With celebrations for the Fourth of July holiday in full swing, millions of Americans have brought out their American flags to fly at their homes. Many Americans will be taking an introspective look at what the flag means to them and how the design of the first flag came to be.
The American flag has a long history in our nation. Debates have surrounded the exact origin of the flag but it is traditionally believed that the first flag was stitched by Betsy Ross. As for the designer of the flag, it is credited to Rep. Francis Hopkinson. The design was not official until the enactment of the Executive Order of June 24, 1912. The order delegated the specific design for the red, white, and blue banner.
Many veterans and those who lost family members in times of war look to the flag with gratitude for service given by soldiers who worked to defend the freedom of American citizens. A quote from President Jimmy Carter, a veteran, illustrates this.
“Throughout the history of our nation, the flag has evoked intense, sincere feelings of patriotism,” said President Carter.
Hundreds of millions of American flags are purchased in the United States every year. The flags are also brought out by most citizens on Memorial Day. Smaller flags are traditionally placed on the graves of veterans during the holiday.
Recent studies from the U.S. Census Bureau shows that there are three times more American flags made in other nations that are imported into the United States, than flags that are made in the United States and sent to other nations.
Those who do not normally hang American flags should be aware that there are specific ways to fold the flag for storage. It should not be allowed to touch the ground. While folding it, one should stand upright. Flag etiquette requires that the flag should not be flown at night without a light shining on the flag.
For more information on flag etiquette, visit www.AmericanFlags.org.
The American flag has a long history in our nation. Debates have surrounded the exact origin of the flag but it is traditionally believed that the first flag was stitched by Betsy Ross. As for the designer of the flag, it is credited to Rep. Francis Hopkinson. The design was not official until the enactment of the Executive Order of June 24, 1912. The order delegated the specific design for the red, white, and blue banner.
Many veterans and those who lost family members in times of war look to the flag with gratitude for service given by soldiers who worked to defend the freedom of American citizens. A quote from President Jimmy Carter, a veteran, illustrates this.
“Throughout the history of our nation, the flag has evoked intense, sincere feelings of patriotism,” said President Carter.
Hundreds of millions of American flags are purchased in the United States every year. The flags are also brought out by most citizens on Memorial Day. Smaller flags are traditionally placed on the graves of veterans during the holiday.
Recent studies from the U.S. Census Bureau shows that there are three times more American flags made in other nations that are imported into the United States, than flags that are made in the United States and sent to other nations.
Those who do not normally hang American flags should be aware that there are specific ways to fold the flag for storage. It should not be allowed to touch the ground. While folding it, one should stand upright. Flag etiquette requires that the flag should not be flown at night without a light shining on the flag.
For more information on flag etiquette, visit www.AmericanFlags.org.
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