HomeMy WebLinkAboutAGENDA REPORT 1996 0417 CC REG ITEM 10Gfzx, -o
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AGENDA REPORT
CITY OF MOORPARK
TO: The Honorable City Council
FROM: Lillian E. Hare, City Clerk _
DATE: April 8, 1996 (CC Meeting of 4/17/96)
SUBJECT: CONSIDER POLICY REGARDING FLAG ETIQUETTE
The City has never formally adopted a policy or procedure relative to the flying of the Flag of the
United States of America or the Flag of the State of California. California State General Government
Code Section 431 states that:
The Flag of the United States and the Flag of the State shall be prominently displayed
during business hours upon or in front of the buildings or grounds of or at each of the
following places: (a) Each public building belonging to the State, County, or a
Municipality...
The Adjutant General of the California State Military Forces is charged with prescribing and
compiling the laws and regulations regarding flag protocol for the State (Government Code Section
439). An excerpt from the booklet, the "Bear Flag ", published by the Adjutant General states:
The Flag of the United States and the Bear Flag may also be flown at half -staff when
ordered by County boards of Supervisors or Local City Governments on all property
under their jurisdiction.
The City flies the United States and State of California Flags at City Hall and the Arroyo Vista
Recreation Center 24 hours a day. The flags are appropriately lighted. The flags at the Department
of Building & Safety /City Engineering are raised and lowered by Charles Abbott personnel. Flags
are proposed to be flown at Poindexter Park for ceremonial occasions only.
To facilitate proper flag etiquette, staff is proposing the following procedures:
FLAG ETIQUETTE
The Flag of the United States of America and the Flag of the State of California will be
displayed at each municipal facility which has an appropriate flagpole.
2. The National and State Flags are to be displayed daily from the start of the business day
through the close of the business day during the normal work week. Flags may be flown 24
hours per day if appropriately lighted.
Staff Report - Flags
March 25, 1996
Page 2
2
5
0
7
Flag etiquette allows the flag to be displayed during inclement weather provided it is made
of all weather material (such as the flags the City uses). If it rains after raising of the flag,
the flag will remain on the pole. If it is raining prior to raising the flag, the flag will not be
raised; however, it may be raised later, weather permitting, and remain until close of the
business day.
Flags will be flown at half -staff when ordered by the President or the Governor of the State
as follows:
President, ex- President or President
elect
Vice President, the Chief Justice or
retired Chief Justice of the United
States or the Speaker of the House of
Representative
Associate Justice of the Supreme
Court; a Secretary of an executive or
military department; a former Vice
President; or Governor of the State,
territory or possession.
Member of Congress
By order of the President
By order of the Governor
30 days
10 days
Day of death to day of interment
Day of death and day following
Period to be prescribed
Day of death to day of interment
Note: Flags are flown at half -staff over the State Capitol Building for every
police officer in California that is killed in the line of duty from the day of
death until interment; therefore, the City would be able to half -mast the flag
(s) at the death of any local police officer killed in the line of duty.
Flags will be flown at half -staff from the day of death to the day of interment for any currently
seated Member of the City Council or Member of the City Council Elect.
Flags will be flown at half-staff from the day of death to the day of interment for any currently
serving City Manager or City Department Head.
Flags will be flown at half -staff from the day of death to the day of interment for any City
employee killed in the line of duty.
r • •r�-i, C
Staff Report -Flags
March 25, 1996
Page 3
8. When a flag is no longer fit for display, it will be destroyed in a dignified way.
Note: American Legion Posts hold Flag Disposal Ceremonies on
Flag Day (June 14) each year. Disposal of flags no longer fit for
display at a ceremony performed by the American Legion would be
a dignified way in which to destroy worn flags.
9. It is the responsibility of the Community Services Department or the service contractor of an
offsite municipal building (such as City Engineering/Building & Safety) to display the National
and State Flags at municipal facilities in accordance with the pamphlet "Our Flag" published
by the Joint Committee on Printing United States Congress by authority of House Concurrent
Resolution 361, 100th Congress (includes Title 36, Chapter 10 of the United States Code).
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Adopt the flag etiquette policy as outlined in the staff report and direct that the policy be added to
the list of Council Policies; authorize the City Manager or his designee to determine at what
location(s) flags are to be flown 24 hours and for ceremonial purposes.
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100th Congress, 2d Session - - - - H. Doc. 100 -247
OUR FLAG
JOINT COMMITTEE ON PRINTING
UNITED STATES CONGRESS
w
Printed by authority of House Concurrent Resolution 361, I(N)th Congress.
U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE
WASHINGTON : I98,9
For sale by the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office
Washington, DC 20402
PRINTED UNDE'll THE DIRECTION
OF Tnh:
JOINT CONI11IITTEE ON PRINTING
WENDELL IL h0111). Son;ito! from F11:%%K ANNIAZIO, ficprescntalive from
Kentucky, Chairwan Illinoi>, l rr'r Chairman
DENNIS ALBERT I�EC(lNrl \I. S, natu! Iron, .1rii,m:, 1!ltir:Pll \1. GAIDOS, I ;eprvsu'nlali(c fro „)
ALRERT Col(4:, Jlt., tii•u:,l l "1'rnnr „r�,' Ponn+�h:utia
ThD STEVENS, Son:dur Irani :V:uk; Jul BAILS, Hcpres('nlati('e from California
MARK O. IIA7rn!LU, Scnalor Irons 1) :%1' I10n3E11I5, 11cpr(•scnLlli%'c frol)l Kansas
\E1% I' GINCRI(:rl, Rcprescntatilo from
Gcorgia
\nn It Ch;unkel”
f:rhtor
HOUSE CO\CURRE \T RESOLUTIO\ 361
(Submitted by \]r. ANNUNZIO)
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
100th Congress, 2d Session
September 7, 1988.
Resolved by the House of Representatives (The Senate Concur-
ring), That there be printed as it Mouse document a revised edition
of "Our Flag ", revised under the direction of the Joint Committee
on Printing.
In addition to the usual number of copies, there shall be printed
two hundred and seventh• -eight thousand additional copies, of
which two hundred and t%%"enty -one thousand five hundred copies
shall be for the use of the House of Representatives, fifty -one thou-
sand five hundred copies shall be for the use of the Senate, and five
thousand copies shall be for the use of the Joint Committee on
Printini.
�"^1
U&W
INTRODUCTION
During the night of September 13, 1814, the British fleet bom-
barded Fort McHenry in the harbor at Baltimore, Maryland. Fran-
cis Scott Key, a 34 -year old lawyer -poet, watched the attack from
the deck of a British prisoner - exchange ship. Ile had gone to seek
the release of a friend but they were refused permission to go
ashore until after the attack had been made. As the battle ceased
on the following morning, Key turned his telescope to the fort and
saw that the American flag was still waving. The sight so inspired
him that he pulled a letter from his pocket and began to write the
poem which eventually was adopted as the national anthem of the
United States — "The Star - Spangled Banner." Key was returned to
Baltimore and later that day took a room at a Baltimore tavern
where he completed the poem.
Years later, Key told a hometown audience in Frederick, Mary-
land:
"I saw the flag of my country waving over a city —the
strength and pride of my native State —a city devoted to
plunder and desolation by its assailants. I witnessed the
preparation for its assaults. I saw the array of its enemies as
they advanced to the attack. I heard the sound of battle;
the noise of the conflict fell upon my listening ear, and told
me that `the brave and the free' had met the invaders."
In the spirit of the 175th Anniversary of "The Star- Spangled
Banner,” the Joint Committee on Printing is pleased to present the
latest edition of Our Flag. This Congressional publication briefly de-
scribes the history of the flag, and sets forth the practices and ob-
servances appropriate to its display. The Committee hopes that this
document will be both useful and informative to its audience.
WENDELL H. FORD
Chairman
FRANK ANNUNZIO
Vice Chairman
THE HISTORY OF THE STARS AND STRIPES
The Stars and Stripes originated as a result of a resolution adopt-
ed by the Marine Committee of the Second Continental Congress
at Philadelphia on June 14, 1777. The resolution read:
"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 representinEz a nett, constella-
tion. "
The resolution gave no instruction as to how mane points the
stars should have, nor how the stars should be arranged on the blue
union. Consequently, some flags had stars scattered on the blue
field without any specific design, some arranged the stars in rows,
and some in a circle. The first Navy Stars and Stripes had the stars
arranged in staggered formation in alternate rows of threes and
twos on a blue field. Other Stars and Stripes flags had stars ar-
ranged in alternate rows of four, five and four. Some stars had six
points awhile others had eight.
Strong evidence indicates that Francis IIopkinson of New Jersey,
a signer of the Declaration of Independence, x\ as responsible for
the stars in the U.S. flag. At the time that the flag resolution was
adopted, Hopkinson was the Chairman of the Continental Navy
Board's ;diddle Department. Hopkinson also helped design other
devices for the Government including the Great Seal of' the United
States. For his services, IIopkinson submitted a letter to the Conti-
nental Admiralty Board asking "whether a Quarter Cask of the
public Nine will not be a proper & reasonable Reward for these
Labours of Fancy and a suitable Encouragement to future EAertions
of a like Nature." His request was turned down since the Congress
regarded him as a public servant.
AN EARLY STARS AND STRIPES
I)uring the He%olutionary War, several patriots made flags for our
r,(,\% Nation. Among them were Cornelia Bridges, Elizabeth (Betsy)
Ilo-, and Rebecca Young, all of Pennsylvania, and John Shaw of
Annapolis. Maryland Although Betsy Ross, the best known of these
persons. mode flags for 50 years, there is no proof that she made
th(• first Stars and Stripes. It is known that she made flags for the
Pc nns,1 ;,nia State Neiv % in 17771. The flag popularly known as the
"13ets� Ross flag," \� hich arranged the stars in a circle, did not
appear until the carl\ 1790's.
The claims of Betsy Ross were first brought to the attention of
the public in 1870 by one of her grandsons, William J. Canby. In a
paper he read before the meeting of the Historical Society of Penn -
sylvania. Canby stated:
"It is not tradition, it is retort from the lips of the principal par-
ticipator in the transaction, directly told not to one or two, but a
dozen or more living witnesses, of which I myself am one, though
but a little bo\ \Shen I heard it. . . . Colonel Ross with Robert
Morris and Gcncral Washington, called on Mrs. Ross and told her
the \�crc a co,ninittee of Congress, and .canted her to make a flag
fror„ the dra\\ ing. a rough one, which, upon her suggestions, was
rcdra�\ r, by Ccncral Washington in pencil in her back parlor. This
\\ as prii „- to the Declaration of Independence. I fix the date to be
during Washington's visit to Congress from New York in June, 1776
MICH he came to confer upon the affairs of the Army, the flag
heing no doubt, one of these affairs.”
