Children are used to seeing the American flag flying over government buildings and in their classrooms. They may not, however, understand the significance of the different parts of the flag. Do they know what the colors of our flag mean? This is an important aspect of child education so make sure to tell them.

When the flag was originally created, the colors on it held no significance. However, when the Continental Congress adopted the Great Seal, the colors did have particular meanings. Those colors and their meanings were transferred to the Stars and Stripes at a later date, although no one knows exactly when.

* Red – There is some disagreement about what this color represents on the American flag. Originally the color was used on the Great Seal and was to represent hardiness and valor. Some have indicated that the color is indicative of the blood of the patriots who fought and died helping to make our country free and are still doing so.

* White – This color has always signified purity and innocence.

* Blue – Vigilance, perseverance and justice are what this color symbolizes.

The thirteen stripes are purported to represent the thirteen original colonies of the United States. The fifty stars are said to represent each of the fifty states that make up this great country.

If your children don’t know the story behind the flag, you may want to take time this year to teach them. Be sure to include the proper handling of the flag in a respectful manner.

1. Flags are not to be displayed at night unless they are fully illuminated.

2. The flag should not be flown in inclement weather.

3. The flag is not to be allowed to touch the ground. If it does, the flag should be properly disposed of.

4. Flags flown at half-staff are first hoisted to the top of the flag pole and then lowered. Normally you will see flags at half-staff, or half-mast, on governmental buildings only. Flags at half-staff signify the death of a former President. From sunrise to sunset they are placed at half-staff on May 15 for Peace Officers Memorial Day, from sunrise until noon on Memorial Day, from sunrise to sunset on September 11 which has been declared as Patriot Day, during October 5 to 11 for Fire Prevention Week, and then again on December 7 for National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.

While the President of the United States cannot require the citizens of the country to fly their personal flags at half-staff, he may request that they join the government in flying them in that manner. The President may, at his discretion, declare other days as being recognized by flying the flag at this position.

Perhaps you don’t know, or have forgotten the significance of the Stars and Stripes and its history. You may not be aware that the flag has be changed twenty-four times during is history. You can learn more about the flag’s history by visiting the official website about the American flag, www.USflag.org.

Tweet This Post 

There’s no doubt that the United States of America has changed over the course of its history. The same can be said of the flags for America. Looking at their history, you can see how the flags have been modified over the years. This can be an interesting piece of knowledge which you can contribute to child education.

In the past, elementary school students were told that Betsy Ross was commissioned to create the first American flag during the Revolutionary War. Unfortunately, this story is considered to be a legend as it cannot be proven. Some experts believe that Francis Hopkins is a more likely candidate as the designer. No matter who the original designer of the flag, it has become an easily recognizable symbol of the United States of America.

While the new country was still new, the Grand Union flag was adopted by the Continental Congress of 1775, originally flown on the colonial fleet. It wasn’t flown on land until January 1776 by General George Washington. The flag included the Union Jack in the upper left corner. At this time, the colonists were still trying to assert their rights as British citizens. Along with the Union Jack, the flag had thirteen red and white stripes which represented each of the original thirteen colonies.

The Union Jack, however, was removed a year later as the Continental Congress adopted the Stars and Stripes flag to commemorate the new nation. The date, June 14, has been established as Flag Day. The flag incorporated the original thirteen red and white stripes, but added a blue field with thirteen stars in a circle.

Over time, each new flag maker created flags to meet their own ideas; therefore, the flag of the United States of America has changed 24 times in 135 years. Even though the look of the older flags differ from the current flag, each one is considered to be a valid choice and each is expected to be honored and respected the same as the current version of “Old Glory.”

As new states were added to the country, the initial idea was to add stripes to the flag, but that idea wasn’t practical. Instead, they decided to add a star for each new state as it was admitted into the Union. The addition of stars to the flag was completed in 1960 with the addition of the fiftieth star for the state of Hawaii. Should another state be added, they would continue the practice of adding a new star with each additional state.

Much in the same way as the Statue of Liberty and the White House, the flag of the United States is easily recognizable by those not from this country. The flag has changed over the years but the devotion of the people under this flag continues. The history is varied but the sentiment elicited by the flag continues to this day.

Tweet This Post