The History of the National Flag

The History of the National Flag

The national flag symbolizes the sovereignty and unity of a country. Symbolically, its red shows courage and sacrifice, white stands for purity and innocence, and blue represents vigilance, perseverance and justice. It is used by many nations as their emblem and national symbol. It is usually draped over the head of a monarch or president during ceremonial occasions and at state funerals. The national flag is also used to represent a nation at international sporting events. The most famous example of the national flag in action is the raising of the American flag at Iwo Jima during World War II.

The first official national flag was formally adopted by the Continental Congress on June 14, 1777. It consisted of thirteen stripes, alternate red and white, and a circle of 13 stars on a blue field. The layout of the stars on the blue field was left to the discretion of the individual flag makers, and a wide variety of patterns were used. It was this flag that inspired Francis Scott Key to write the “Star-Spangled Banner” after he saw it flying over Ft. McHenry in Baltimore Harbor after a British bombardment, and it inspired James B. Upham to create the Pledge of Allegiance.

Congress passed a series of Flag Resolutions between 1777 and 1960, changing the shape and design of the national flag and adding new stars and stripes to mark the admission of each new state into the Union. By the time Hawaii became the 50th state, there had been 27 different versions of the national flag.

In a country with a presidential system of government, the president has the authority to decide on the proper way to display the national flag. He may order that it be flown at certain times and places, such as over the White House, on special occasions such as anniversaries of important dates in the nation’s history, and during national emergencies. The president must also consult the Secretary of State before determining whether or not to fly the flag at the United Nations or other international organizations.

Individuals or private organizations may fly the national flag at their homes and offices, but it should not be used for commercial gain or as drapery. The national flag must be displayed only on days and at times that respect its dignity and honor. An oath of allegiance to the national flag is required for those who wish to fly it in school buildings and at educational and sports camps and scout camps.

When the national flag is displayed with another flag of a state or locality, or with flags of societies or pennants of clubs, it should be placed at the highest point of the group. The national flag should be the only flag positioned in advance of any clergyman or speaker when addressed before an audience, and should hold the position of honor on the clergyman’s right as he faces the crowd. The national flag should be the only flag that is raised or lowered during a ceremony of unveiling a statue or monument.

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