THE GRAND UNION FLAG
The first flag of the colonists to have any resemblance to the
present Stars and Stripes was the Grand Union Flag, sometimes re
ferred to as the Congress Colors, the First Navy Ensign, and th,
Cambridge Flag. Its design consisted of 13 stripes, alternately rep
and white, representing the Thirteen Colonies, with a blue field ,
the upper left -hand corner bearing the red cross of St. George o
England with the white cross of St. Andrew of Scotland. As the fla
of the revolution it was used on many occasions. It was first floNk 1.
by the ships of the Colonial Fleet on the Delaware River. On De
cember 3, 1775, it was raised aboard Captain Esek Hopkin's flag
ship Alfred by John Paul Jones, then a Navy lieutenant. Later tht
flag was raised on the liberty pole at Prospect Hill, which was nea
George Washington's headquarters in Cambridge, Massachusetts. It
was our unofficial national flag on July 4, 1776, Independence Day .
and it remained the unofficial national flag and ensign of the Nav%
until June 14, 1777, when the Continental Congress authorized thi
Stars and Stripes.
Interestingly, the Grand Union Flag also Nyas the standard of thc
British East India Company. It was only by degrees that the Union
Flag of Great Britain was discarded. The final breach between the
Colonies and Great Britain brought about the removal of the Brit-
ish Union from the canton of our striped flag and the substitution of
stars on a blue field.
( ) (3)
FIFTEEN STARS AND STRIPES
When two new States were admitted to the Union (Kentucky and
Vermont), a resolution was adopted in January of 1794, expanding
the flag to 15 stars and 15 stripes. This flag was the official flag of
our country from 1795 to 1818, and was prominent in many histor-
ic events. It inspired Francis Scott Key to write "The Star- Spangled
Banner" during the bombardment of Fort McHenry; it was the first
flag to be flown over a fortress of the Old World when American
Marine and Naval forces raised it above the pirate stronghold in
Tripoli on April 27, 1805; it was the ensign of American forces in
the Battle of Lake Erie in September of 1813; and it was flown by
General Jackson in New Orleans in January of 1815.
However, realizing that the flag would become unwieldy with a
stripe for each new State, Capt. Samuel C. Reid, USN, suggested to
Congress that the stripes remain 13 in number to represent the
Thirteen Colonies, and that a star be added to the blue field for
each new State coming into the Union. Accordingly, on April 4,
1818, President Monroe accepted a bill requiring that the flag of
the United States have a union of 20 stars, white on a blue field,
and that upon admission of each new State into the Union one star
be added to the union of the flag on the fourth of July following its
date of admission. The 13 alternating red and white stripes would
remain unchanged. This act succeeded in prescribing the basic
design of the flag, while assuring that the growth of the Nation
would be properly symbolized.
(4)
"l
Eventually, the growth of the country resulted in ,t f7a �t ith 48
stars upon the admission of Arizona ,utd \e�c Mexico in 1912.
Alaska added a 49th in 1959, an(I Ifawaii a :;()th star in 19ho. With
the 50 -star flag came a new dcsi <dn and ,11-1 of the stars in
the union, a requirement nut by President h:isel,homer in EACCU-
tive Order No. 108.34, issued Am-rust 21. 19--39. TO conform with
this, a national banner with 5f) stars hecallw the official fla," of the
United States. The flag was raised for the first time at 12:()1 a.m. on
July 4, 1960, at the Fort %IcI1c•ur\ \;((tonal \(nnnuient in Balti
more, Maryland.
Traditionally a symbol of liberh, the .ltuerican flay h.�s c,uried
the message of freedom to tnnn� p,u-ts of the ��orld. Sontetil,tes the
same flag that was flying at it crucial (Rosiest in our histot� has
been flown again in another place to s�tnhr, lire contittltit� in our
struggles for the cause of liberty.
One of the most memorable is the flat; that Ile%% o� er the Capitol
in Washington on December 7, 1 941, �� hen Pe,ul I I,trhor was at-
tacked. This same flag was raised again on December ti �chen war
was declared on Japan, and three (lav:s Liter at t1w till)(' of the dec-
laration of war against Germane and Ital". President 13oosevelt
called it the "flag of liberation" and carried it �% ith hill, to the Casa-
blanca Conference and on other historic. occasion,. It flekk front the
mast of the U.S.S. Jfissottri during the formal lapunese surrender on
September 2, 1945.
Another historic flag is the one that flew o. er Peat-I I (arbor on
December 7, 1941. It also was present at the ations Char-
ter meeting in San Francisco, California, and vcas used at the Big
Three Conference at Potsdam, Germane. This same flag flew over
the White House on August 14, 1945, when the Japanese accepted
surrender terms.
"Old Ironsides" in the War of 1812.
Following the War of 1812, a great wave of nationalistic spirit
spread throughout the country; the infant Republic had successfully
defied the might of an empire. As this spirit spread, the Stars and
Stripes became a symbol of sovereignty. The homage paid that
banner is best expressed by what the gifted men of later genera-
tions wrote concerning it.
The writer Henry Ward Beecher said:
"A thoughtful mind when it sees a nation's flag, sees not
the flag, but the nation itself. And whatever may be its
symbols, its insignia, he reads chiefly in the flag, the gov-
ernment, the principles, the truths, the history that belongs
to the nation that sets it forth. The -American flag has been
a symbol of Liberty and men rejoiced in it.
"The stars upon it were like the bright morning stars of
God, and the stripes upon it were beams of morning light.
As at early dawn the stars shine forth even while it grows
light, and then as the sun advances that light breaks into
banks and streaming lines of color, the glowing red and in-
tense white striving together, and ribbing the horizon with
bars effulgent, so, on the .American flag, stars and beams of
many - colored light shine out together ...."
In a 1917 Flag Day message, President Wilson said:
"This flag, which we honor and under which we serve, is
the emblem of our unite, our power, our thought and pur-
pose as a nation. It has no other character than that which
we give it from generation to generation. The choices are
ours. It floats in majestic silence above the hosts that exe-
cute those choices, whether in peace or in war. And yet,
though silent, it speaks to us— speaks to us of the past, of
the men and women who .vent before us, and of the
records they wrote upon it.
"We celebrate the day of its birth; and from its birth
until now it has Mtnessed a great history, has floated on
high the symbol of- great events, of a great plan of life
worked out by a great people....
"Woe be to the nutn or group of men that seeks to stand
in our %yay in this das of high resolution when every prin-
ciple eye hold dearest is to be vindicated and made secure
for the salvation of' the nation. We are ready to plead at
the bar of history, and our flag shall wear a new luster.
Once more we shall make good %%ith our lives and fortunes
the great faith to which we were born, and a new glory
shall shine in the face of our people."
EARLY AMERICAN FLAGS
Archeological digs in northern India, dating around 3,500 B.C.,
have uncovered a seal, used to sign documents. The seal shows a
procession of seven men carrying square standards, held aloft on
poles like modern flags. While these ancient flags were rigid, like
boards, and not made of cloth as modern flags are, they provided
ample testimony that heraldry and the displaying of banners dated
to the earliest civilizations.
In American history, the Vikings carried a flag which bore a
black raven on a field of white. In 1492 Columbus sailed to our
shores with his three small ships displaying the Spanish flag bearing
two red lions on two white fields and two yellow castles on two red
fields. The Dutch brought their own striped flags when they settled
in New Amsterdam, which we now call New York, and pioneers
from other nations also brought along the standards of their coun-
tries when they settled on our shores.
It is only natural, therefore, that America should create colonial
flags as soon as the first colonists settled. Given the disparate array
of settlers, it is not surprising that a wide variety of flags was cre-
ated.
The first flags adopted by our colonial forebears were symbolic of
their struggles with the wilderness of the new land. Beavers, pine
trees, rattlesnakes, anchors and various other insignia were affixed
to different banners with mottoes such as "Hope," "Liberty,"
"Appeal to Heaven," or "Don't Tread on Me."
In the early days of the Revolution, there were colonial and regi-
mental flags by the score. The Boston Liberty flag, consisting of
nine alternate red and white horizontal stripes, flew over the Liber-
ty Tree, a fine old elm in Hanover Square in Boston, where the
Sons of Liberty met. Still another was a white flag with a green .
pine tree and the inscription, "An Appeal to Heaven." This particu-
lar flag became familiar on the seas as the ensign of the cruisers
commissioned by General Washington, and was noted by many
English newspapers of the time.
Flags with a rattlesnake theme also gained increasing prestige
with colonists. The slogan "Don't Tread on Me" almost invariably
appeared on rattlesnake flags. A flag of this type was the standard
of the South Carolina Navy. Another, the Gadsden flag, consisted of
(6 ) (7)
the center. Below the snake \\ as the motto, "Don't Tread on Me."
Similar was the Culpepper flag, banner of the Minute lnen of Cul-
pepper (now spelled CUlpep(r) County, Virginia. It consisted of a
white field with a rattlesnake in a spiral coil in the center. Above
the rattlesnake was the legend "The Culpepper Minute Men" and
below, the Motto, "Liberty or Death" as well as "Don't Tread on
Me."
In December- of 1775, an anonymous Philadelphia correspondent
wrote to Bradford's Pennsr //('(1]](a journal concerning the symbolic
use of the snake. He began the letter by saying:
"I recollected that her eye excelled in brightness that of
any other animal, and that she has no eye -lids. She may,
therefore, be esteemed an emblem of vigilance. She never
begins an attack, nor, when once engaged, ever surrenders.
She is, therefore, an emblem of magnanimity and true
courage.
It was probably the deadly bite of the rattler, however, which
was foremost in the minds of its designers, and the threatening
slogan "Don't Tread on NIe" added further significance to the
design.
The 'Moultrie flag was the first distinctive American flag dis-
played in the South. It flew over the ramparts of the fort on SUlli-
van's Island, which lids in the channel leading to Charleston, South
Carolina, \whets the f;ritish fleet, attacked on June 28, 1776. The
British ships bombarded the fort for 10 hours. But the garrison,
consisting of some 375 regulars and a few militia, under the corn -
mand of Col. William Moultrie, put up such a gallant defense that
the British were forced to withdraw under cover of darkness. This
victory saved the southern Colonies from invasion for another two
years. The flag was blue, as were the uniforms of the men of the
garrison, and it bore a white crescent in the upper corner next to
the staff, like the silver crescents the men wore on their caps, in-
scribed with the words "Liberty or Death."
The Maritime Colony of Rhode Island had its own flag, which was
carried at Brandywine, Trenton, and Yorktown. It bore an anchor,
13 stars, and the word "Hope." Its white stars in a blue field are
believed by many to have influenced the design of our national
flag.
The Army preferred its regimental flags on the battlefield instead
of the Stars and Stripes. A popular form of the U.S. flag that was
used in battle had the obverse (front) of the Great Seal in the
canton. The Arm\ also used the Stars and Stripes with 13 stars in a
circle. The Stars and Stripes was officially used in Army artillery
units in 1834, and in infantry units in 184.7
IS)
I O11'T \I( R I. FitIK
South (:a r,- I"Tin, defi•ndinR Fort Moultrie
in Charle,ton llarbnr in 1776 raiu•d nne of
the carlie,t flaw of Anm•ricart libert %. The
blue corrx•,Itonded to their uniform. the
,ilcer cr•amnt app,,,urd ,t, a badLze horn
un their (it),. The• e.ea,i• Irnr which the•,
fought— lOwlt, —%%,n ctnbLtioned on the
cI (- %cerlt.
RIIODF ISI.. % \D 11F(;I \11•: \_I.
