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For more than 200 years, the American flag has been the symbol of our nation’s strength and unity. It’s been a source of pride and inspiration for millions of citizens and the American Flag has been a prominent icon in our national history.
The U.S. Flag viewed horizontally.
(Obverse)
The U.S. Flag viewed horizontally.
(Reverse)
FAQ
Q: What is the significance of the U.S. Flag being reversed on military uniforms?
A: There are two sides of the flag. In military tradition, stemming from ancient Roman traditions to medieval chivalry, a warrior or knight would carry their arms with their right and shields on their left. This was symbolic as the right was known as superior and the left inferior. Military flag patches are reversed because the patches are placed on the right shoulder where when seen, the flag is always advancing.
On the flag, the side where "The Union" or the blue field with the 50 stars is known as the hoist is the superior part of the flag and, thus is always positioned at the highest position or facing forward at all times. This is why flag patches are reversed.
The U.S. Flag viewed vertically.
(when positioned on a wall)
(Head)
(Foot)
The U.S. Flag viewed vertically when draped over a casket.
On January 1, 1776, the Continental Army was reorganized in accordance with a Congressional resolution which placed American forces under George Washington’s control. On that New Year’s Day the Continental Army was laying siege to Boston which had been taken over by the British Army. Washington ordered the Grand Union flag hoisted above his base at Prospect Hill. It had 13 alternate red and white stripes and the British Union Jack in the upper left-hand corner (the canton).
In May of 1776, it was reported that Betsy Ross sewed the first American flag.
On June 14, 1777, in order to establish an official flag for the new nation, the Continental
Congress passed the first Flag Act: “Resolved, That the flag of the United States be made of thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new Constellation.”
Between 1777 and 1960, Congress passed several acts that changed the shape, design and
arrangement of the flag and allowed for additional stars and stripes to be added to reflect the
admission of each new state.
Symbolism
Today the flag consists of thirteen horizontal stripes, seven red alternating with six white.
The stripes represent the original 13 colonies
The stars represent the 50 states of the Union
The colors of the flag are symbolic as well:
Red symbolizes Hardiness and Valor,
White symbolizes Purity and Innocence
Blue represents Vigilance, Perseverance, and Justice.
FAQ
Q: When displayed with other National Flags, due those flags dip for the U.S. Flag?
A: The simple answer is NO. National flags have their own established sovereignty. Only those flags belonging to the United States, such as State Flags, Branch Flags, Colors, Guidons, Ensigns...etc., are lowered to the U.S. Flag.
A common mistake with color guards is that members have practiced so much to lower their flags, it has become muscle memory.
FAQ
Q: When displaying flags, is the U.S. Flag the highest?
A: When displaying the U.S. Flag outdoors on one flag pole; all subordinate flags belonging to the United States are lower than the U.S. Flag.
When using two flag poles, both poles must be equal in height, both flags must be flown at the same height.
FAQ
Q: During half staff, do all flags go to half staff (even national flags)?
A: YES. When the United States flag lowers to half staff, then all flags (including other national flags) must be lowered. The rule of thumb is, no other flag on U.S. land, sea or territory will be higher than the U.S. Flag. However, host nations do not have to lower their national colors when the U.S. flag is at half staff. For naval vessels, the U.S. Flag remains at "full mast" even in international waters.
FAQ
Q: What is the proper term for the flag pole? Is it Staff or Mast?
A: The simple answer is "Staff" refers to a flag pole on land. A "Mast" referes to a flag pole on a naval vessel.
Simple branch terminology goes as follows
U.S. Army & U.S. Air Force = "Staff"
U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps = "Mast"
U.S. Coast Guard = "Mast"
FAQ
Q: How is the flag displayed over a street?
A: When the flag is displayed over the middle of the street, it should be suspended vertically with the union to the north in an east and west street or to the east in a north and south street.
FAQ
Q: How is the flag displayed in a window?
A: When hung in a window, place the blue union in the upper left, as viewed from the street
FAQ
Q: Can the flag be displayed in an angled position? I thought we do not dip the flag.
A: When the flag of the United States is displayed from a staff projecting horizontally or at an angle from the window sill, balcony, or front of a building, the union of the flag should be placed at the peak of the staff unless the flag is at half-staff.
This form of display may seem to be "dipped" however is it not when citizens own a flag pole.
FAQ
Q: What the rule on flag size when flying on a flag pole in a residence?
A: Below are the dimensions for residential displays - Indoor Display/Outdoor Display or Marching
3'x5' American flag "- 8-foot Flag pole.
"Storm Flag" - Inclement Weather
5'x9.5' American flag - 30-foot Flag pole.
"Post Flag" - Normal/Daily
10'x19' - 30 foot Flag Pole
"Garrison Flag" - Special Occassions/Holidays
20'x38' American flag - 100 foot Flag pole.
This is large for American flag sizes and is usually flown at official government buildings.
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