- In 1777 Congress made the resolution that determined the design of the first American flag. It was to consist of 13 stripes, 7 red, 6 white and 13 stars. There were no specifics about the arrangement of the stars. The circle of stars was most common but other versions included a single large star in the center with twelve smaller stars around it. Actually, there were many variations.
- In 1795 Congress voted to increase the number of both stars and stripes to 15 as new states joined the union. This is why you sometimes get that puzzled look on your face when you see one of these older flags. The extra stripes look kind of funny... but accurate.
- In 1818 legislation was enacted to reestablish the number of stripes at 13 and institute the policy of adding a new star upon the admission of every new state.
- Color representations:
White: Purity and Innocence (Liberty)
Red: Hardiness and Valor (Bravery)
Blue: Vigilance, Perseverance and Justice
The Quiz... (For the answer, hold the mouse pointer over the question)
1. True or False: The flag may be flown every day and in
ANY weather condition.
2. True
or False: The flag is usually flown from Sunrise to Sunset.
3. Can the flag be flown at night?
4. When is the flag expected to be flown?
5. What pace do you use when hoisting and lowering the flag?
6. When should a flag be flown at Half-staff?
7. What must you do before setting a flag at Half-staff, or when lowering a flag
from Half-staff?
8. On what day
do you fly the flag at Half-staff until noon, and then raise it to Full-staff?
9. When is the only time a U.S. flag should be flown upside down?
10. What is the rope,
or cord, on a flagpole called?
11. How many people (minimum) should be used to raise the flag? Why?
12. When the flag has left the arms of the first person, what should he or she
do?
13. What is important to remember when flying the U.S. flag with any state or
auxiliary flag?
14. What about with other national flags such as at the Olympic games?
15. Should a flag be carried flat during parades?
16. On what side should the flag be placed during a parade if carried with other
flags arranged in a row?
17. When is it appropriate to dip the flag in salute during a parade or
procession?
18.
When displayed on a staff, on what side of the speaker should the flag be placed
in a church, synagogue, temple or auditorium?
19.
When displayed hanging vertically, what side should the blue field be on?
20. When hung over the center of a street, which direction should the blue field
of the flag face?
21. How and when should a flag be disposed of?
22. When does the flag outside the White House not fly?