The State Ilan, of .\na•rica found their
earlic,t firm, ([urine the H(•xolutto nar\
War. The ,ttrn caulort in file Ilatg of tho
lthode blunt[ Reginu•nt scmbolized national
unite . but the %% hire field curre,'ponded to
the uniform of the State troops. -The anchor
symbol and motto %%hic'h cons %leted the
design had been used for more ( tan it cen-
lury. 'I'll(- original flat; nt,,% be film([ in the
State (louse in Pi-m idence.
Guilt•:\ Mot \l. \1\ It()1S
General John Stark of New Hampshire
c•onunande( a militia bnKade kno%%n as the
"Green Mountain Boys •• Tradition relates
that its green flag was flown at the Battle
of Bcnningtpn on August 16, 1777. As in
man}' American flags, the stars here there
arranged in an arbitrar% fashion. \exerthe-
less they signified the unity of the - rhirteen
Colonies in their struggle for independence
During the \war of IS12 Captain James
I.aurent - of the Clte,apeake tncuurat;ed
I'll men, as he la% ding, b% exhortint
Don't Give T p till, Ship... Three nwnths
leer at the Battle of LAc F"e. Conunan-
dant Perry emblazoned these %cords on it
flag which carried him to \i(-ton. Similar
flags and mottoes hate inspired :Itnn•ric•ans
throughout our hco cl'nUtries of exhtencc.
BP:\ \1\GTO\ FLAG
Originatlly hcht'%ed to ha%'c been ca tricd
during the Ro%olution. this ILL! is no%%' seen
as hating probabh been made for the ,50th
anniyersar% of the Declaration of Independ-
ence in 1826. Its design is lxpical of the o\-
uberant artistic expression, fount) in NO of
the 19th contttrx.
BE
CA%U-111 G11DO\
During; the Ci%il [war a special version of
the United States flag—%%ith s%%allox%tail and
stars of gold instca d of %%hite —was carried
by % the c•a%alrw. General Custer and others
Used till' flat; in succeeding decades in the
\Kest.
THE' FLAG TODAY
The flab, of the L'nitrd States of, America has 13 horizontal
stripes -71 red and (� ��hitc —the red and white stripes alternating,
and a union v`Ilic'h consists of \� hite stars of' 5 points on a blue field
placed in the upper qu:uter nrxt to the stafj- and extending to the
lower rd <�c, of thc� f�nnth rc'd stripe lions the top. The uuniber of
stars equals t1w nuuil�c�r ol, State., in the Union. The proportions of
the flag as prescrih,(l 1) l,;xcruti\ c Order of President Eisenhower
on August 21. 1 f):iJ.:n c� ;n
,, Idth d n.�_
I -, I I1 Ut fl.,�._
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u ,t ,,i(ltli ,,t 1(,1 _ __......
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FLAG ANATOMY
4 F LY ----►
F-- HALYARD
STAFF
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FLAG LAWS AND REGULATIONS
The laws relating to the flag of the United States of America are
found in detail in the United States Code. Title 4, Chapter 1 per-
tains to the flag and seal, seat of Government and the States; Title
18, Chapter 33 pertains to crimes and criminal procedures; Title
36, Chapter 10 pertains to patriotic customs and observances. These
laws were supplemented by Executive Orders and Presidential
Proclamations.
Title 36, Chapter 10— PATRIOTIC CUSTOMS
§171. National anthem; Star - Spangled Banner, conduct during
Playing
During rendition of the national anthem when the flag is dis-
played, all present except those in uniform should stand at atten-
tion facing the flag with the right hand over the heart. Men not in
uniform should remove their headdress with their right hand and
hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart. Persons
in uniform should render the military salute at the first note of the
anthem and retain this position until the last note. When the flag is
not displayed, those present should face toward the music and act
in the same manner they would if the flag were displayed there.
§172. Pledge of Allegiance to the flag; manner of delivery
The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, "I pledge allegiance to the
1-119 of tale United States of' America, and to the Republic for which
it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty, and justice
for all. ", should be rendered by standing at attention facing the flag
With the right hand over the heart. When Ilot in uniform men
should remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it at
the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart. Persons in uniform
Should remain silent, face the flag, and render the military salute.
§173. Display and Use of flag by civilians; codification of rules
and customs; definition
The following codification of existing rules and customs pertain-
ing to the display and use of the flag of the United States of Ainer-
c
N
ica is established for the use of such civilians or civilian groups or
organizations as lnay not be required to conform %with regulations
promulgated by one or snore executive departments of the Govern-
ment of the United States. The flag of the United States for the pur-
pose of this chapter shall be defined according to Title 4, United
States Code, chapter 1, section 1 and section 2 and Executive
Order 10834 issued pursuant thereto.
§174. Time and occasions for display
(a) It is the universal custom to display the flag only from sunrise
to sunset on buildings and on stationary flagstaffs in the open. How-
ever, 101cn a patriotic effect is desired, the flag lnay be displayed
twenty -four hours a clay if' properly illuminated during the hours of
darkness.
(b) The flat; should be hoisted briskly and lowered ceremoniously.
(c) The flag should not be displayed on days when the weather is
inclement, c.ecept \%hcn :ut all weather flag is displayed.
(d) The flag should be displayed on all days, especially on New
Year's Day, January 1; Inauguration Day, January 20; Lincoln's
Birthday, February 12: Washington's Birthday, third Monday in
February: h:astcr Sunday (variable). Mother's Day, second Sunday in
May; ®ruled Forces Dav . third Saturday in fay: Memorial Day
(half -staff until noon). the last Monday in May; Flag Day, June 14;
Independence Day, Jule 4; Labor Day, first Monday in September;
Constitution Day Scpteutber 17; Columbus Day, second Monday in
October: Aay. Day. October 27; Veterans Day, November 11;
Thanksgivin D.1v, fourth Thursday in November; Christmas Day,
December 25: and such other claws as may be proclaimed by the
President of the L'nit(�d State,: the birthdays of States (date of ad-
mission); and on State holida%s.
(e) The flat; should bc� displa* ed daily on or near the main admin-
istration building, of dery public institution.
(f) The flab, should be display ed in or near every polling place on
election da.\ S.
(g) The I],tg should be displayed during school days in or near
every schoolhouse.
§175. Position and manner of display
The flat„ %N 11011 c:u riecf in a procession with another flag or flags,
should be either on the Marching right; that is, the flag's own right,
or, if there is a line of other flags, in front of the center of that line.
(a) The flag should not be displayed on a float in a parade except
from a staff, or as pro% idcd in subsection (i) of this section.
i 12
Over the middle of a street
• north or east •—
h I��
A.M
Memorial Day
P.M.
With another flag on crossed staffs
�_
On same halyard with flags of States,
cities and organizations
r ♦♦a•ata•
•• ♦aa
• i�
i
Suspended over a sidewalk
(13)
At an angle from a building
On a speaker's platform
.•. � a..''aaaaa
When unveiling a statue or monument
On a wall
atY�br,M
f w s w +
y!s s!
♦ys. r.
Draped over a casket
f+
W
Grouped with flags of other States.
cities and organizations
i.
'r�r�)� %� -_rJ/ V•1 ice:
i'
Saluting the flag
In a process ^n
(15)
1
With flags of two or more nations
d +�
Proper display of bunting
(b) The flag should not be draped over the hood, top, sides, or
back of a vehicic or of a raih-oad train or a boat. When the flag is
displayed on a unotorcar, tilt, stain shall be fixed firmly to the chassis
or clamped to the right frndt,r.
(c) No other flag or pcnrt:utt should be placed above or, if on the
same level. to the right of' the flag of the United States of America,
except during church ser\ ices conducted by naval chaplains at sea,
when the church pennant nutv be flown above the flag during
church scrc ices fur the personnel of the Navy. No person shall dis-
play the flan, oI' the t'nited Nations or any other national or interna
tional Ilan; equal, above, or in a position of superior prominence or
honor to, or in place of the flag of the United States at any place
within the United States or ,ut� Territory or possession thereof: Pro-
vided, That nothing in this section shall make unlawful the continu-
ance of the practice heretofore follo\ved of displaying the flag of
the Unitcd Nations in a position of superior prominence or honor,
and other national flags in positions of equal prominence or honor,
with that of the Ilag of the United States at the headquarters of the
United Nations.
(d) The flog of- the United States of America, when it is displayed
with another flag against a �� all from crossed staffs, should be on
the right, the flag's o" n right, and its staff should be in front of the
staff of the other flan.
(e) The flag of tilt, Unitt,d States of America should be at the
center and at the hight,st point of the group Xyhen a number of
flags of States or localities or pcnrnauts of societies are grouped and
displayed front staffs.
(f) When flags of States, cities, or localities, or pennants of soci-
eties are flow n on tilt, s;unc 11Av and with the flag of the United
States, the Litter should ulx\,ns be at the peak. \Vhen the flags are
flown from adjacent st�tfls. the flag of the United States should be
hoisted first and lu�� creel Ia.st. No such flag or pennant may be
placed abm �� the flag ol- tilt, Knit,(] States or to the Unitcd States
flag's right.
(g) Whcn flags of, tern or more nations are displayed, thev ore to
be flown front scp:u ate stuffs of- tilt• s:unc height. The flags should
be of appro.xiniatcl� equal size. ]nternational usage forbids the dis-
play of the flag of one nation abort, that of another nation in time
of peace. e
(h) \Vht,n the flue of the t-uitc•cl States is displayed from a staff
projecting horizoutallt ur at it" ;utglc from the window sill, balcony,
or front of ,t building, tilt, union of the flag should be placed at the
peak of the stall unless tilt, flag is at half staff. When the flag is sus -
pended over a a rope extending froth a house to u
M
pole at the edge of the sidewalk, the flag should be hoisted out,
union first, from the building.
(i) When displayed either horizontally or vertically against a wall,
the union should be uppermost and to the flag's own right, that is,
to the observer's left. When displayed in a window, the flag should
be displayed in the same way, with the union or blue field to the
left of the observer in the street.
0) When the flag is displayed over the middle of the street, it
should be suspended vertically with the union to the north in an
east and west street or to the east in a north and south street.
(k) When used on a speaker's platform, the flag, if displayed flat,
should be displayed above and behind the speaker. When displayed
from a staff in a church or public auditorium, the flag of the United
States of America should hold the position of superior prominence,
in advance of the audience, and in the position of honor at the cler-
gyman's or speaker's right as he faces the audience. Any other flag
so displayed should be placed on the left of the clergyman or speak-
er or to the right of the audience.
(1) The flag should form a distinctive feature of the ceremony of
unveiling a statue or monument, but it should never be used as the
covering for the statue or monument.
