What is the american flag called
What is the american flag called
Quiz: Are you an expert on the USA?
Try this quiz and find out.
1. What is the capital of the USA?
2. How many states are there in the USA?
3. What is the American flag called?
a. Union John b. Union Jack c. Stars and stripes
4. The cartoon symbol of the American government is…
5. What is the New York underground called?
6. When did Christopher Columbus discover America?
7. How often do American people choose a new President?
a. every 5 years
b. every 3 years
c. every 4 years
8. What is the most expensive part of New York?
a. Long Island
b. Manhattan
c. Staten Island
9. What colour are the taxis in New York?
10. The building in the picture is …
a. The Capitol
b. The Pentagon
c. The White House
11. If you go to New York, you’ll see…
a. Big Ben
b. The Capitol
c. The Empire State Building
12. American people say…
13. What is the home of the President?
a. The Capitol
b. The White House
c. the House of Representatives
14. What do people call New York?
a. small pot
b. big apple
c. melting pot
15. What do American people call their police officers?
Key: 1. b; 2. b; 3. c; 4. c; 5. c; 6. a; 7. c; 8. b; 9. b; 10. c; 11. c; 12. b; 13. b; 14. b; 15. b
By Natalia Korotaeva,
School “Feniks”, Moscow
The American Flag
Learn about the American flag and how to display it.
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Infographic: How to Display the American Flag
Learn when and how to display the American flag properly.
The U.S. flag stands for our nation and the shared history, pride, principles, and commitment of its people. When we properly display this powerful symbol, we signal our respect for everything it represents.
The flag shouldn’t be flown in inclement weather unless it’s an all-weather flag.
Flags displayed at night should be properly illuminated.
In a time of national mourning, hang the flag at half-mast.
The flag can be flown every day, but it is often flown to show patriotism on these observances:
Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday
Washington’s Birthday (Presidents Day)
National Vietnam War Veterans Day
Armed Forces Day
National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day
When displaying the flag…
From your porch, place the union (blue section) at the peak of the staff.
Against a wall or on a window, place the union (blue section) at the top left corner.
On your vehicle, clamp the staff to the right front fender.
With another flag, place the U.S. flag to your left when crossed.
Keep your flag completely dry and folded properly — into a triangle, with the union (blue section) visible — before storing it in a well-ventilated area. If the flag is damaged or worn out, it should be disposed of with dignity.
The flag should not touch anything below it or rest on the ground.
Source: United States Code, Title 4, Chapter 1–The Flag
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The American Flag and Its Flying Rules
The Flag of the United States of America is a symbol of freedom and liberty to which Americans pledge their allegiance. Standing at attention and facing the flag with their right hand over the heart, they recite:
«I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.»
The flag’s 13 alternating red and white stripes represent the 13 original colonies. Its 50 white stars on a blue field represent the 50 states.
The colors on the flag represent:
If you need additional information or have a question, you can email the Department of State’s protocol office at protocolhelp@state.gov.
To order a U.S. flag that has flown over the Capitol, contact your senator’s office.
According to U.S. Flag Code, a worn out American flag should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.
Fly the American Flag at Half-Staff
The United States flag flies at half-staff (or half-mast) when the nation or a state is in mourning. The president, through a presidential proclamation, a state governor, or the mayor of the District of Columbia can order flags to fly at half-staff. Most often, this is done to mark the death of a government official, military member, or first responder; in honor of Memorial Day or other national day of remembrance; or following a national tragedy.
Learn more from the Department of Veterans Affairs about the rules and traditions for flying the flag at half-staff.
