Flag Stars

The Evolution of the American Flag

The American flag is seen widely around the United States and with Memorial Day and Independence Day quickly approaching there will probably be an influx of American flags seen around town and in your neighborhood. The majority of Americans are aware of what the stars and stripes on the flag mean and how many of each there are, but it is equally important to know about the evolution of the flag.

The first American flag was sewn by Betsy Ross in May of 1776, but an official flag design was not established until a year later in June 1777. This official flag had thirteen stripes, alternating white and red with thirteen white stars in a field of blue in the upper left corner. Between 1777 and 1960 the American flag underwent many changes, including adding and removing stripes and adding stars. In 1818 President Monroe signed an act stating that a star should be added to the flag for each state on the fourth of July following the state’s admission.

The white stars on the field of blue have seen a variety of arrangements over the years, but in 1959 President Eisenhower issued an executive order stating that the arrangement of the stars should be in nine rows of stars staggered horizontally and eleven rows of stars staggered vertically. Today the American flag consists of seven red stripes and six white stripes alternating and 50 white stars in a field of blue.

Everyone knows that red, white, and blue are patriotic colors in America but whether or not everyone knows what these colors symbolizes is a different story. Red represents hardiness and valor, white represents purity and innocence, and blue represents vigilance, perseverance, and justice. With this knowledge there is sure to be a greater appreciation for the American Flag and maybe even a larger display of them.

If you decide to display American flags for the upcoming holidays make sure that you do so ceremoniously. By displaying a flag respectfully you are showing appreciation for those who have given their lives for the United States and saying thank you for those who are still fighting today.

About the Author

Flag of Stars by Gordon Jacob

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