."

The flag bears the autograph of Lt. Col. George Armistead as well as
the date of the British bombardment. The flag remained in the 
Armistead family for many years until it was loaned to the Smithsonian 
for an official display in 1907. On December 19, 1912, it was donated 
to the Smithsonian where it is now on permanent exhibit. In 1914, 
much needed preservative work was done on the flag by Mrs. Amelia 
Fowler and several other restoration experts. Although the flag was 
reduced in size in order to repair it, the reinforcement technique 
used has preserved its existence.

The Flag House is a National Historic Landmark, and is operated by 
an independent non-profit association. The flag is flown over the 
house 24 hours a day.

Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag

"I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OF THE 
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND TO THE 
REPUBLIC FOR WHICH IT STANDS, ONE NATION 
UNDER GOD, INDIVISIBLE, WITH LIBERTY AND 
JUSTICE FOR ALL."

The Pledge of Allegiance received official recognition by Congress 
in an Act approved on June 22, 1942. However, the pledge was first 
published in 1892 in the Youth's Companion magazine in Boston, 
Massachusetts to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the discovery of 
America, and was first used in public schools to celebrate Columbus 
Day on October 12,1892.

In its original version, the pledge read "my flag" instead of the 
"flag of the United States." The change in the wording was adopted by 
the National Flag Conference in 1923. The rationale for the change was 
that it prevented ambiguity among foreign-born children and adults 
who might have the flag of their native land in mind when reciting 
the pledge. The phrase "under God" was added to the pledge by a 
Congressional act approved on June 14, 1954. At that time, President 
Eisenhower said:
"in this way we are reaffirming the transcendence of religious 
faith in America's heritage and future; in this way we shall constantly 
strengthen those spiritual weapons which forever will be our country's 
most powerful resource in peace and war."

The American's Creed

I BELIEVE IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 
AS A GOVERNMENT OF THE PEOPLE, BY THE PEOPLE, 
FOR THE PEOPLE; WHOSE JUST POWERS ARE 
DERIVED FROM THE CONSENT OF THE GOVERNED; 
A DEMOCRACY IN A REPUBLIC, A SOVEREIGN 
NATION OF MANY SOVEREIGN STATES; A PERFECT 
UNION, ONE AND INSEPARABLE; ESTABLISHED 
UPON THOSE PRINCIPLES OF FREEDOM, EQUALITY, 
JUSTICE, AND HUMANITY FOR WHICH AMERICAN 
PATRIOTS SACRIFICED THEIR LIVES AND FORTUNES. 
I THEREFORE BELIEVE IT IS MY DUTY TO MY 
COUNTRY TO LOVE IT; TO SUPPORT ITS CONSTITUTION; 
TO OBEY ITS LAWS; TO RESPECT ITS FLAG; 
AND TO DEFEND IT AGAINST ALL ENEMIES. 
The Creed was written in 1918 by William Tyler Page of Friendship 
Heights, Maryland in the course of a nationwide contest on the 
subject. Page was a descendent of President Tyler, and Representative 
John Page, who served in the Congress from 1789-97. 

William Tyler Page began his government career as a Congressionalï¿½20
page in December of 1881. In 1919, he was elected Clerk of the 
House of Representatives, and held that position until December of 
1931. A new post, Emeritus Minority Clerk, was then created for him 
which he occupied until his death on October 20, 1942.

School Projects

The study of the history and symbolism of flags is known as 
VEXILLOLOGY from the Latin word, VEXILLUM which means a 
square flag or banner.

Numerous books have been written about the flag. Local and school 
libraries should have a catalog reference for these books. Also, 
military and veterans organizations as well as the Daughters of the 
American Revolution and the American Legion provide useful information 
on theï¿½20flag and flag code.

You also can find the complete flag code, including laws and 
proclamations in the depository library in your Congressional district. 
Your local librarian can assist you in obtaining information from your 
nearest depository library.

FURTHER READING

The Library of Congress prepared this list for use by students 
interested in learning more about the flag of the United States. 
These publications may be found in school and public libraries.

Behrens, June. A New Flag for a New Country: The First National Flag; 
A Play. Chicago: Childrens Press, 1975.

Bennett, Mabel R. ". . . So Gallantly Streaming". The Story of Old 
Glory; the History and Proper Use of Our Flag from 1776 to the Present. 
New  York: Drake, 1974. 

Bennett, Mabel R. Old Glory: the Story of Our Flag. Largo, FL: Snibbe  Publications,1970.

Blassingame, Wyatt. The Story of the United States Flag. Champaign, IL: 
Garrard,1969.

Boy Scouts of America. Broad Stripes and Bright Stars. New York: 
American Heritage Press, 1970.

Cooper, Grace Rogers. Thirteen-star Flags: Keys to Identification. 
Washington: Smithsonian Institution Press (Smithsonian Studies in 
History and Technology, No. 21), 1973
 
Crouthers, David. Flags of American History. Maplewood, NJ: Hammond, 
1978.

D'Allessandro, Robert. Glory. New York: Elephant Publishing, 1973.

Delaplaine, Edward S. John Philip Sousa and the National Anthem. 
Frederick, MD:
Great Southern Press, 1983.

