Here at the Life Chest, we are excited to celebrate Flag Day on June 14th ! It is important that we honor the most important symbol of our country, one that represents us as a nation and as people. People across the United States celebrate Flag Day on June 14th each year to honor the United States flag and to commemorate the flag’s adoption. On the same day, the United States Army celebrates its birthday.
Raising the Flag at Iwo Jima
On June 14, 1777, the Continental Congress replaced the British symbols of the Grand Union flag with a new design. That design was the original American Flag. Today the flag has evolved, with it including 50 stars for each state of the United States of America, and 13 stripes that represent the thirteen British colonies that declared independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain.
The American flag, also nicknamed as “Old Glory” or “star-spangled banner”, has changed designs over the centuries. The white included in the American flag symbolizes purity and innocence, the red is for valor and hardiness, and the blue represents vigilance, perseverance, and justice.
Here are 5 Fun Facts About the American Flag!1. There have been 27 official versions of the American flag, each with a different amount of stars
2. When Alaska and Hawaii become states 49 and 50, President Eisenhower received thousands of ideas for an updated flag. Robert G. Heft, a 17-year old high school student from Ohio, submitted his version that he created for a class project, and it was accepted and remains in use today. Can you believe that Robert got a B- on his project?
3. Betsy Ross was a seamstress who made clothes for George Washington. In June of 1776, Washington approached her to make the first American flag, and the rest is, well, history.
4. Of the six American flags that are planted on the moon, five of them are still standing. Which one is not? The first one, planted by Neil Armstrong during the Apollo 11 mission.
5. According to the U.S. Flag Code website, when the American flag is flown at night it must be illuminated; it should never be flown in bad weather; it can only be flown upside down to signal distress; it must be raised quickly and lowered slowly; and no other flag can be placed above it. The flag should be flown during school days in or near every school building. It’s a myth that the flag must be burned if it touches the ground. The flag must be burned if it’s damaged and is no longer suitable for flying.