The USA Flag: Its History, Meaning, and How to Display It with Honor
The USA Flag is more than just a symbol. It’s rich in history, and represents freedom, liberty, and national pride. For almost 250 years, US citizens have proudly displayed the American flag to showcase solidarity, gratitude, and patriotism across the country, and around the world. At DoverFlag.com, we’re proud to support the nation as a trusted provider of high-quality American flags.
But our nation’s symbol isn’t just an important emblem of our culture and background, it’s steeped in stories. As it’s evolved over time, there’s a lot to learn about one of our most known patriotic symbols. In this blog post, we plan to educate and guide readers on the USA flag.
Read on to discover more about flag history, etiquette, maintenance, and why our flags are the best choice for your home, business, or establishment.
The History of the USA Flag
The American flag as we know it today means so much to so many people. It represents what our nation stands for, gives us hope in times of need, and flies proudly in times of peace. But it also has such interesting origins.
Founded as our national emblem in 1777, it not only reflects our history but stands for unity for so many of us. There have been many stories told over the years, some of which you’ll no doubt of heard and pondered. One suggests that Betsy Ross was the creator of the first-ever flag, others have differing colonial American towns staking a claim to its birth.
What can’t be speculated, however, is that the Stars and Stripes were denoted as the official flag by the Continental Congress on June 14, 1777.
Before one single representation signified our United States, each colony had its own flag that flew on a colonial vessel. The English took these vessels to be pirate ships and went on to hang any who were captured.
Following the Declaration of Independence, the USA flag went on to represent the union of the thirteen states.
Key Historical Moments
The flag how we know it today in comparison to its origins certainly looks different. As it’s evolved over time, there have been key historical moments that have shaped its story.
The following timeline documents a brief overview of some of the most notable:
● June 14, 1777: The Stars and Stripes national flag boasting 13 of each is adopted by the Continental Congress during the Revolutionary War after Independence.
● January 13, 1794: Two stars and two stripes were added to the flag by Congress to signify both Vermont and Kentucky joining the union.
● September 13-14, 1814: Francis Scott Key wrote the Star-Spangled Banner after spotting the flag over Ft. McHenry in Baltimore Harbor following a British attack.
● 1818: The original 13 stripes were readopted, with the decision to add additional stars for any state granted into the union by Congress.
● 1892: The Pledge of Allegiance was written to commemorate 400 years after our country's founding on Columbus Day.
● 1942: A code was established by Congress documenting flag etiquette on how it should be handled and displayed.
● 1949: June 14 was dubbed as Flag Day by Congress.
● July 4, 1960: The Stars and Stripes got their 50th star to signify Hawaii joining the union as the 50th state.
Our Symbol of Culture and Patriotism
As you can see, our flag history is as rich as it is deep. It’s known to many as a symbol of democracy – of which many of us citizens have fought and died for.
The spirit of the flag is something that many Americans can relate to, finding peace and comfort in what it represents.
The USA flag is recognizable globally and is one of the most known patriotic symbols in the world. It has become a source of pride for many patriotic Americans who are proud our our history and what we have fought for.
The Symbolism Behind the USA Flag
Throughout the United States, we have a selection of well-known patriotic symbols. The Pledge of Allegiance is certainly one of them, along with the bald eagle, the Liberty Bell, and the Statue of Liberty to name a few. But it’s still our American flag that comes out top.
We’ve taken a look at exactly where its origins began, but what is the significance of the Stars and Stripes themselves – along with the colors chosen?
The original design saw thirteen stripes alternating in red and white as we know. In terms of the color choices, red was selected to embody valor, while white was chosen for purity. They were laid together in alternating colors in order to signify the fight and struggle for independence and freedom.
The thirteen stars were chosen and displayed over a blue field. Blue was chosen to represent loyalty. As the thirteen starts were first showcased in a circle, it was designed to signify the unity of the first thirteen colonies.
The Symbolism of Progression
As much as the origin of the USA flag has influenced its design, it’s also a symbol of national progress in itself.
