Grand Ole Flag

 

"The things that the flag stands for were
created by the experiences of a great people.
Everything that it stands for was written by
their lives. The flag is the embodiment, not of sentiment, but of history."
~Woodrow Wilson

The Meanings of Red, White, and Blue

"On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress passed a resolution authorizing a committee to devise a seal for the United States of America. This mission, designed to reflect the Founding Fathers' beliefs, values, and sovereignty of the new Nation, did not become a reality until June 20, 1782. In heraldic devices, such as seals, each element has a specific meaning. Even colors have specific meanings. The colors red, white, and blue did not have meanings for The Stars and Stripes when it was adopted in 1777. However, the colors in the Great Seal did have specific meanings. Charles Thompson, Secretary of the Continental Congress, reporting to Congress on the Seal, stated:

"The colors of the pales (the vertical stripes) are those used in the flag of the United States of America; White signifies purity and innocence, Red, hardiness & valour, and Blue, the color of the Chief (the broad band above the stripes) signifies vigilance, perseverance & justice."

"The star is a symbol of the heavens and the divine goal to which man has aspired from time immemorial; the stripe is symbolic of the rays of light emanating from the sun."

 

From the book Our Flag published in 1989 by the House of Representatives

A vexillologist is an expert in what?
The history of flags.

Is it ever appropriate to fly the flag upside down?
Yes, but only in an emergency. It means "Help Me, I am in Trouble!"

What is done with worn or outdated flags?
Flags are used until they are worn out and then they are destroyed, preferably by burning.

Facts About the American Flag

Do you know that at military funerals, the 21-gun salute stands for the sum of the numbers in the year 1776?

~ Have you ever noticed the honor guard pays meticulous attention to correctly folding the American flag 13 times? You probably thought it was to symbolize the original 13 colonies, but we learn something new every day!

~ The 1st fold of our flag is a symbol of life.

~ The 2nd fold is a symbol of our belief in eternal life.

~ The 3rd fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veterans departing our ranks who gave a portion of their lives for the defense of our country to attain peace throughout the world.

~ The 4th fold represents our weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in time of war for His divine guidance.

~ The 5th fold is a tribute to our country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, "Our Country, in dealing with other countries, May she always be right; but it is still our country, right or wrong.

~ The 6th fold is for where our hearts lie. It is with our heart that We pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States Of America, and the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all.

~ The 7th fold is a tribute to our Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed Forces that we protect our country and our flag against all her enemies, whether they are found within or without the boundaries of our republic.

~ The 8th fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day.

~ The 9th fold is a tribute to womanhood, and Mothers. For it has been through their faith, their love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great has been molded.

~ The 10th fold is a tribute to the father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of our country since they were first born.

~ The 11th fold represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon and glorifies in the Hebrews eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

~ The 12th fold represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in the Christians eyes, God the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit.

~ The 13th fold, or when the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost reminding us of our nation's motto,

"In God We Trust".

FLAG-FLYING HOLIDAYS

New Year's Day	Flag Day	Veterans' Day
Lincoln's Birthday	Independence Day	Pearl Harbor Day
Washington's Birthday	V-J Day	Christmas
Armed Forces Day	Labor Day	State Admission Day
Memorial Day	Thanksgiving