Devine, Louise Lawrence. The Story of Our Flag. Chicago: Rand McNally, 
1968.

Fradin, Dennis B. The Flag of the United States. Chicago: Childrens 
Press, 1988.

Furlong, William Rea. So Proudly We Hail. Washington, DC: 
Smithsonian Institution Press, 1981.

Historic American Flags. Worcester, MA: Aj. St. Onge, 1968.

Kaddy, Bedford 0. Where and Why the American Flag Flies Twenty-four 
Hours a Day. New York: Vantage Press, 1977. 

Key, Francis Scott. The Star Spangled Banner. Garden City, NY: 
Doubleday, 1973. Library of Congress. American Revolution Bicentennial 
Office. Twelve Flags of the American Revolution. Washington: Library 
of Congress Exhibits Office, 1974.
Lichtenwanger, William. The Music of the Star-Spangled Banner from 
Ludgate Hill to Capitol Hill. Washington: Library of Congress, 1977.

Manning, John R. The Story of Old Glory. Phoenix, AZ: Continuing 
Education Institute, 1971.

Mastai, Bolesaw. The Stars and Stripes; The American Flag as Art 
and as History, from the Birth of the Republic to the Present. 
New York: Knopf, 1973.

Mayer, Jane (Rothschild). Betsy Ross and the Flag. New York: 
Random House (Landmark Books; 26), 1952.

Miller, Natalie. The Story of the Star-Spangled Banner. Chicago: 
Childrens Press,1965.
Morris, Robert. The Truth About the Betsy Ross Story. Beach Haven, 
NJ: Wynnehaven Publishing Co., 1982.

Morris, Robert. The Truth About the American Flag. Beach Haven, NJ: 
Wynnehaven
Publishing Co., 1976.

Mountain, Lee Harrison. Uncle Sam and the Flag. Fayettville, GA: 
Oddo Publishers,1978.

National Flag Foundation. The New Constellation: the Story of America 
as Told Through Its Flags, Which Are the Symbols of Its Civil, 
Economic, and Religious Freedom. Pittsburgh, PA: The Foundation, 
1977.

Parrish, Thomas. The American Flag. New York: Simon and Schuster, 
1973.

Quaife, Milo Milton. The History of the United States Flag, From the 
Revolution to the Present, Including a Guide to Its Use and Display. 
New York: Harper, 1961.

Rivers, Anderson Man. History of the American Flag. New York: Vantage 
Press, 1967.

Silkett, John T. Francis Scott Key and the History of the Star 
Spangled Banner. Washington: Vintage America Publishing Co., 1978.

Smith, Whitney. The Flag Book of the United States. New York: Morrow, 
1975. The Star-Spangled Banner.- Glorious American Heritage; Handbook 
for School, Horne,and Community. Compiled by C.F. Nagro. Roselle, IL: 
Rosellian Fine Arts Society, 1975.

Tonn, Maryjane Hooper. You're a Grand Old Flag. Milwaukee, WI: Ideals 
Publishing Co., 1972.

United States Marine Corps. How to Respect and Display Our Flag. 
Washington, DC: Government Printing Office, 1968.

Waller, Leslie. Our Flag. New York: Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 1960.

Wannamaker, W.W. A Story of American Flags; From the Banners of 
Columbus to the First Flag on the Moon. Columbia, SC: State Printing 
Co., 1971.

Weil, Ann. Betsy Ross, Girl of Old Philadelphia. New York: Aladdin 
Books, 1983.

Werstein, Irving. The Stars and Stripes. New York: Golden Press, 
1969.

Williams, Earl P. What You Should Know About the American Flag. 
Lanham, MD: Historical Press, 1987.

"The Star-Spangled Banner"

by Francis Scott Key, September 1814
(Sung to the tune "To Anacreon in Heaven")

"0 say! can you see, by the dawn's early light, 
What so proudly we hail'd at the twilight's last gleaming?ï¿½20
Whose broad stripes and bright stars, thro' the perilous fight, 
O'er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming? 
And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air, 
gave proof thro' the night that our flag was still there. 
0 say! does that Star-Spangled Banner yet wave 
0'er the land of the free and the home of the brave? 
"On the shore, dimly seen thro' the mist of the deep, 
Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes, 
What is that which the breeze, o'er the towering steep, 
As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses? 
Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam, 
In full glory reflected now shines in the stream. 
'Tis the Star-Spangled Banner. 0 long may it wave 
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave. 
"And where is that band who so vauntingly swore, 
That the havoc of war and the battle's confusion 
A home and a country should leave us no more? 
Their blood has wash'd out their foul footstep's pollution. 
No refuge could save the hireling and slave 
From the terror of flight or the gloom of the grave, 
And the Star-Spangled Banner in triumph doth wave 
0'er the land of the free and the home of the brave. 
"O thus be it ever when freemen shall stand 
Between their lov'd home and war's desolation, 
Blest with vict'ry and peace, may the Heav'n-rescued land 
Praise the pow'r that hath made and preserv'd us a nation. 
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just, 
And this be our motto, 'In God is Our Trust.' 
And the Star-Spangled Banner in triumph shall wave 
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave." 




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