You’re a Grand Old Flag
Every country has a flag that stands for its nation’s land, people, and government. A national flag is an important symbol to the country and the culture. President Woodrow Wilson is credited with making June 14th Flag Day in the United States, but it is not a federal holiday. It is a day to honor the American flag and all the traditions associated with it.
June 14, 1777, is the day when the United States approved the design for the flag.
Who Really Designed the Flag?
History tells the story that Betsy Ross created the first American flag, but there is no evidence that she contributed to the design. In 1870, her grandson held a press conference to inform the public of her role.
It is now believed that Francis Hopkinson, a congressman from New Jersey and one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, designed the American flag. The design was not made official until 1912, when a government order adopted the current design.
Although the design of the flag has changed over the years, the colors and the stripes have remained the same. The thirteen stripes on the flag represent the first colonies that were established in the New World. The red and white stand for courage and purity of the nation. The fifty stars represent the fifty states, but that number has changed many times over the years. The first flag had thirteen stars all in a circle to show equality.
Rules and Traditions
There are many rules and traditions concerning the American flag. Here are just a few things you might not know:
- The flag should always be lit up by sunlight or another light while on display.
- It used to be illegal to burn an American flag as an act of protest, but the Supreme Court ruled that burning a flag is a First Amendment right.
- The American flag should never touch the floor and should never be used as clothing, bedding, or curtains.
- Draping an American flag over a coffin is not only for military personnel; anyone who wishes may have a flag over their coffin.
- There is also a proper way to fold an American flag!
Ireland’s Flag Day
Ireland celebrates its national flag in March. The national flag of Ireland is green, white, and orange. The green represents Irish Catholics. The orange represents Irish Protestants, and the white represents a lasting truce (reconciliation) between both groups.
Today, many believe that the white of the flag symbolizes peace, respect, and inclusion of all people!
Literature Corner
Sophia’s War: A Tale of the Revolution by Avi
The year is 1776. Sophia witnesses an execution and is horrified by it. She decides to do all she can to help the American cause in the Revolutionary War. Sophia becomes a spy and works as a maid in the home of the supreme commander of the British Army in America. She learns of a plot that will cause great damage to the Americans if it succeeds.
The identity of the would-be traitor is so surprising that no one believes her, so Sophia decides to stop the dangerous plot herself. If she fails, she will face an execution of her own!