(in) 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. On Memorial Day the flag should be displayed at half -staff
until noon only, then raised to the top of the staff. By order of the
President, the flag shall be flown at half -staff upon the death of
principal figures of the United States Government and the Gover-
nor of a State, territory, or possession, as a mark of respect to their
memory. In the event of the death of other officials or foreign dig-
nitaries, the flag is to be displayed at half -staff according to Presi-
dential instructions or orders, or in accordance with recognized cus-
toms or practices not inconsistent with law. In the event of the
death of a present or former official of the government of any
State, territory, or possession of the United States, the Governor of
that State, territory, or possession may proclaim that the National
flag shall be flown at half- staff. The flag shall be flown at half -staff
thirty days from the death of the President or a former President;
ten day's from the day of death of the Vice President, the Chief Jus-
tice or a retired Chief Justice of the United States, or the Speaker
of the House of Representatives; from the day of death until inter-
ment of an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, a Secretary of
i an executive or military department, a former Vice President, or
the Governor of a State, territory, or possession; and on the day of
(17)
(I(;Iln a11c1 tilt' 1011miulg clay for a Meuiber of kmllgrc•ss. As used In
this subsection —
(1) the term half—staff" means the position of' the flag
when it is one -half the distance between the top and
bottom of the staff;
(2) the terns "executive or military department" means
any agency listed under sections 101 and 102 of title 5,
United States Code; and
(3) the term "'Member of Congress" means a Senator, a
Representative, a Delegate, or the Resident Commissioner
from Puerto Rico.
(n) \then the flag is used to cover a casket, it should be so placed
that the union is at the head and over the left shoulder. The flag
should not be lowered into the grave or allowed to touch the
ground.
(o) When the flag is suspended across a corridor or lobby in a
building with only one main entrance, it should be suspended verti-
cally with the union of the flag to the observer's left upon entering.
If the building has more than one main entrance., the flag should be
suspended vertically near the center of the corridor or lobby with
the union to the north, when entrances are to the east and \west or
to the east when entrances are to the north and south. If there are
entrances in more than two directions, the union should be to the
east.
§176. Respect for the Flag
No disrespect should be shown to the flag of the United States of
America; the flag should not be dipped to any person or thing. Reg-
imental colors, State flags, and organization or institutional flags are
to be dipped as a mark of honor.
(a) The flag should never be displayed xvith the union down,
except as a signal of dire distress in instances of extreme danger to
life or property.
(b) The flag should never touch anything beneath it, such as the
ground, the floor, water, or merchandise.
(c) The flag should never be carried flat or horizontally, but
always aloft and free.
(d) The flag should never be used as wearing apparel, bedding, or
drapery. It should never be festooned, drawn back, nor up, in folds,
but always allowed to fall free. Bunting of blue, white, and red,
always arranged with the blue above, the white in the middle, and
the red below, should be used for covering a speaker's desk, drap-
ing the front of the platform, and for decoration in general.
(18)
(e) llte Ilag should rlevcr be Iastcn cl, di.pla�ecl, uud, or stored
in such a planner as to permit it to be easily torn, soiled, or dam-
aged in any wa%-.
(f) The flag should never be used as a coy erin(_� for a ceiling.
(g) The flag should never have placed upon it, nor on any part of
it, nor attached to it any inark, iwit*,nia, 1(•tter, word, figure, design,
picture, or drawing of any nature.
(h) The flag should never be used as a receptacle for receiving,
holding, carrying, or delivering in ,, thin
(i) The flag should never be used for ad%rrtking purposes in any
manner whatsoever. It should not he clnbroidered on such articles
as cushions or handkerchiefs and the like, prilited or otherwise im-
pressed on paper napkins or boxes or anything that is designed for
temporary use and discard. Advertising sk-nis should not be fastened
to a staff or halyard from which the flag is flown.
(j) No part of the flag should ever be used as a costume or athletic
uniform. However, a flag patch nlav he lf'f'ixcd to the uniform of
military personnel, firemen, policemen. and members of patriotic
organizations. The flag represents a living country and is itself con-
sidered a living thing. Therefore, the lapel flag pili being a replica,
should be worn on the left lapel near the heart.
(k) The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a
fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way,
preferably by burning.
§177. Conduct during hoisting, loyering or passim; of flag
During the ceremony of hoisting or the flag or when
the flag is passing in a parade or in re%ic . all persons present
except those in uniform should face the flag and stand at attention
with the right hand over the heart. Those present in uniform
should render the military salute When not in uniforin, risen should
remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left
Shoulder, the hand being over the heart. AheIIS should stand at at-
tention. The salute to the flag in a moving column should be ren-
dered at the moment the flag passes.
§178.:Nfodification of rules and custonis by President
Any rule or custom pertaining to the display of" the flag of the
United States of America, set forth herein, Ina% be altered, modi-
fied, or repealed, or additional rules with respect thereto may be
prescribed, by the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the
United States, whenever he deenis it to be appropriate or desirable;
and any such alteration or additional rule shall be set forth in a
proclaination.
nu
FLAG PRESENTATION
Presentation of thc� 11x4; during a ceremony should be preceded
by a brief talk enlphasizin>; the importance of the occasion. Follow-
ing the presentation ;ill present should salute the flag, recite the
pledge of alle��iancc�. and sing the national anthem.
FOLllING THE FLAG
1. Two jwrxlns, facia,; each otho-r, hold the flag waist high and
horizontally h0ty c(Vn than.
2. The lov�o,r striped section is folded, lengtimise, over the blue
field. hold 1>,)ttom to top ,uul C(h* -'s together securely.
3. Fold t1w IL,, a��ain, l� n tll�x ise. folded edge to open edge.
4. A fol(l is start�cl aloe" the length of' the flag, fi-onl
the end to thL ht;ulin�� h� bringing the striped corner of the folded
edge to nw(� t thr ��p� n i �f� .
5. The outer point i> turned in\yard parallel vyith the open edge,
forming a srcond tii,ul'-le.
6. Repeat the h iangnlar folding( until the entire length of- the flag
is folded.
7. When the tla�� is complct(.l) f -olded only the triangular blue
field should he yisihle.
CARE OF YOUR FLAG
The life of your flag depends on your care. Dirt can cut fabrics,
dull colors, and cause wear. Most outdoor flags can be washed in
mild detergent and thoroughly rinsed. Indoor and parade flags
should be dry-cleaned. Many dry cleaners offer free cleaning of U.S.
flags during the months of June and July. Damaged flags can be re-
paired and utilized as long as the overall dimensions are not notice-
ably altered. American Legion Posts and local governments often
have facilities to dispose of unserviceable flags. Store your flags in a
well ventilated area away from any harsh chemicals or cleaning
compounds. If your flag gets wet, never store it until it is complete-
ly dry. Vet folds cause permanent creases. Dampness ruins fabric
and causes mildew. Pole care is also related to flag care. Rust and
scale cause permanent stains and some metallic oxides actually eat
holes in fabric.
SIZES OF FLAGS
The size of the flag is determined by the exposed height of the
flagpole from which it is flying. The only consideration is for the
flag to be in proper proportion to its pole. Flags which fly from
angled poles on homes and those which are displayed on standing
poles in offices and other indoor displays are usually either 3' x 5' or
4' x 6'. Color guards usually carry flags measuring 4' x 6'. Other rec-
ommended sizes are shown in the following table:
I Lwlude Ihuhl fl i
I'l.w Sin•
W
20 ............. ......................_. ...............................
_. 4 . 6
i
o)
CARE OF YOUR FLAG
The life of your flag depends on your care. Dirt can cut fabrics,
dull colors, and cause wear. Most outdoor flags can be washed in
mild detergent and thoroughly rinsed. Indoor and parade flags
should be dry-cleaned. Many dry cleaners offer free cleaning of U.S.
flags during the months of June and July. Damaged flags can be re-
paired and utilized as long as the overall dimensions are not notice-
ably altered. American Legion Posts and local governments often
have facilities to dispose of unserviceable flags. Store your flags in a
well ventilated area away from any harsh chemicals or cleaning
compounds. If your flag gets wet, never store it until it is complete-
ly dry. Vet folds cause permanent creases. Dampness ruins fabric
and causes mildew. Pole care is also related to flag care. Rust and
scale cause permanent stains and some metallic oxides actually eat
holes in fabric.
SIZES OF FLAGS
The size of the flag is determined by the exposed height of the
flagpole from which it is flying. The only consideration is for the
flag to be in proper proportion to its pole. Flags which fly from
angled poles on homes and those which are displayed on standing
poles in offices and other indoor displays are usually either 3' x 5' or
4' x 6'. Color guards usually carry flags measuring 4' x 6'. Other rec-
ommended sizes are shown in the following table:
I Lwlude Ihuhl fl i
I'l.w Sin•
20 ............. ......................_. ...............................
_. 4 . 6
25 ........................................... ...............................
5 x h
- 10 .......................................... .............................._
6 x 10
ill........................................... ...............................
H x 12
611 _ ..................................._.... ....................,..........
10 x 15
70 ........................................... ...............................
12 x Is
90._ ....................................... ...._..........................
15 x 25
1 25 ..............................................................
x all
200 ............................................... I ..................
_.... 30 x 40
250 .................................... .... . ...............................
all x 50
(21)
FLAGS AT THE UNITED STATES CAPITOL
No record has been found for tale earliest date the flag Nyas flown
o\ er the east and west fronts of' the Capitol. I ?arly engravings and
lithographs in the office of the Architect of the Capitol show flags
flying on either side of the original low dome above the corridors
connecting the areas now known as Statuary Hall and the Old
Senate Chamber.
After the addition of the new House and Senate wings in the
1850s, even before the great dome was completed in 1863, photo-
graphs of the period show flags flying over each new wing and the
central east and west fronts.
The custom of flying the flags 24 hours a clay over the east and
\t est fronts was begun during World War I. This was clone in re-
sponse to requests received from all over the country urging that
the flag of the United States be floxvn continuously over the public
buildings in Washington, DC.
The east and west front flags, which are 8 x 12 feet, are replaced
by new ones when they become worn and unfit for further use.
Prior- to machine -made flags, individuals were hire(] by the Con-
gress to handsexv these flags.
Presidential proclamations and laws authorize the display of the
flag 24 hours a day at the following places:
Dort McHenry National 'Monument and Historic Shrine, I3alti-
more, Maryland (Presidential Proclamation No. 2795, July 2, 1948).
1'119 I10uSe Square, Albemarle and Pratt Streets, Baltimore Mary -
Ian(] (Public Lary 83-319, approved March 26, 1954).
United States Marine Corp Memorial (Iwo Jima), Arlington, Vir-
ginia (Presidential Proclamation No. 3418, June 12, 1961).
On the Green of` the Town of Lexington, Massachusetts (Public
Laxv 89 -335, approved November 8, 1965).
The White House, Washington, DC. (Presidential Proclamation
No. 4000, September 4, 1970).
Washington Monument, Washington, D(:. (Presidential Proclama-
tion No. 4064, Jul. 6, 1971, ef*fectix (, Jule -1. 1971). I if,ty (lags of the
United States are displayed at the Washington . Monument continu-
ously.
United States Customs Ports of- Fntr% \N hich are contirnually open
(Presidential Proclamation No. 41:31, Ma\ 5, 1972).
Grounds of the rational Memorial Arch in Vallev Forge State
Park, Valley Forge, Pennsylvania ( Public Law 91 -53, approved July
4, 1975).
Many other places fly the flag at night as a patriotic gesture by
custom.
