One can only be amazed at the various facts that the American flag possesses. Did you know that the first flag of America was designed by the second Continental Congress on June 14th, 1777? Or that the flag was made in Pennsylvania or that the people only know America’s national flag as the Star Spangled Banner.
The first flag of America passed a resolution that said,
“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.”
However, this wasn’t the final draft anyway.
There are more American flag facts that will make you bewildered. Continue to read the article as we share more such amazing facts.
1. The Current flag was student-designed
It is true that a school student designed the flag of America. Back in 1949, a high school student named Robert G. Heft submitted his design as a school project. The boy was graded with a ‘B’ but he did not stop there.
Robert went on to submit his version of the American flag to President Dwight Eisenhower himself. His design was way different from what the flag looks like today. it was triangular in shape with only thirteen stars.
This happened because Hawaii & Alaska achieved statehood and the 17-year-old’s idea impressed Eisenhower among thousands of flag ideas that were submitted. That day the high school student emerged victorious.
2. Betsy Ross didn’t design the American flag
The original American flag is sometimes credited to Betsy Ross, however, there is scant proof to back up this assertion. Outside the comments made by her grandchild’s home in 1870, there is no other evidence.
Francis Hopkinson, who’d been identified as the flag’s creator in documents from the Congress, is the subject of some scholars’ attempts to reclaim the honour. The real origin of the flag still remains unknown. Public and scholars believe Hopkinson designed it and it was only stitched by Philadelphia seamstress Betsy Ross, therefore not making her the real designer. People who thought Betsy Ross was the woman behind the design, among other American flag facts have them corrected.
3. There was an American flag named ‘Old Glory’
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Back in 1831, a sea captain named, William Driver named his flag ‘Old Glory’. The patriot had the flag soaring high on the ship’s mast and it was an honor for him to just see the wind blowing on the flag.
There isn’t much story behind William Driver but is still one of many impressive American flag facts as ‘Old Glory’ was a name that sounded very catchy to the Americans back in the day. Even to this day, American flag facts about this sea captain’s Old Glory are displayed in Smithsonian’s national museum.
4. American flags standing on the Moon
Neil Armstrong is known to be the first man on the moon. Apart from him, other Americans who set foot on the moon were six. Logically, 6 flags should stand, but only five of them do. As a matter of fact, the fallen flag was indeed the first flag planted by Neil Armstrong himself.
Since 1969, Americans have made many expeditions to the Earth’s natural satellite and over these 50 years, no other country has more flags hoisted on the moon.
5. Details of the American flag
The American flag consists of the colours, red white, and blue. The Continental Congress officially changed the flag’s design many a time. The stars and stripes weren’t there initially. It was added later on to represent the states and districts.
Today, the American flag consists of 50 stars and 13 stripes running horizontally. There are alternately red and white stripes, 7 and 6 in number respectively. The 50 stars represent the number of states in the country and 13 stripes represent the number of colonies overall.
The colors’ symbolization
Red symbolizes hardiness and vigour which represents the way the Americans were able to break free from the American Revolutionary War. In the same vein, white symbolizes purity and innocence of the Americans who’ve kept their country’s pride high in the sky.
Lastly is the blue rectangle where the stars are present. Blue represents vigilance, perseverance and justice. Persistent, justifying, and vigilant nature the Americans are shown to the world by the blue field on the upper left corner of the star-spangled banner.
6. A dentist made the national holiday possible
If it weren’t for Bernard John. Cigrand, American flag day would have the country’s people working just like another Monday. Cigrand was a dentist cum teacher who once addressed his students to write two paragraphs on the symbolic meaning of the American flag.
From there, the passionate American went on to dedicate the rest of his life to making flag day a holiday.
7. It’s illegal to sign on the flag
The flag etiquette strictly demands no markings on the American flag other than the red white and blue design. Politicians might sign on flags in other countries and people may approach their country’s President and ask for a signature. That, however, is illegal in the United States.
The flag code specifically says, “The flag should never have placed upon it, nor on any part of it, nor attached to it any mark, insignia, letter, word, figure, design, picture, or drawing of any nature.” thus considered illegal and disrespectful to sign on the American flag.
8. Merchandise of the American flag isn’t permitted
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This is a flag code that no one follows. Wearing apparel with the American flag on it is considered to be another disrespectful gesture. However, the love the country’s people have for their colours is beyond infinity.
Various events regarding American history such as flag day, important school days, a presidential proclamation, and memorial day witness people breaking the federal law only to celebrate the good things in their country. People get tattoos of the flag of the united states and wear t-shirts, sweaters, and hoodies with the stars and stripes. A federal law that is broken and no one cares is one of the amusing American flag facts on the list.
9. You can burn the American flag
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In contrast to the previous two American flag facts, this one is more interesting. Due to the Supreme Court’s decision that the state cannot restrict people’s First Amendment rights, it is acceptable to alter the American flag any way anyone sees fit without facing any repercussions.
Burning the flag isn’t considered disrespectful because it is a symbol for the Americans to show their protest. Another American flag fact is that The Flag Protection Act back in 1968 made it illegal to burn the American flag but only to see the Supreme Court rule out that decision 20 years down the line.
10. The American flag facts on hoisting
Here are some American flag facts regarding the ways in which the flag can be hoisted. The list contains a few unique facts that don’t go well with other flags of countries.
The U.S military folds the flag thirteen times signifying each of those thirteen stripes after the flag hoisting on special days. Soldiers take careful measures and execute the folding without a single mistake.
Upside-down hoisting isn’t illegal
Hoisting the American flag upside down is more of a protest sign than disrespect. People do this in order to signify their point of view on the country’s bad shades. It’s just that they’re stranded and there’s nothing more to it.
11. 9/11’s impact on flags
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The National disaster that happened on September 11, 2001, brought the entire country together. The Taliban attacked New York’s Twin Towers and dented the country’s economy, casting a dark shadow on American history. As a result of which, people mourned the deaths of thousands working there and go there every day to pay tributes to them.
Here is one of the many American flag facts. Walmart’s statistics say, over 115,00 flags were sold on 9/11, in contrast to the previous year, when the company sold only 6,400 flags. Later on, Walmart sold nearly 8 million flags in the next 12 months. The catch is, that this is only Walmart and over 70 million flags were sold in the country overall.
12. Some flags are indestructible
In the past, Americans’ adversaries have burnt or desecrated the flag to send a message. An ex-Green Beret named Francis Scott has created an almost unbreakable flag to prevent damaged banners from using it as publicity by opponents. The polymeric developments, which are made of body armour: Kevlar and Nomex, guarantee that the flag cannot be burnt or damaged while yet allowing it to be properly illuminated and fly freely.
Conclusion
These are just some of the extraordinary American flag facts from our side. The nation as a whole is very loving and respects its flag code and there’s a lot of heritage in the North American country. There are however few bizarre American flag facts that may differ from other flags. Burning, hoisting it upside down, and being created by a teenager are some of the key takeaways of the American flag from this article on ‘American flag facts.
Last Updated on by Sathi