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flag of the United States of America
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After the American Revolution began, the first, unofficial national flag—known as the Continental Colours (or, sometimes, as the Grand Union Flag, the Cambridge Flag, the Somerville Flag, or the Union Flag)—was hoisted on a towering 76-foot (23-metre) liberty pole at Prospect Hill in Charlestown (now in Somerville), Massachusetts, on January 1, 1776; it was raised at the behest of Gen. George Washington, whose headquarters were nearby. The flag had 13 horizontal stripes (probably of red and white or of red, white, and blue) and, in the canton, the first version of the British Union Flag (Union Jack). As the flag of the Continental Army, it flew at forts and on naval vessels. Another popular early flag, that of the 1765 Sons of Liberty, had only nine red and white stripes. Various versions of “Don’t Tread on Me” coiled-rattlesnake flags appeared on many 18th-century American colonial banners, including several flown by military units during the Revolutionary War. The version carried by the Minutemen of Culpeper County, Virginia, for example, included not only the rattlesnake and the “Don’t Tread on Me” motto but also Virginia patriot Patrick Henry’s famous words “Liberty or Death.”
The first official national flag, formally approved by the Continental Congress on June 14, 1777, was the Stars and Stripes. That first Flag Resolution read, in toto, “Resolved, that the flag of the United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field representing a new constellation.” The layout of the stars was left undefined, and many patterns were used by flag makers. The designer of the flag—most likely Congressman Francis Hopkinson, a signer of the Declaration of Independence from Philadelphia—may have had a ring of stars in mind to symbolize the new constellation. Today that pattern is popularly known as the “ Betsy Ross flag,” although the widely circulated story that she made the first Stars and Stripes and came up with the ring pattern is unsubstantiated. Rows of stars (4-5-4 or 3-2-3-2-3) were common, but many other variations also existed. The new Stars and Stripes formed part of the military colours carried on September 11, 1777, at the Battle of the Brandywine, perhaps its first such use.
The Stars and Stripes changed on May 1, 1795, when Congress enacted the second Flag Resolution, which mandated that new stars and stripes be added to the flag when new states were admitted to the Union. The first two new states were Vermont (1791) and Kentucky (1792). (One such flag was the 1,260-square-foot [117-square-metre] “Star-Spangled Banner,” made by Mary Pickersgill, that Francis Scott Key saw at Fort McHenry in September 1814, which inspired him to write the patriotic poem that later supplied the lyrics of the national anthem.) In 1818, after five more states had been admitted, Congress enacted the third and last Flag Resolution, requiring that henceforth the number of stripes should remain 13, the number of stars should always match the number of states, and any new star should be added on the July 4 following a state’s admission. This has been the system ever since. In all, from 1777 to 1960 (after the admission of Hawaii in 1959), there were 27 versions of the flag—25 involving changes in the stars only. An executive order signed by Pres. William Howard Taft on October 29, 1912, standardized for the first time the proportions and relative sizes of the elements of the flag; in 1934 the exact shades of colour were standardized.
American Flag Unit Study
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Learning about the American Flag is an important part of American history. This American Flag Unit Study will teach your kids about the flag its self, the history of it, laws regarding it and much, much more!
The History of the American Flag
Who created the design of the American Flag?
The Continental Congress decided that the American Flag would have 13 stripes, alternating red and white, and that there would be a blue field with thirteen stars, representing the union.
Who made the first American Flag?
There is a debate that Betsy Ross made the first American Flag, but there is not any real evidence to prove it. So, the actual maker of the first American Flag remains unknown.
When was the first American Flag adopted?
The American Flag was first adopted by the Continental Congress on June 14, 1777. That is why we celebrate Flag Day on June 14th of each calendar year.
What do the stripes on the American Flag stand for?
The red stripes represent courage and the white stripes speak of the purity of our high ideals as Americans.
What do the stars on the American Flag stand for?
There are 50 stars on the American Flag today, representing each of the 50 states in the United States.
What does the blue background behind the starts of the American Flag stand for?
The blue field behind the stars symbolizes the strength and unity of the United States of America.
How many versions of the American Flag have been designed?
To date there have been 27 versions of the American Flag. The changes made to each version were for the addition of stars which represent how many states had become part of the U.S.A.
What is the significance of folding an American Flag into a triangular shape?