HOW TO OBTAIN A FLAG FLOWN 01-ER THE
CAPITOL
Constituents may arrange to purchase flags that fiei%e been flown
over the Capitol by getting in touch with their Senators or Repre-
sentative. A certificate signed by the Architect of the Capitol ac-
companies each flag. Flags are available for purchase in sizes of 3' x
5' or 5' x 8' in fabrics of cotton and n\ lon.
('22:3)
Crewing by n. J. Davis, 1932
(22)
Washington Monument, Washington, D(:. (Presidential Proclama-
tion No. 4064, Jul. 6, 1971, ef*fectix (, Jule -1. 1971). I if,ty (lags of the
United States are displayed at the Washington . Monument continu-
ously.
United States Customs Ports of- Fntr% \N hich are contirnually open
(Presidential Proclamation No. 41:31, Ma\ 5, 1972).
Grounds of the rational Memorial Arch in Vallev Forge State
Park, Valley Forge, Pennsylvania ( Public Law 91 -53, approved July
4, 1975).
Many other places fly the flag at night as a patriotic gesture by
custom.
HOW TO OBTAIN A FLAG FLOWN 01-ER THE
CAPITOL
Constituents may arrange to purchase flags that fiei%e been flown
over the Capitol by getting in touch with their Senators or Repre-
sentative. A certificate signed by the Architect of the Capitol ac-
companies each flag. Flags are available for purchase in sizes of 3' x
5' or 5' x 8' in fabrics of cotton and n\ lon.
('22:3)
Crewing by n. J. Davis, 1932
i
ilfli
..f..`.. �..
Fill I hill F11 F11 ( �
Inaugurat.on , ! P,._ -, ;,_ it Euyn in January 1989
Representative Claude Popper of Florida
laying in state in the Capitol Rotunda
0211
Swearing -in of Speaker Thomas S. Foley
of Washington.
Flag at half -mast over the Capitol.
AMERICAN WAR MOTHERS FLAG
The American War Mothers is a national organization chartered
by Congress with its headquarters in Washington, DC. Its members
are mothers whose sons and daughters have served or who are serv-
ing in the Armed Forces. Its objective is to aid the serviceman or
veteran and his family, including those who are hospitalized.
According to records in the Office of the Architect of the U.S.
Capitol, the American War Mothers flag was purchased by them
and first flown over the U.S. Capitol, always below the American
flag, on Armistice Day, November 11, 1926.
The authority for flying that flag over the U.S. Capitol on this oc-
casion and in subsequent years has been granted annually by writ-
ten permission of the Vice President and the Speaker of the house
of' Representatives.
Provision for the ceremony was further recognized when the
flagpole on the east front, after the extension of 1960, was installed
with two halyards.
Traditionally the flag has been raised at 11 minutes after 11 a.m.
by a detail from the Capitol Police. The flag flies until sundown, d-
though originally it flew only for three hours. A bugler selected
from one of the armed services plays taps. Brief memorial services
are held in connection with the ceremony. These services have
been accommodated on the east and west front steps or in Statuary
Hall and permission to hold them is generally granted in the same
letter that permits the flag to be flown.
The let of July 1, 1882, regulating the use of the Capitol Grounds
vests the Vice President and the Speaker with the authority to
grant this privilege.
The American War Mothers flag is kept in a safe at the U.S. Cap-
itol. The present flag, first used in 1970, replaced the original
woolen flag of 1926. It is of a synthetic fabric, 47 x 72 inches in
size, consisting of a white field with a red border 11 inches wide. At
the top is an 11 -inch blue star for the 4,695,039 who served in
World War I. These figures are 21/2 inches in blue. Across the
center in 4 -inch letters are the words "United States Service Flag."
Below is an 11 -inch gold star for the 60,672 who gave their lives.
These figures are 2' /z inches high in gold.
(2.5)
111M 1U 01JI IN A BURIAL ILAG FOR A
VETERAN
Any honorably discharged veteran is entitled to a burial flag. The
funeral director, as part of the ser
rangements for the family on bell
be used to cover the casket and i
keepsake. The local office of the
can also provide information on t}
f d
\ tCCS, WHI make the necessary ar-
alf of the veteran. The flag tnay
t is presented to the family as a
Department of Veterans' Affairs
�e procedure for obtaining a flag
or a eceased veteran.
A 12 by IS foot flag flies at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial 24 hours a day. The
flagpole is located just a few feet from the statute of the "Three Servicemen" and
near the walkway leading to the Memorial walls. The base of the flagpole has an
inscription and the emblem of the five U.S. military services, and was designed to be
placed for public viewing,
Vr
(2fi)
FLAGS OF STATES AND Th:IIIII'I'ORIP;S
\1. \R.\ \IA
1,ntered the Union in 11il9 :u thr "111
side: Ilex adopted in 1495, "I'hr dia�ai,l
cross and the• equan .hap,• of the Bae -, r( ill
the Battle Flag of the• Conlcderacs. v;.r
nired in hehruar% of 1461 in \loot_ n,
Alah:una,s capital.
\1117ONA
Entered the Union in 1912 as the ISO,
State; Ilag adoptcd in 1917. Red ;111,1 s cllo,s
are the colors of Spain, vchile hluc i, for the
United States and the copper star ss nihol-
izes mineral resources. The r:ns cueLr.t th,-
setting sun mer the desert.
(2 71
\I \11ti \
fnt� n -I (In 1 - - n: I`1 ;e1 •is the 49th
,,. I•, I,1• :I in 1"27. Be1111% Benson,
i I d .tug nt. ,h.�,�. the \orth Star
nil tln Iti, Uily•i uh�n h� designed Alas -
Li ILr� in i t ir�t�ni,ii .rh"ol contest. Its
the ,. if,iri .I,, .otd its gold.
O *
11th VA`, AS
1-111tt•r, -d the l milli in 14315 as the 25th
State: floc adopted in 1913, modified in
192:3 :rod 1921. :\rkans;u' rank in the Union
is indi -11-1 by lh,• stars which border the
diamond, recalling that it is the only State
where• minerals are mined. The four stars in
the diarnood refer to important aspects of
Arkansas hi.ton
a
CALIFORNIA
Entered the ('tiiun in IS:iU ;u th,• :ilst
State; nag adupt,(1 in p) 11, modified in
1953. American,. in �oi,t ssa, then \Irsie.u,
territory, proclaim, d th, in,l, p, nd, It(,' ,,t
California on Jury I t. I i(; I h,
their "Rear H.w H
ed by the Slate.
COLORADO
Entered the Union in IS76 Is the 38th
Slate; flag adopted in 1911, modified in
1964. 1'elImN and whit(, refer to the mining
1 gold and siher, whit(, these colors plus
I,hn• .ue found in the Ruck\ \taunt :tin col -
11111hine, the State flowor. Red is also 1 n the
Sp.o,i,II word Iirr that c„lor --. -,,hued.
Ratified the C,.;;,tir0, 1, it- 17tis .�, ti,
fifth State: Rag aj j,h d t!, I YC
Nil es in ill,. cu.0 "1
ori•ival c•oloni,.s - -< ;;w u A,., ILn, •.
an Sat brook "1`I.,
Us Over Al -ill
80th Ra1m.
2S
Dlil.A1V':ARI',
H.,tified the Constitution oft December 1,
1757. its the first State; flag adopted in
I'd i liev,luliunary War uniforms arc hon-
un-,1 m the hill(, and buff colors while c•onr-
nur<� the• ship(, and agriculture (wheat,
fanner) ;ne featured in the coat of
.uun
FLORIDA
Entered the Union in 1815 as the 27th
Stale: flag adopt(,d in 19(1(1, modified in
1955. The cro,s derives from the Conledur-
ale liatllt- 1'Ltg '111C Slate seal shows it Setu-
inole woman, it stcemboal, and the Slate
Ire(, —a sah:d p.ilotello palm.
.._ -.. .
,. w<°
HAWAII
FAIWred the Onion in 1959 as the 50th
SLdo; Il.Ig mf,,`>)Wd in 181(1, modified in
I,Si.S. The lirilislI 1'nion Jack recalls the ono
hre,onted t,, King K:unch:uucha I in 1,-93
e (;:y>Ltin Gorge \':,ncouvcr. The eight
stripes arc Im the principal islands of
I Lm aii.
( °_9)
GEORGIA
Ratified the Constitution in 1788 as the
fourth State; flag adopted in 1956. The ( il-
lars in the seal are for the three bra nches
of government, defended by tilt- State mih-
tar ,v firrces. The Battle Flay, of tile• Coulod-
er:te•y recalls Ccorgia's Southern heritage.
IDAHO
Entered the Union in 1890 as the 43rd
State; flat; ado IR•cl in 1927. The seal incor-
porates svmbo�s of agriculture. mining, for -
estrv, wildlife, and svome•n -s rights. The
Latin motto means °\l:ty She Last For -
es er ..
ILLINOIS
ILLINOIS
Entered the Union in T818 as the 21st
State. flag adopted in 1915• modified in
1970. The central design is from tile State
seal and shorn national symbols plus dates
of Statehood 11818t and the• seal itself
i I S6S1-
1\1)1:\\:\
Entered the Union in 1816 as the l9th
State; flag adopted in 1917. The outer rink
of stars is for the original States, the inner
rinr� for those up to and including Indiana .
h:nlightenment and liberty s >reading
throughout the land are represented b\ the
torch and ras s.
10 WA
Entered the Union in 1846 as the 29th
State; flag adopted in 1921. The eagle and
motto ribbon are found in the State seal.
The stripes recall the French Tricolor since
lotsa teas acquired from France as part of
the Louisiana Purchase.
r�
(30)
KANSAS
Entered the Union in 1861 as the 341h
State; flag adopted in 1925, modified in
1927 and 1963. A sunflower, the State floral
emblem, appears above the State seal with
figures representing pioneer life. The motto
moans "'To the Stars 'Through Difficulties.-
IMP:\ fVCKl
Entcn•d th, Union in 1792 ,, th, 1 7th
Sate: flat" ad „pted in 191 ", 1 in
1962. '111c frontiersman and hunter. r,im,-
scntinv, Kentocks and the mLin; i tiLetr,
cspre , the m, mail,! of the motto in the
seal. I he Slate flImer t"oldcnn,d fr.no,
the de,icn at the bottom
MAIM.
Entered the L pion in 15 20 as the 231d
Slate; flag adopted in 1909. The nn,lto "I
Direct" refers to the \orth Star. \"aloe
having once been the norlha•nunost State.
Agriculture. shipping, and folestrs arc .,nr
bolized b)' other elements in the coal of
arms.
m
I I t( ICI VA \
1, d th, 1 1 "12 us the 18th
1112 In heraldry a
h h, .0 h lone .it h, i i- ,,t to feed her
..ie rificc. Louisiana
n �! th" I, nit ,rc prior to
"IA,
\I \Hl I. \ \1)
13,01fied the l',vntituti,m in 1788 as the
cnth St.itc: Il,w a,hq,ted in 1904. The
coat of .iron el th, L, rd, Baltimore unites
,d the ('.ilccrt .ind Crossland fami-
lie,. \11, ".111,” It I, o., d miti.ir flags since at
L..t 11; 3"
1'
l 6i
VASSACIII ,I -:rI :.