Looking back at the historical timeline above, we can see the different amendments that have taken place – showing just how much the flag itself has changed and grown over the centuries.
Each iteration is the embodiment of our nation's progression as we have grown as a civilization, adding new states throughout the 19th and 20th centuries.
A Symbol of Unity, Sacrifice, and Resilience
Our American flag is also a symbol of what our nation stands for – unity, sacrifice, and resilience.
As we’ve explored flag history, we can see that it encompasses the coming together of our states as one united front. It’s also a symbol of the wars we have fought and the battles we have faced, showcasing the sacrifices our men and women have made along the way.
But it also stands for our resilience. As a solidified force, the United States has repeatedly shown resilience as a nation, as an economy, and as a leader in our modern world. This is exactly what the Stars and Stripes represent.
Proper Flag Etiquette & Display Rules
When it comes to displaying your American flag proudly, it’s important to stick to flag etiquette. There’s flag etiquette, you ask? Yes!
Along with the iconic history of one of our nation’s most recognized emblems, there is a U.S. Flag Code that should also be abided by. The code details the proper way to display and care for a USA flag. Of course, these are advisories, but if you want to showcase your patriotic symbols proudly, following protocol is always the best way to go.
The U.S. Flag Code
We’re now going to document some of the most important elements of the U.S. Flag Code, including how to properly raise and lower your American flag and when to best display it.
● The USA flag should be raised and lowered by hand, and never raised folded.
● Always raise the flag briskly and lower it ceremoniously.
● It is proper to display the flag from sunrise to sunset on buildings or flagstaffs, but only at night if it’s properly lit.
● It is allowed for your flag to be displayed any day of the year, but particularly encouraged on national holidays.
● On Memorial Day, display the flag at half-mast until noon only. It should then be hoisted to the top.
● A flag should only be held aloft (flat or horizontal) when carried.
● It is customary to salute a flag when passed in a parade, when the Pledge of Allegiance or National Anthem is said, or in a ceremony as it’s raised or lowered.
● Your flag should never touch the ground or floor, brush against anything, or be used as a drapery.
● The flag is only to be displayed showing the union down as a distress signal or sign of danger.
● If a flag is no longer in a fit state to be flown, it should be disposed of gracefully, preferably by burning.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
It is clear to see that the U.S. Flag Code details many proper procedures to follow. However, this could leave room for interpretation for some. If you want to ensure that you’re following appropriate customs, here are common mistakes you might like to avoid:
● Don’t display your flag in the rain.
● Display your flag on its staff alone, never with another flag – particularly with an advertising flag.
● Don’t fly a flag that is in an unacceptable condition. Dispose of it in a dignified way and purchase a new one.
● Don’t fly your flag backward or in another other position than the correct one.
● Never use your flag as clothing, drapery, or any other material item around the home.
Avoiding these common mistakes will allow you to follow correct flag etiquette and display your flag respectfully.
Choosing the Right USA Flag for Your Needs
When you’re looking to purchase the right American flag, it’s important for you to consider a range of factors that suit your needs.
As a leading provider of USA flags across the country, we have a wealth of experience in recommending the right flags to suit your specific requirements. Some of the most important elements to keep in mind here include:
● Material: It’s important to consider which material you’d like to choose, such as durable nylon flags, polyester, or cotton.
● Size: There’s also the size to consider, whether you want something smaller or larger.
● Durability: Finally, we have durability – this can depend on where you might be displaying the flag.
As you’re making a decision on the above factors, you might want to consider your intended use for the flag. For example, if you are looking for outdoor flags, you’ll want to choose a durable material such as nylon. Outdoor flags do tend to be more heavy-duty and hardwearing, whereas indoor flags are often more lightweight.
Selecting the Right Flagpole for Your Flag
You may also want to consider the right flagpole to choose for displaying your flag. Whether you’re looking to display your flag for home, business, or ceremonial use, your choice is flagpole is important.
Some of the key things to consider here include:
● The location and intended use for your flag.
● Whether you want your flagpole to be ground-mounted or wall-mounted.