The American Flag is folded into a triangular shape to symbolize the cocked hats worn by soldiers of the American Revolution.
Where is the American Flag that inspired Francis Scott Key to write “The Star Spangled Banner”?
Francis Scott Key was inspired by an American Flag that flew over Fort McHenry, but it is now in the Smithsonian Institute. At the time of the writing of the National Anthem, there were 15 stars on the flag.
What other names is our American Flag known by?
The American Flag is known by a few other names including; “National Ensign”, “National Standard”, “Old Glory” and “National Color”.
How to Display the American Flag
What is the law regarding the displaying of the American Flag?
The American Flag is always to be displayed above any other flag on display within the United States, territory or possession within the U.S.A.
Can you display the American Flag at night?
Yes, you can display the American Flag at night provided it is lit properly and illuminated throughout the night.
Is the American Flag to be flown during inclement weather?
The American Flag should not be flown during inclement weather, unless it is an all weather flag on display.
Aboard a U.S. Naval Vessel, when is the “National Ensign” flown?
The “National Ensign” is flown when; (a) getting underway or anchoring, (b) falling in with other ships, (c) cruising near land and (d) when engaged in battle.
How should the American Flag be raised and lowered?
When hoisting the American Flag it should be done in a rapid manner, but when lowering in a slow, ceremonial manner.
When an American Flag is displayed during public speaking where should it be staffed?
During public speaking the American Flag is to be staffed to the right of the speaker in a position of superior prominence.
How should the American Flag be hung on a wall?
When the American Flag is hung flat against a wall the blue field should be to the observer’s left side as he faces the flag whether hung horizontally or vertically.
Where should an American Flag be displayed in a school classroom?
When an American Flag is displayed in a schoolroom it should be hung flat against the wall behind and above the teacher’s area. If it is staffed and at floor level, the flag should be displayed to the students’ left as they face the front of the schoolroom.
How to Carry an American Flag
What is the proper way to carry a staffed American Flag?
To carry a staffed American Flag you should hold the staff with either one or both hands in front of the center of your body. The bottom of the staff should rest against your body while the staff slopes upward and forward about 30 degrees from your body.
Should any portion of a staffed American Flag be held by a flag bearer?
The only time a flag bearer should hold any portion of the American Flag should be when entering a doorway where the staff needs to be lowered.
How to Salute the American Flag
What are the proper ways to salute the American Flag during the Pledge of Allegiance?
Military members in uniform are to render the military salute. Civilians will place their right hand over their hearts, if a man is wearing a hat he is to remove it and hold it at his left shoulder.
When singing the National Anthem how do you salute the American Flag?
During the signing of the National Anthem everyone should stand and face the flag. Military members will render the military salute while civilians will place their right hand over their hearts.
When an America Flag passes by in a parade how should it be acknowledged?
Everyone should stand and salute the American Flag in the same manner when reciting the Pledge of Allegiance or during the singing of the National Anthem.
How do uniformed policemen and firemen salute the American Flag?
They give the military salute. Policemen carrying batons render the baton salute.
What is the proper way to give the Pledge of Allegiance?
When saying the Pledge of Allegiance you should always do so standing with your right hand over your heart.
How to Properly Display the American Flag Half-Staff
Is it proper to say the American Flag is at half-staff or half-mast?
When you’re on land the correct term is half-staff, while if you’re on board a ship it is half-mast.
How do you correctly half-staff the American Flag?
When displaying the American Flag at half-staff it should first be hoisted to the top of the flag pole for a moment and then lowered to the half-staff position. Before lowering it for the day, you again should raise the American Flag to the top of the flag pole for an instant prior to taking it down for the day.
When displaying the American Flag at half-staff what is the correct position?
The correct half-staff position for the American Flag is dependent on the size of the flag and the height of the pole.
Who can order an American Flag to be half-staffed?
The President of the United States or the Governor of a State can order the American Flag to be flown at half-staff.