Ratified the CDII,tItUtlun in I,',S ;u tl,o
sixth State; flag adopted in !t)IIS, nu>d,tied
in 1971. The State• u,utto transl.,trs "I hi,
Hand Oppposed to 'I \r.uit, Sc,urhos. csith
the Sword, for Peaceful C,,ndition, I nder
Libert% %' The ,tar indicate, }ta(ehuod a h,le
the 11 ati\'e Amenc.ut .,, :, \lauachu,ett,
symbol as earh :,, 1625).
MICHIGAN
Entered the Union in 1537 as the 26th
Stine; flag adopted in 1911. The national
motto is accompanied in the Michi';m arms
b)' the slogans " I Shall Defend" :ur(� "If' You
Seek a Pleasant Peninsula. Look Around
You" An elk. tnooso, and scenes from
nature are included in the design.
III \ \1':u T1 :1
Entered the t'ni„n ut 1S-,, .0 the i2nd
State; flag adopted ,n 1`e37 A ,c nc from
pioneer life appe.,r, in tln St.,tr ,eel t, ".Or
er with the mots„ "7 he \orth Star * '11w
nineteen star, uuinate Al :nn, �; �t.i', rink ui
Statehood, folL,:su,,� the ,r, :in.d thirt, � n
States.
32)
MISSISSIPPI
Entered the Union in IS17 as the 211th
State. flag adopted in 1 S94. The State flag
„ a corubinatiun of hco Confederate Ilags-
the Stars and liars and the Battle Flag• both
n(luding the national colors.
MISSOURI
Elitered the Union in 1821 its the 2 -Ilh
State; Rag adopted in 1913. On a back-
ground of the national colors a ?pear the
Missouri anus framed by stars indicating its
order of Statehood. The I.atin motto means
•'Lot the WL:Il lu of the People Be the Su-
preme Lacc..
MO \TA \A
Entered the Union in 1559 its the 41st
Stale; flag adopted in 1905, modified 1981.
The Slate seal shoscs the Great halls of the
Missouri Riser and tools indicating mining
and agoicullurn•. The motto "Gold and
Silcet- appears on it ribbon beloca.
\EAMASICA
l :nlered the t'nion ill IN67 as the 37th
Slate; flag adopted in 1925. Included in the
State seal ;are the Rocky Mountains, the
Missouri Ricer, sche;d and corn, a steam -
boat. a train, and a blac•ksntith ,cith his
h:unnn•r and am il.
(:33)
NEE ADA
Entered the Union in 1216.1 as the 36th
State, flag adopted in 1929. A spray of the
State flower, sagebrush, frames a star of
siher which recalls the mining industry.
"Battle Born" refers to Nevada's Statehood
during the Civil %%'ar.
NdAV HAMPSHIRE
Ratified the Constitution in 1788 as the
ninth State; flag adopted in 1909, modified
in 1932. The importance in Nesr Ilanipshire
of shipbuilding during the M- Nolutionary
\I'ar is suggested by the state seal The
nine stars correspond to Ncu Hampshire's
rank among the States.
NE\V MEXICO
Entered the Union in 1912 ;as the 47th
Slate; flag adopted in 1925. The red and
gold colors of Spain, which once ruled the
area, arc combined with an ancient sun
sy m bol of the Zia tribe of Native Americans
in this flag.
(34)
NEW JERSEY
Ratified the Constitution in 1787 as the
third State; flag adopted in 1896. The buff
background is for th,- uniforms \corn be
Revolutionary War soldiers Goon N(-\' ,
Jersey. The coat of arms has the goddesses
of liberty and agriculture, as well as three
plows and a horse's head.
NEAV YORK
Ratified the Constitution in 1788 as the
Ilth State; flag adopted in 1901. The coat of
arms shows a scene along the Hudson
River, framed by goddesses of liberty and
justice. The American eagle surmounts the
world at the top; the motto "I-.xcclsior•' ap-
pears below.
NORTH CAROLINA
Ratified the Constitution in 17Y) as the
12th SLtte: Rag adopted in 1845. The na-
tional colors, a star for Statehood. and the
initials of the Statc are included. The (Lit
arc, for the Mecklenburg Dcc•laration of In
dependence (Ma} 20. 17751 and th(• llah(:n
Resohcs (April 12, 1776 1.
N()li l II I) \KM \
Entcrt-d thr I im.n in ItiS9 as the 39th
St.ih : Ilan ad,oph-d in 1911 \ military Rag
oeith a nunhli, d eer. (d the ('toted States
l�,,it (d aria, irn, d hs the Dakota
rnitorial (ai.nd ,uul Liter the North
(;n.od I h.• State Rag is a
nip �lili� d s d Ih—o hmn.•rs.
3IIfLi
Entered the Union in 1803 as the 17th
State; flag adopted in 1902. The onls non -
rectangular State flag has stars indicatinL
Ohio•s order of Statehood. The red disk and
\%-hit(, ring are for the State tree lthc buck
eye) and first letter of the State name
M
OKI.A1PAI:A
Into red Ow I ni,ni in 1907, as the 46th
St_it,•: ILL! ,al,pted ni 19 °_>, modified 1941
and 19titi _An hwld stands for de-
1 rin,.•, it. sni.ill ( i o hot Ii)It ideals. The
Now h.0 ks;naincl ., nI h/ Invalty, while
the uli,e Lr:w,It :aid , ilinnrt arc for peace. .
OIHAa)\
Entered th, ( nip ;n iii ,, the gird
Stale; flag .idnl'l, d ui P) —, I l"
of )ioneer, c nil m,, ,ulh „ iir. „I u.uiirr
a ,cmbol, �d .iii i, nllui� .uid .htl�l �in�
The reten,•
beater.
filk11)1 I'll. \\I)
Italihed if,,' (].O.lit [it nm ui 17'01)
13th Stale: fl .w .ul,q,t, d in I lN-
traditional ,cniL��l ul hi�In, ��.,, lii,t .uLg4,d
by Rhode I,L,nd
lihode IsLuid In—'J" ua the Hr, tali ni. n
War carried ,f ,%Muir %eith ,u, .111(1_1
and thirteen ,tan
fit
PENNSI INANIA
Itatified the Con,tilutiOn in 17,57 as the
„z,ntd State: flag udupted in 1907. The coat
of arms incorporates a ,hip liar commerce
unl ;a plot and %%head ,hea%es for agricul-
ture• Iha(t horso,, the \merle ;ua eagle, an(I
the Slaty un4lo complete the deign.
SOl'7'II CAIMLIN,1
I{.,tlhe(I the Constitution iu 17S8 a the
ighth State: flag adopted in 1861. Troops
dviondiug harbor forts during the Ite%olu-
tion.ari %1:ar displ:a\cd as blue flag kith a
%%hde rresceut 'hlit, Stde tree. a palmetto.
%%.0 added to the flag %%Iwil South Carolina
pro(Luuac•d its independence in 15fi1.
SOUTH DAKOTA
Entered the Union in 1889 as the 40th
State; flag adopted in 1963. The State seal
is represented against a sunhurst. Its design
includes s%mbofs of sloek raising, industry,
agriculture, commerce. and nattne.
FE,XAS
Entered the Union in 18.15 as the 28th
Slate; flag adopted in Ifi39. The American
Origin of the settlers \%ho revolted against
Mexican rode and established the independ-
ent Republic of Texas %%-as reflected in the
flags they caarricd, including the one Mlic•h
eventually became the State Ilag of the
•'Lone Star Statc."
(37)
TENNESSEE
Entered the Union in 1796 as the 16th
State; flag ado c I in 1905. The three stars
refer to the fact that Tennessee %tus the
third State to join after the Original Thir-
teen and is composed of three geographic
regions. The colors are found in the flags of
the United States and of the Confuderaact.
U All
Entered the l'nion in 1896 as the 45th
Slade; flag adopted in 1911, modified in
1913. The beehi%C symbolizes industry,
While the American eagle • nd flags stand
for lotaltt to the Nation. The early settlers
were sated from starvation by eating the
sego lily, now recognized as the State
flower.
N ERMO \T
Entered the Union in 1791 as the lath
State: flan; adopted in 192:3. The cad of
arms, based on the• State seal, shows a scene
from nature with pine tree and mountains.
Branches of pine �)clow commemorate the
1ti17 Battle of Plattsburgh.
WASHINGTON
Entered the Union in 1889 as the 42nd
State: Rag adopted in 1923, modified in
1957. The "Eee'rgrcen State" shores the
color green for the background of its Flag,
which bears the State seal. The president
for whom the State was maned was made
part of the seal in 1889.
�1
VIRGINIA
Ratified the Constitution in 1788 as the
10th State. flat; adopted in IS61. The Latin
motto "Thus E\cr to 'I' rants" is reflected
in the design of the seal. Much shows a
yeoman subduing a kink. Around the edges
are tines of the ice kmmm'n as \ irginia
creeper.
1017 W�7.
\VEST VIRGINIA
Entered the Union in 1863 as the 35th
State; flag adopted in 1905, modified in
1907 and 1929. The big laurel, the State
Rower, fr nies the shield of the State seal.
The hunter and miner stand over a motto
urcaning "Mountaineers Are Always Free."
WISCONSIN
Entered the I nion in ISIS as t1w 311111
State: flag adopted in 191:3, niodO cd 1n
IW,1. Aarious mbok of aencullnl�.
minim. '111ppine. and industrs arc 1lnnul n1
thr cost of arm. of A\ icon <in I It, h.ul ,, r
oser the Omld i. •1 rvdcn•n( the tit it,
mckumm.
OISTRII'T OF COLA \1111 \
l."tablished in 1791: fi.n: adopted in 19;"
'I'll(, personal ;ern, of Ccorgo \ \:uhim,hm
form the District IL1g. It ha, no hi tlnic.11
relationship to the Stars and Stripe,, dt,,pite•
tho ximilarih of dcsiCn.
(38) 1:391
r�
.i
F�
E`a
1'.nt� i-I tllc t ti -n m I YO as the -lath
�t,1t, t1.1c d n1 I'll The State seal
,pp, .1;, -m 1 .i',I ,,it, 1 bi.on, familiar
h, I`lth 1, rows it I, r, 11w red is for
\.1tt, \tn 1u I,' Inr purity, and
\ \Il IM, \\ 11 %\I().%
t tim( ,rl-i,11-1 \-, roan territon since
I'm(), 11,1,E d.,pt, I 1n Pil,,t Red, white, and
Not- oc (In• —1,— -,f S.mioa and the
I iltt (1 st.1t,•. 171 \1ii Bean bald eagle
hAd, tr.l liti,.u.il Cain ;i robots, a staff
111 \\.n k11111
c( \yI
Established as a t,,i of the t nrt,..I
States in 1895: ll,w d, pt, ut 141;. m,ali-
fied in 1944 I h. U.nliti.,n..l Ch.un,ur.,
canoe, a palm h,, .u„i thr ni,aith �,t th,.
Agana Riser app, o in th, ,..J i h, ,Bain•
of the seal recall, the ,ur, n nt Guam.uuan
sling stone.
