These days, July 4th is all about barbecues, fireworks and a healthy dose of red, white and blue excesses. And as the most well-known symbol of U.S. patriotism, the American flag is often a prominent feature of Fourth of July parades and parties. Yet today’s flag has come a long way since the first design created more than two centuries ago. Until 1912 there had been no common design for the American flag. For every time a new state joins the Union, a star is added to the national flag.
What is the American Flag's History?
In order to establish an official flag for the new nation, the Continental Congress passed the first Flag Act in 1777: "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." 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 of 1776 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 corner (the canton).
Why are American Flags Backwards on Uniforms?
Civilians often wonder why the US Army Flag Patch is reversed. The answer is: not all Army Flag Patches are reversed, but only those worn on the right shoulder. The reason has to do with proper display of the flag. The rule is that the blue field of stars should always be in the highest position of honor on the uniform. That position has always been the right shoulder with the flag's blue stars facing forward. When carried with an organization flag as in the March of the Colors, the U.S. flag is carried to the right of the line of march. The place of honor for the American flag is always to the right of other organizational flags like the USMC or Navy flags.
Basically, the idea behind the backward American flag on Army uniforms is to make it look as though the flag is flying in the breeze as the person wearing it moves forward.
Who Makes/Manufactures American Flags?
The Flag Manufacturers Association of America (FMAA) currently lists 31 US Flag manufacturers located in the United States. We personally know of at least three of the largest manufacturers that are not listed there. We at Star Spangled Flags believe that the American Flag should be 100% Made in the U.S.A. and will never compromise on that stance. The American flag represents all of America’s citizens no matter what race, religion or political philosophy and should be made by Americans for Americans.
How to Properly Display an American Flag?
If you are displaying your U.S flag on the same pole as a state, city, municipality or organization flag, the U.S flag is always on the top. If using separate poles and you have a group these flags, the U.S flag is displayed at the highest point and at the center. But on U.S. soil the American flag should always be placed in a position of honor, meaning fly the flag to its own right (the viewer's left). If you have a few different country flags, the flags should be raised and lowered at the same time.
The flag, when flown at half-staff, should be first hoisted to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff position. The flag should be again raised to the peak before it is lowered for the day.
Why Fly American Flags at Half Mast?
In many countries this is seen as a symbol of respect, mourning, distress, or, in some cases, a salute. Strictly speaking, flags are said to be half-mast if flown from ships and half-staff if on land, although not all regional variations of English use "half-staff." According to the VA, flags are flown at half-staff when the “whole nation is at mourning.” Sometimes, individual states and cities will decide to honor a local or regional loss with a half-staff flag.
The flag should be flown half-staff on Memorial Day in remembrance of deceased service members, but only from dawn until noon. Then, the flag is quickly raised full staff until sunset to honor living military veterans. The American flag should be flown half-staff on these days, as well:
Peace Officers Memorial Day (May 15), unless that day is also Armed Forces Day (third Saturday in May).
Patriot Day (September 11)
National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service (traditionally the first Sunday in October).
Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day (December 7)
While many might be tempted to simply raise a flag halfway up the pole and stop, or just lower it at the end of the day, there’s more ceremony involved than that. According to the flag code, “The flag, when flown at half-staff, should be first hoisted to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff position. The flag should be again raised to the peak before it is lowered for the day.”
Can American Flags be Washed?
There is no more cherished symbol of the United States than the American flag. Whether you fly a flag daily or bring it out to honor our country on special days, taking care of the flag is a sign of respect. If your flag is looking dingy or is soiled, washing it is quite appropriate. The U.S. Flag Code does not prohibit washing our national flag.
If you take good care of your American Flag, you’ll have it to fly high for years to come. Luckily, caring for your US flag is not nearly as difficult as you may think. Outdoor American flags that are frequently washed will last longer and maintain their vibrant color. Particles from the elements as well as dirt and air pollution can dull the flag and cause damage to the fibers, so frequently washing your American Flag with a mild soap will prolong its life.
Who Disposes of American Flags?
The United States Flag Code states: "The Flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem of display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning. The process and tradition of properly retiring an American flag requires finding a disposal location in your area. At one of these locations (VFW, American Legion, others), your American flag can be properly retired with the respect and gravity that it is entitled. The retirement of an American flag is a time-honored tradition and one that carries a great significance. Taking your flag to one of these flag disposal locations will ensure that the traditions and ceremony are utilized in the flag's retirement.