What days is the American Flag half-staffed without a Presidential Proclamation?
The American Flag is half-staffed without a Presidential Proclamation each year on; Peace Officers Memorial Day, Memorial Day, Patriots Day, National Firefighters Memorial Day and Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.
How to Display the American Flag in Mourning
Can anyone decorate graves with American Flags on Memorial Day?
Yes, anyone can decorate graves with American Flags on Memorial Day.
How long should American Flags remain on graves?
American Flags should not be left indefinitely. They should be removed and discarded before the flag begins to fade or tear, showing it the same respect as an American Flag on display on a flag pole.
How do you properly display the American Flag on a casket of a military serviceman?
When an American Flag is on display on a military member’s casket the blue field is to the observer’s right instead of left to indicate mourning.
Can you display the American Flag on the casket of a civilian or spouse of a military serviceman?
No, the American Flag is only permitted to be on display on the casket of a military member.
When to Clean or Discard the American Flag
Can you repair, wash or dry clean an American Flag?
You can repair, wash or dry clean an American Flag provided it can be hung to dry in a careful and respectful way.
How do you discard an American Flag no longer fit for display?
You should discard an American Flag in a dignified manner, preferably by burning in private. Check with your local VFW as they often will take your old flags and discard them for you.
How to Properly Fold an American Flag
The folding of an American Flag requires 2 people facing each other holding the flag waist high, horizontally between them.
Start by folding the lower striped section lengthwise, over the blue field.
Fold the bottom to the top ensuring you’re holding the edges securely.
Then fold the flag lengthwise again, folded edge to open edge.
You’ll begin a triangular fold along the length of the flag, from the striped end towards the blue field, by bringing the striped corner of the folded edge to meet the open edge.
Next, turn the outer point inward, parallel with the open edge, forming the second triangle.
Continue forming triangular folds in this manner until the entire length of the flag is folded.
The triangular blue field should only be visible when the flag is completely folded.
History of the American Flag Videos
The American Flag is an important part of American history. It is essential that we do not forget to be respectful of the American Flag and its history, because it is our history.
What did you learn about the American Flag that you didn’t know?
What Are The Different Names For The American Flag?
On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress declared the 13 American colonies’ independence from the British monarchy. A little less than a year later, on June 14, 1777, Congress passed a resolution declaring the flag of the United States “be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation.” In commemoration of this act, Americans celebrate Flag Day on June 14 every year.
In the nearly 250 years since the Flag Resolution of 1777, 37 stars have been added to the flag, one for each new state. Over the course of that history, the flag of the United States of America has earned a number of vivid nicknames, not to mention the fact “flag of the United States of America” is quite a mouthful.
You don’t have to be a vexillologist or a red-blooded ‘Murican to find these monikers for the flag of the United States fascinating.
American flag
Formally, the flag is called “the flag of the United States of America.” But almost no one calls it that—unless they’re saying the Pledge of Allegiance. More often than not, it’s referred to as the American flag.
Believe it or not, American flag can technically be considered a nickname for, well, the American flag. This natural shortening is found in the early days of the American republic, evidenced by at least 1778 in the long-running Scots Magazine.
The Stars and Stripes
The original design of the American flag is based off the so-called Grand Union Flag, also known as the Continental Colors Flag. The Grand Union Flag had 13 red and white stripes, but instead of stars in the upper right-hand corner, it showed the Union Jack (the flag of Great Britain). The Flag Resolution of 1777 decreed that the Union Jack be replaced with 13 white stars on a blue field, one for each state (13 at the time, of course).
As it’s popularly told, the original design for the American flag—with the stars displayed in a ring—was sewn by Betsy Ross based in part on a sketch by George Washington. Sorry, Betsy, but the story is unsubstantiated. But more likely, it was designed by Francis Hopkinson, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, based on an earlier naval design.