NORTHERN \1AR1.\NAS
Connnomsealth ,tale, e,tahlkhed in 1956:
Illy adopted in 19 -d_. Blue i, for the Pacific
(h,.nt. the ,tar fir the Cornntolm'-alth. The
err, L,lt'. ,fool is h,r Tara. a Iecondal
Chanu,rro hero.
Cou n olmealth L, d iii Pl-,2 iL-
ad1d pted in 195'_' H., d �.ii iL,� Luh.ai tLu•
an, ultim;rtch, tl.r
Rag of Puerto fill., „a.
when lilt- island ,,.., ,., (.nu uuh i�� nl, u„
from Spain.
C
\Ili(dN IS1. \ 1\1>s
I: t..W ,h. d es a 1, mt,,rs ..I th, ( nit-1
�t..l,.
....I ,I in o II, I �. tla� hi 1421 The
.n` f e
I lilted Sl.,h— ha, 1-cli
,nuldill d .urd ,hived for use in the lerrit-
n,.l ILc-, 11wr with th,- minals „I Ill,. Is-
L.n.l, \Lai, heh,se Ih, an„,,, stud I.,r St
I ho 11-, SI h,hn..uid tit Cr.ns
Ir'st 1>c Di \\ lutn, ~oath. I L ,' li, ...u, h (" nl,, \\ incIwAcr. \la,, :u huu its
rrryrhwurk cull, ri ht I s)�ti I,t the 1 1a:; R, ...rr, 1, ( :enl,v. \\ inehesler. \la „achnsetts.
FLAG DAY
Each year on June 14, we celebrate the birthday of the Stars and
Stripes, which came into being on June 14, 1777. At that time, the
Second Continental Congress authorized a now flag to symbolize
the new Nation, the United States of America.'
The Stars and Stripes first flew in it Flag Day celebration in Hart-
ford, Connecticut in 1861, during the first summer of the Civil
War. The first national observance of Flag Day occurred June 14,
1877, the centennial of the original flag resolution.
By the mid 1890's the observance of Flag Day on June 14 was a
popular event. Mayors and governors began to issue proclamations
in their jurisdictions to celebrate this event.
In the years to follow, public sentiment for it national Flag Day
observance greatly intensified. Numerous patriotic societies and
veterans groups became identified with the Flag Day movement.
Since their main objective was to stimulate patriotism among the
young, schools were the first to become involved in flag activities.
In 1916 President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation calling
for it nationwide observance of Flag Day on June 14. It was not
until 1949 that Congress made this day a permanent observance by
resolving "That the 14th day of June of each year is hereby desig-
nated as Flag Day ...” The measure was signed into law by Presi-
dent Harry Truman.
Although ]Flag Day is not celebrated as a Federal holiday, Ameri-
cans everywhere. continue to honor the history and heritage it rep -
resents.
(31)
FLAG POSTAGE STAMPS
The issuance of the latest U.S. [lag stamp helps maintain a 26-
year tradition of the continuous appearance of the U.S. flag as a
major design element on one or more stamps.
With the advent of multicolor capability, the appearalice of" the
U.S. flag on a stamp was immediate and there have been at least 18
stamps released since that time featuring "Old Glory."
♦ *RktfRR **
rir
�=) 19R, U S POSTAL SFRVICC
ALL R11,11TS R[SFPR FD
A 1988 22 -cent stamp featuring the flag flying
over the U.S. Capitol.
� u
--25
) UNITED STATES POSTAL SFF?Vi(..F 11we
Another 1988 issue was the 25 -cent stamp
featuring the flag flying above the Half -Dome in
California's Yosemite National Park.
F 1959
In 1989 a S2.40 priority mail stamp, was introduced featuring the hrst moon nulinq where the
Apollo 11 astronauts planted the U.S- flag in the lunar surface on JUIy of 1469,
r��iJ�„S ti
'
�� � ��•
1. l•r
;. =yam!
' � .. �; •�
F 1959
In 1989 a S2.40 priority mail stamp, was introduced featuring the hrst moon nulinq where the
Apollo 11 astronauts planted the U.S- flag in the lunar surface on JUIy of 1469,
(42)
f:3)
THE G111::1T SE'Al, 01, THE UNITED STATES
On July 4, 1 Ti 7ti, tilt, Continental Congress passed a resolution au-
thorizing a committee to devise a seal for the United States of
America. This nnission, designed to reflect the Founding Fathers'
beliefs, valut,s, ;uul so\ creigntN of the new Nation, did not become
a reality until June 20, 1752.
In heraldic dcviucs. such a, seals, each element has a specific
meaning. Fv cli colors have specific meanings. The colors red,
white, and hluc did not havc meanings for the Stars and Stripes
when it wa, adopted in 1777. 1lowt,srr, the colors in the Great Scal
(lid have specific incanings. 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 l'nited States of America; White sig-
nifies puntv ;ind innocence, fled, hardiness & valour, and
Blue, t1w color of' the Chicf' (the: broad band above the
stripesi signifies � is,ilance, posev crance & justice."
The obv ci w boot of' the Great Scal —which is used 2,000 to 3,000
times it Nval— alithcnticates the Presidents signature on numerous
official dociuucnts such as treaty ratifications, international agree-
ments, appointiucnt.s o} Aiiibassadors and civil officers, and commu-
nications h ou, the President to heads of foreign governments. The
design of' the obi crse of' tilt, Seat. which is the U.S. coat of arms, can
be shown on coins. postage .stamps, passports, monuments and flags,
and in mangy other 'I'll(, American public sees both the ob-
verse and IC11 familiar rc\ cr;e, which is never used as a seal, every
day vv here ru h;uiging the s i dollar bill.
The Grc;it die, counter dit,, press, and cabinet in which they
are housed. .0 c located in the I"Shibit Hall of the Department of
State inside a locked gl;i,s cnclosurc. An officer from the Depart-
ments Presid'•ntial Appointnkcnts Staff does the actual sealing of"
docUlnents ;Ater lh( - of State has countersigned the Presi-
dent's signatui e.
�t
C
9
MWAME
VA
(Obverse)
The American bald eagle is prominently featured supporting a
shield composed of 13 red and white stripes (pales) representing
the Thirteen Original States with a blue bar (chief) uniting the
shield and representing Congress. The motto of the United States,
E Plurihus Uuuin (meaning out of ninny, one), refers to this union.
The olive branch and 13 arrows grasped by the eagle allude to
peace and war, powers solely vested in the Congress, and the con-
stellation of stars symbolizes the new Nation taking its place among
the sovereign powers.
(Reverse)
The pyrainid signifies strength and duration: The eye over it and
the motto, Ammit Coeptis (meaning Ile, [God,] has favored our un-
dertakings), allude to the many interventions of Providence in favor
of the American cause. The Roman numerals below are the date of
the Declaration of Independence. The words under it, Nouus Ordo
Sec•loruui (meaning a nexv order of the ages), signify the beginning
of the new American era in 1776.
(45)
FORT WITENRY
Fort McHenry is located in Baltimore, Nfarylancl. This logy citadel
overlooks the entrance to I3altimore harbor and it is %% here the
Americans defended the city against British land and naval attack
on September 13 -14 in 1814. It was during this battle that h'rancis
Scott Key began the draft to "The Star - Spangled 13,mn(,r" aft (,r
seeing the flag still fl} ing after a day and night of, boltlb,u_dltl('nt.
The fort continued in active milihu-y service for nearly a c(,rntury
after the battle but changing technology eventually made it obso-
lete as a coastal defense system. Today the 43 -acre fort is preserved
as a national monument and historic shrine. The property is man-
aged by the National Park Service and the flag is flown over the
fort 24 hours a clay.
MAINTENANCE
CIVIL WAR
POWDER
MAGAZINE
N
PI
FORT MCHENRY NATIONAL MONUMENT AND HISTORICAL SHRINE
(46)
DOCK
VISITOR
CENTER
STAR
FORT
TIIE FLAG IIOuSh,
The Flag house is located on the north«est c()rner of Albemarle
and Pratt Streets in Baltimore, Nfar� land. It %Ias the home of Mary
Pickersgill from 1807 to 1857, an(1 it II'as MlCre she made the origi-
nal "Star- Spangled Banner,' , "yhich urc asured :30 b% 42 feet. The
stripes were two feet wide and the "tars were h o feet from point
to point. Mrs. Pickersgill was paid .5405.91) for her sc m ices. The flag
was delivered to Fort Mcl Icnry on Aus;ust 19, I S l3, a full year
before the Battle of Baltimore.
In 1876, Caroline Pickersgill Purdy «rate a lathe r to Georgiana
Armistead Appleton. daughter of the leer t Commandant,
in xyhich she' recounted the detail, of the makirr�(" "I the flag. Caro-
line wrote:
"It was made by my moth( l Nbs. Nfary 1'ickc r��ill, and I
assisted her. My grandmother, Bebecca Youni�. made the
first flag of the BeyolLrtion tinder General Washirl <(ton's di-
rections, and for this reason my ntothe•r \c;Is selected by
Commodore Barney and Ccnc ral Strick,r to nr,tke this
star - spangled banner, being an ezc•(,(,cling�y patriotic
woman. This flag, I think, contain(,(( four hunc,TII yards is
bunting, and my mother worked nutny tnit*hts until twelve
o'clock to complete it in a giy(,n tune. '
The flag bears the autograph of I.t. Col. George Armistead as
well as the date of the British hornbardruc tit. "I'he flag retrained in
the Armistead family for many years until it \vas loaned to the
Smithsonian for an official (lisplat in 1907. On Deccrnber 19, 1912,
it Was donated to the Smithsoni,ur xyh(,re it is flow on permanent
exhibit. In 1914, ►such- needed preseryative work \vas done on the
flag by Ctrs. Amelia Fowler and scy(,ral other restoration experts.
Although the flag \vas rc'duc(,cl in sii(' ill orcl(,r to repair it, the rein-
forcement technique used has presery(,d its existence.
The Flag House is a National Historic Landmark, and is operated
by an independent non - profit association. 'I,he 11a <, is flown over the
house 24 hours a day.
(47)
PLh:1)GE OF AI,I.l'EGIANCE' TO TIIE FLAG
'1IIE FLAG OF TIIE UNI-11:1)
STATES OF :1 \II:1tIC:� AND 1O THE REPUBLIC FOR WHICH IT
STANDS, ONE A.171ON UNDER (;OI), INDIVISIBLE, Nt1TII LIB-
ERTY AND JUSI WI: I'OR
The Plcdgc of :111e� i;u)ee rec•eive(1 ofhicial recognition by Con-
gress in an Act af)I)ro�ecl on June 22, 1942. IIciwever, the pledge
was first published in 1,592 in the 1'ollth's Companion magazine in
Boston, to celebrate the -IUOth anniversary of the dis-
covery of America, :11)(1 \c;ts first used in public schools to celebrate
Columbus Dav on October 12, 1592.
In its original c crsion. the pledge read "111V flag" instead of' "the
flag of the United States.' 'I"he change in the wording was adopted
by the National Flag Conference in 1923. The rationale for the
change was that it prc� tinted an)biguity among foreign -born chil-
dren and adults echo nlir;ht h,"\(' the flag of' their native land in
mind v%,hen rccitm, the pledge.
