American Flag Facts

The American flag, nicknamed as The Star-Spangled Banner, Stars and Stripes or Old Glory, is the national symbol of the United States, representing the glorious history of America. It is a symbol of the spirit of the United States and is held in high regard by Americans around the world. Take a look at some interesting facts about the United States flag.

American Flag Facts

The American flag is composed of thirteen equal horizontal red stripes that alternate with white ones. A blue-colored rectangle in the upper left quarter of the flag bears fifty white five-pointed stars. They are arranged in nine horizontal rows where the rows containing six stars each, alternate with rows consisting of five stars.

What do these stars and the stripes symbolize? Well, the stars stand for the fifty states of the United States, while the thirteen stripes commemorate the thirteen colonies that rebelled against the British. The flag is popularly accepted as a symbol of the establishment of the US Government and the rights promised to the American citizens through the Bill of Rights. It also represents the principles of individual and personal liberty put forth by the Declaration of Independence. There is no legal definition for the symbolism of the colors used in the American flag. However, it is said that white signifies purity and innocence, red stands for valor and blue for vigilance, perseverance and justice.

There is an interesting story behind the creation of the design of the American flag. It so happened in the 1950s, that President Eisenhower received over 1500 flag design proposals. Most of these proposed designs contained fifty stars, identical to the pattern of stars in the current design. Out of the several proposals for the flag design, the one by Robert Heft, an eighteen-year old boy was widely accepted. He had made the design as a part of his school project, which went on to become the national symbol of his country.

The American flag flutters year-round, atop public buildings. It is flown on private buildings on civic holidays like Memorial Day, President's Day and Independence Day. Small flags are kept near graves of US veterans on Memorial Day. The White House, the Washington Monument and the United States Marine Corps War Memorial are some of the locations of continual display of the American flag. Interestingly, it flutters on the surface of the Moon, in memory of the American astronauts who accomplished the feat of landing on the Moon.

On certain days of national importance, the American flag is flown at half staff. On the Memorial Day, it is flown in half staff till noon. It flutters in half staff on the Patriot Day, the Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day and similarly for 30 days after the death of a President and for 10 days following the death of a Vice President, Chief Justice, member of Cabinet or former Vice President.

There are strict guidelines pertaining to the use and display of the US national flag. By rule, the flag should not dip to any person. It should never be allowed to touch the ground. If the flag is to be flown at night, it should be illuminated. In case of any damage on account of wear and tear, the flag should be repaired. And when beyond repair, it should be destroyed in a dignified way.

The American flag and the symbolism associated with it, is believed to be one of the most complex ones. The flag is an important component of the cultural heritage of the United States of America. Proudly hoisted on tall buildings and historical monuments in the US, it 'oversees' the Americans 'looking up' to it in great admiration.