Whether it was Ross or Hopkins, since the earliest days, those distinctive stars and stripes were part of what made the flag of the United States unique. Hence the nickname the Stars and Stripes, which dates back to at least 1809.
In 1896, John Philip Sousa composed a march he titled “The Stars and Stripes Forever”—and in 1987 it became the official National March of the US. As its lyrics go: “The red and white and starry blue / is freedom’s shield and hope.”
The Red, White, and Blue
The French flag, the UK flag, and the North Korean flag are all red, white, and blue. But there’s only one flag that goes by the red, white, and blue—and that’s the American flag.
Calling the flag the red, white, and blue brings to mind the 1906 song “You’re a Grand Old Flag” written by George M. Cohan for his musical George Washington Jr. As the song goes: “ev’ry heart beats true, ‘neath the Red, White, and Blue.”the red, white, and blue is mentioned even earlier in another classic march, “Columbia, the Gem of the Ocean,” composed by Thomas A’Becket Sr., circa 1843. For a long time, the song was a kind of unofficial anthem for the United States.
Today, the nickname red, white, and blue for the American flag is still used in popular songs, including Toby Keith’s 2002 single “Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue (The Angry American).”
Old Glory
The story of how the American flag became known as Old Glory is one that says a lot about the history of the United States as a nation. Before it became a nickname for the flag of the United States, it was the name given to one specific American flag owned by William Driver, a sea captain from Salem, Massachusetts.
The flag was made for him as a gift by his mother and her sewing circle in Salem to celebrate his appointment to captain in 1824. He flew the flag from the mast of his ship, the Charles Doggett. According to the myth, when he hoisted the flag, he declared: “My ship, my flag, Old Glory.” While that probably didn’t happen, it’s true Driver called the flag Old Glory in his memoirs in 1862.
But that wasn’t the end of the story of Old Glory. In 1837, Driver moved to Nashville and flew his enormous flag every day on a line strung between his attic and a tree in his lawn. During the Civil War, Confederate and Union troops sparred over the flag—and ultimately it flew over the Tennessee capitol building.
Today, the original Old Glory is held at the Smithsonian Museum of American History. And by the 20th century, the name Old Glory had become synonymous with the American flag in general.
The Star-Spangled Banner
In 1805, amateur poet Francis Scott Key wrote a song to commemorate the American battle in Tripoli during the First Barbary War. The song was set to “To Anacreon in Heaven,” a kind of drinking song of an 18th-century London gentleman’s club, and included the lines: “And pale beamed the crescent, its splendor obscured / By the light of the star-spangled flag of our nation.”
Key would reuse that star-spangled line when he penned “Defence of Fort M’Henry” in 1814 while witnessing the fort being bombarded by the British during the War of 1812: “Oh say does that star spangled banner yet wave/o’er the land of the free & the home of the brave.” That poem, also set to the tune of “To Anacreon in Heaven,” became the official national anthem of the United States in 1931. You know it as “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
Banner, of course, refers to the flag. Spangled means decorated with brights objects, as stars, hence star-spangled.
The original star-spangled banner—which, as of the Flag Act of 1974, had 15 stars and stripes, for the addition of Vermont and Kentucky into the Union as the 14th and 15th states, respectively—flew over Fort McHenry during the Battle of Baltimore is now kept at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History. And star-spangled banner is a nickname for the classic 50-star flag we know and love today.
The American flag has been around, in some form or another, for nearly 250 years. In fact, despite the U.S. Flag Code, the American flag is found in countless forms. It’s on t-shirts, coffee mugs, and truck decals. It’s even an emoji: 🇺🇸.
With early forms found on Japanese cell phones in the early 2000s, flag for the United States of America emoji shows the stars and stripes, the red, white, and blue, the star-spangled banner, and Old Glory in all its…well, glory.
The emoji flag is usually shown slightly waving. Impressively, most platforms manage to squeeze in all thirteen stripes and fifty stars in their representation of the flag. Except for Twitter. Twitter only shows 18 stars, for some reason.