The phrase ..under (:ocf" vcas added to the pledge by it Congres-
sional act ed on June 1 1, 19:5.1. At that tine, President FASen-
hower said:
"in this \�a\ \(e :l-e rcaffirming the transcendence of re-
ligions faith in .1n)erica s heritage• and future; in this \\a\
we shall const:ulll, strc•ngthcn those spiritual weapons
which ford cr cc ill be our count],. 's most powerful resource
in peace and
TIIE AMERICAN'S CREED
1 BELIEVE IN THE UNITED STATES OF Ami,,RICA AS A
GOVERNMENT OF THE PEOPLE, BY THE PEOPLE, FOR TIIE
PEOPLE; WHOSE JUST POWERS ARE DERIVED FROM THE
CONSENT OF THE: GOVERNED; A DEMOCRACY IN A REPUB-
LIC, A SOVEREIGN NATION OF MANY SOVEREIGN STATES; A
PERFECT UNION, ONE AND INSEPARABLE; ESTABLISHED
UPON THOSE PRINCIPLES OF FREEDOM, EQUALITY, JUSTICE,
AND HUMANITY E'OR wI1ICII AMERICAN PATRIOTS SACRI-
FICED 'THEIR LIVES AND FORTUNES.
I THEREFORE BELIEVE IT IS MY DUTY TO MY COUNTRY
TO LOVE IT; TO SUPPORT ITS CONSTTTUTION; TO OBEY TTS
LAWS; TO RESPECT ITS FLAG; AND TO DEFEND TT AGAINST
ALL ENEMIES.
The Creed was written in 1918 by William Tyler Page of Friend-
ship Heights, Maryland in the course of a nationwide contest on the
subject. Page was a descendent of President Tyler, and Representa-
tive John Page, who served in the Congress from 1789 -97.
William Tyler Page began his government career as a Congres-
sional page in December of 1881. In 1919, he was elected Clerk of
the IIouse of Representatives, and held that position until Decem-
ber of 1931. A nee%, post, 1:11-teritus Minority Clerk, was then cre-
ated for him which he occupied until his death on October 20,
1942.
Iti
I 49I
SCHOOL PROJECTS
MamlitlL;, John It Thr Story „l Old Gh,r,l Ph , „i\. \Z (, iiti„ 1 ,liicatinn Insti-
tutc, 1971.
\1a,tai. liole,,:nc. The, S7clrn' and Strit,rc: The .l,urri, an I /rr�, o, .I tI runt as Ili vie
The Studv of the history and syinbolism o}. flags is kilown aS VEX_
/rnm the Birth „f the Rrpuhlir to Me, Pr, I, W llcs% l ,11 hm,ltl. 197,:3.
IL LOLOGY from the Latin word, VEXILLU, Wh1Ch nicans a square
Mascr, Jane tHothschildi. Br'tslt R„IN,nrrl the lhr" A( ss 5„lk R.u1111n I[Milt' (Land-
flag or banner.
ncuk Rooks: 26 195'
\filler, Natalie. The S7„nt „/ the .ti7or -lp,m het B,n„rer Chi( w,, ( hildrens Press,
Numerous books have been written about the flag. Local and
1905,
school libraries should have a catalog reference for these books.
€'
Morris. Hobert. 'flu' Truth :!bout the- Beni, /?,'Ns Sb rry R •a, 11 Il,n, n. \I 1Vynneha-
also, military and Veterans organizations as well as the Daughters
cen I'ublishint" Co.. 1952 °.
Morris, Robert. The TreeIh .1 /,,,,,t t /le .1 uteri, art 1Io. It .r, h i Lt n \I \ \\ nnchavcn
of the American Revolution and the American Legion provide
Publi,hint" Co., 1976.
useful information on the flag and flag code.
Mountain. Lee illrrison. t -mete Sam rnrd the ill,,. (; A (),Ids, Publishers,
You also can find the complete flag code, including laws and
1915.
National Flat" Foundation. The .\'rtr Corrstellrrtn t the St„rlt „J Amcrira as Told
proclamations in the depository library in your Congressional dis-
Thrwwh Itc Flags, tlhuh Arr the Sgmh„l, „/ Ih ('itil. I, m,mm, and Rrlit;ious
trict. Your local librarian can assist you in obtaining information
Firrd „m Pittsburt"h. PA: The I'(11111(I;ItIUn, 1
from \-our nearest depository library.
Parrish. Thomas. Thr Atrrrirrnn lhru. Ncvs York: Simon ;111(1 schu.t, r, 1973.
-1'nN
-
Quilifc. Milo Milton. The' illst „r1 n/ th(' t 111t(ll Sinner /'hl,' 1 the Briollitioll to
1hr Prrsrnt. heluditt' a Guidr i" It, t w amt l)i,pl,rlr. Nt,ss l,,l k Harper, 1961.
FURTHER READING
Ricers, Anderunt Mall. Ilisl „nt „/ 1h, .t lit, ri,,rr, iloc N,ss list. A;tntaec Press,
1967.
Silkctt, John T. Francis Sr„tt Kcry and Ilst o/ Ih, Star Banner.
Wa,,hint"t(m: \intaue Anwrica Puhli. him-, (:o. 147ti
The Library of Congress prepared this list for use by students interested in learn-
Snlith. \Vhitncs. 7hr 1Lr R,„ F „J !hr i cited Shih 19 75.
ink more about the flay; of the United States. These publications may be found in
school and public libraries.
17rr Smr- Sian(," /rcl Brrluu'r. GG,rnot, .lulrriro,l M itt,,•r. ll,ut,,l 4 filr School,
llolli . and G,nnnunitt /. Compilcd h.% ( -I'- A,lrru Ru., ll, , II. R(tscllian Fine
:Arts SociO%, 1975.
R,�hrcns, Junc.:1 :1'ru• Flrr� f)r a A'ru• Couttr'y: l/rr First A�tliurlrrl F/rr,e::1 Plny. Chi-
honn, Marque• I loopet )'Mu it a (:ltmd (Ml l to \lilss.uik , , \\l ld, .11l Publishing
(;(, 1y1a
eat"o: Childrens Press, 197.5.
•
R, nn, tt, Mubcl R. "....5., Galhrnt/rl Strrultirtti ": "1 /a' .S'tor.1 of Olrl (: /ant; the Ili.ch'
l'nitCl Stab's Alarinc Cut'ps- ll.,u t„ Rec)�erl ,r,,,l / >i�thm r rt„ 1 !,r:� 11'u.hinglon,
D(': Gos crn11rc'nt 1'rintine !!!Five. 196'6,
nl and Proper Use of Our Flag front 1776 to the Present. New fork: Drake,
1974
Waller. Leslie. Our Nesc pork: II"It, liinrhart ;till \\in't�nl. 1MWo.
Bennett, Mabel R. Old Glory. the Story of Our Flag. Largo, FL: Snibbe Publications,
WannamAcr, W \V..1 Story ,/ .1 ntrrn-u1r I7u_c Ir,,m the Brunner, „/ ('„ humhus to
1910.
the, First Fla- of the, .Moon. Culumhm, SC State' Pi intro Co -. 11)7 1,
13lassinKantc, AV}'att. 1'lre .Story of the United States Flag. Champaign, IL: Garrard,
Wcil.:Ann. Brt -s!I Rnsc. Girl „l� Old Philrrdelpilmi. Nc�sv York ALiddin Rooks, 1983.
1969.
Werstein, Irving. 'The, Starr rnrd Stril,r, Ncsc It ark Gchl('n PI(. ", I9W),
I3oc Scouts of America. Broad Stripes and Bright Stars. New York: American Merit-
Williams, Earl P. It hat You Sh„uld i`'t,ac -ut the -I m, it,vnt I la,_ Lanham, '\11):
age Press, 1970.
.11
Ifi:torical Press, VN7.
Cooper, Grace Rogers. Thirteen -star Flags: Keys to Identifiratiorr. Washington:
Smithsonian Institution Press (Smithsonian Studies in history and Technology,
No. 21), 1973.
Crouthers, David. Flags of American History. Maplewood, NJ: Hammond, 1978.
D'Allessandro, Robert. Glory. New York: F.Icphant Publishing, 1973.
Delaplaine, Edward S. John Philip Sousa aid the National Anthem. Frederick, MD:
Great Southern Press, 1983.
Devine, Louise Lawrence. The Story of Our Flag. Chicago: Rand McNally, 1968.
Fradin, Dennis 13. The Flcrg of the United .States. Chicago: Childrens Press, 1988.
Furlong, William Rea. So Proudly Rte Ilail. Washington, DC: Smithsonian Institution
Press, 1981.
Ili%toric American Flags. Worcester, MA: A.J. St. Onge, 1968.
Kadds, Bedford O. Where and Why the American Flag Flies Twenty-four Hours a
Day. New York: Vantage Press, 1977.
C..Key, Francis Scott. The Star .Spangled Balmer. Garden City, NY: Doubleday, 1973.
Library of Congress. American Revolution Bicentennial Office. Tuwlre Flags of the
American Revolution. Washington: Library of Congress Exhibits Office, 197.1.
Lichtenwanger, William. The Music of the Steer- Spangled Brenner from Ludgate Hill
to Capitol hill. Washington: Library of Congress, 1977.
(50) r11 i
AC:KNOWLEllGEMENT
The Joint Committee on Printing exten(Is thanks and apprecia-
tion to the indix idnuls mi(I org.ntirations th;tt contribute(1 their
knowledge to this hooklct.
C
C.
f
"Let the pr,iise, then, if any be due, be given, not to me,
who only dill What I could not help doing, not to the
writer, but to the inspirers of the song!"
(52)
— Francis Scwtt Key
—Ill i "L S,T,7m_S!' :1\�CL'E'l�
by 'Francis Scott .fie}, September 1814
(Suttq to the tune "'To Anacreon in !leaven ")
"O say! can You see, by the clawn's ear(y fight,
`What so proudfy the htaif'd at the w ifiglit's last gleaming'
Whose broad stripes and bright stars, thro' the perifous fight,
O'er the ramparts the thatched were so gaffantIv streaming'
And the rockets' red glare, the bombs burstiriq in air,
Cate proof thro' the night that our flag thou stiff tftert*
O say! dues that Star- Spantgfed `Banter vct thane
O'er the (and of the free and the home of the brahc,
"On the shore, ditnfy seen thro' the mist of t!ie deep,
lVhere the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes,
`What is that which the breeze, o'cr the towering steep,
As it fitfuffy blows, half conceals, haff discloses!'
`N(ow it catches the gleam o f the mombiq's first (leant,
9tt f idl gfoty reflected tong shines in the stream.
"Tis the Star- Spangled 'Batttter. O Fong maY it wave
O'er the fiend of the free amf the home of the brave.
';:4nd where is that band who so hauntingly sWolc,
`-fiat the havoc o awar_W the battle's cottjusiott
A home and a countiy:shouf leave t,• no more'
`Their blood their foul footstep's poffution.
No refuge couhl sale and slave
From the tenor of f�ig�t# ` or-the gloom of the
And the Star- Spatugfed 'Batt'nq,4n triu" A.. ifotFi wave M
;�'Cj the [and of the frees the hotttE O 6T M.
i 74 r
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