Flag Store

 The history of the U.S. flag is a story of evolving symbolism, reflecting the nation’s growth, values, and identity. Below is a concise overview of its development:Origins and Early Designs

• Pre-Revolutionary Flags: Before the American Revolution, colonists used various flags, like the Pine Tree Flag or the Gadsden Flag, often reflecting regional or militia identities. The Union Jack was common due to British rule.
• First National Flag (1775-1777): The Continental Colors, or Grand Union Flag, emerged during the Revolution. It had 13 alternating red and white stripes (for the colonies) and the British Union Jack in the canton, symbolizing colonial unity but not yet independence.
• Flag Act of 1777: On June 14, 1777, the Second Continental Congress passed a resolution: “Resolved, That the flag of the United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new Constellation.” This vague description led to varied designs, as no specific arrangement for the stars was mandated. The colors were later attributed symbolic meanings: red for valor, white for purity, and blue for justice.

Evolution of the Flag

• Early Variations (1777-1795): Flags had 13 stars and stripes, but star arrangements varied (circles, rows, or scattered). The “Betsy Ross flag” with a circle of 13 stars is iconic but not definitively historical.
• 15-Star, 15-Stripe Flag (1795-1818): After Vermont and Kentucky joined the Union, the Flag Act of 1795 increased the flag to 15 stars and 15 stripes. This “Star-Spangled Banner” inspired Francis Scott Key’s 1814 poem during the War of 1812, when it flew over Fort McHenry. Its 15 stripes became unwieldy as more states joined.
• Return to 13 Stripes (1818): With 20 states by 1818, Congress passed the Flag Act of 1818, fixing the stripes at 13 (for the original colonies) and adding one star per new state, to be updated on July 4 following admissions. This set the modern framework.

The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag: “I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the 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 not in uniform men should remove any non-religious 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. Members of the Armed Forces not in uniform and veterans may render the military salute in the manner provided for persons in uniform.