● The wind conditions of the area you wish to fly your flag in.
● Whether the flag will be correctly visible when displayed.
● The size of the flag itself.
If you’re looking for high-quality flags to display proudly, we have a flag kit that contains all of the essentials for proudly displaying your flag.
Caring for Your USA Flag
As is customary, it’s not proper to display a flag that isn’t looking its best. So after you have procured your next USA flag from us here at DoverFlag.com, you’ll want to ensure that you carry out the correct flag maintenance.
Flag maintenance is going to help you to prolong the life of your flag. To ensure that this is as easy and seamless as possible for you, here are some of our best tips:
● To preserve the condition of your flag, ensure to wash it regularly to keep it clean.
● Wash your USA flag by hand, using warm water and a mild detergent, rinsing thoroughly.
● Ensure that your flag has airdried all the way through before storing it.
● Avoid any strong chemicals or bleach during your cleaning process to prevent the flag from fading or becoming discolored.
● Don’t allow your flag to fly out in the rain as this could damage it. Only flying in the right weather conditions is the best way to protect your flag and prolong its life.
● Also, try to avoid flying your flag when the weather is extremely windy. Rough weather could damage your flag, causing it to snag or tear.
Correctly Storing a Flag
If you’re looking to ensure that your USA flag is stored correctly during an off-season or when you’re no longer able to fly it, the below tips will be useful:
● Always ensure that your flag is stored in a clean and dry location that is also well-ventilated. This will prevent any mold or mildew from getting to it.
● Likewise, avoid storing your flag when it is wet – as this could encourage mold and mildew to form.
Finally, if your American flag has seen better days and it’s time to retire it, it’s accusatory to ensure that it is disposed of in a dignified way. Throwing it in the trash is likely to be a sign of disrespect. Yet, as we saw in the U.S. Flag Code, burning is a graceful way to retire your old, worn-out USA flag.
When you are in need of high-quality flags to replace those that you have retired or disposed of, be sure to choose from our selection of patriotic USA flags here at DoverFlag.com.
Why Buy from DoverFlag.com?
As you search for the right flag for your needs, make sure to consider us here at DoverFlag.com. At DoverFlag.com, we are experts in providing American flags for a multitude of purposes. When you buy from us, you are guaranteed to get:
Premium Quality
At DoverFlag.com, we have a wide selection of durable all-weather flags that are made to last.
Whether you want a new USA flag to display at home or outdoor flags to display outside of your place of business, we have exactly what you’re looking for.
We work with nylon fabrics to ensure that you’re getting the best possible quality that lasts.
Competitive Pricing
We pride ourselves on offering high-quality flags at affordable prices.
We want our customers to be able to display their patriotic symbols with dignity and satisfaction, which is why we offer unrivaled pricing on all of our American flags.
We also offer bulk discounts to businesses and organizations, so reach out to us today for your personal discount on our entire line of patriotic flags.
Buying Your Flags from DoverFlag.com
DoverFlag.com is trusted by homeowners, government agencies, and veterans alike. We’re specialists in producing and supplying exceptional quality USA flags and flagpoles to our loyal customers.
So why now browse our collection today and fly the American flag with pride!
Final Thoughts: The Pride of the USA Flag
During our deep dive into the history and meaning of one of our nation’s most known and loved patriotic symbols, we explored just how integral the American flag is to our nation.
Not only does our flag history symbolize our society’s progression, but it also stands for our unity, resilience, and sacrifice as a nation. This is exactly why displaying your chosen design on a stunning flagpole should be done with such pride.
To help you do so, we have also run through the proper flag etiquette, along with key flag maintenance, to ensure that you’re displaying and caring for your flags in the best possible ways. This will always allow for your high-quality flags to be flown with pride and stay impeccably well-maintained.
If you’re looking for a high-quality USA flag or outdoor flags to display at home or during a ceremony, make sure that you shop now to find your perfect product. And don’t forget to subscribe for Flag Tips & Deals to help you stay in the know and snap up our best prices. You can also check out our most recent blog posts for more information on all things flags!