American Flags of Freedom » Flag FAQ

The History of the Pledge of Allegiance

admin — Fri, 28 May 2010 08:28:08 +0000

It was a Baptist minister and Christian Socialist named Francis Bellamy who wrote the original Pledge of Allegiance on 1892. He wanted to express his ideas to Edward Bellamy who was the author to American socialist to the utopian novels entitled Looking Backward and Equality written in 1888 and 1897 respectively. Both of them discussed how the middle class can make equality in terms of political, social and economic aspect, thus there would be a planned economy.

It was September 8 when the Pledge was published on the leading family magazine – The Youth’s Companion. Daniel Ford, the owner and editor of the magazine hired Francis Bellamy in 1891 as his assistant then he later on founded the controversial Ford Hall Forum in downtown Boston.

The following year, Francis Bellamy became chairman of a committee of state superintendents of education and he was the one who organized the program of quadricentennial celebration for Columbus Day of public schools. From then on, the 'Pledge of Allegiance’ has been part of flag raising ceremonies and flag salute in public school programs.

The original pledge was:

'I pledge allegiance to my Flag and (to*) the Republic for which it stands, one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.'

The word ‘equality’ was not included because during that time, the state superintendents of education were not in favor of equality for women and African Americans.

Those words now read:

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.

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What is the significance of a country flag?

admin — Thu, 27 May 2010 19:16:11 +0000

When you try to find the meaning of a flag it usually describes it as ‘a piece of rectangular cloth with distinctive color and design that is used for signaling or identification.’ However, it should be treated as something more than that. The flag represents the whole country so that when somebody sees it, the person would be able to easily distinguish what country that flag represents. As a standard rule, every country needs a flag – without it, the country will be incomplete.

There are a lot of different stories behind a country flag. The only problem is that some appear to be false and completely inaccurate. People even claim specific reasons behind the colors and designs that were put on national flags but they are outright misinformation and have totally no bearing on the current use of the flag. But even if the origin of each country flag is hard to tell, there are still symbols that give forth clear and obvious meanings.

However, it is not really a good idea to assign specific meanings to the flag if you are unsure of what it means because you could be wrong. It’s always good to confirm it by researching or reading further about the history of a certain country. Common designs of flags include stripes, crosses, patterns, bands or quarters.

The country flag is more than just a decorative flag or element. Keep in mind that it stands for the country or nation’s identity and reflect the patriotism of the people of a certain country. All the flags of the world should be treated with high respect and honor.

A guide on buying an American Flag

Tips on cleaning a Nylon American flag

admin — Wed, 26 May 2010 15:47:07 +0000

More and more Americans are showing their patriotism, which is a good thing. They are hanging Nylon American flags on poles, cars, trucks, office buildings and their very own homes. However, flags that are being hung outdoors become easily beaten by different elements in the world outside such as the heat of the sun and the rain. When it’s not taken cared of properly, the result is a soiled flag. So before this happens, know the ways of cleaning it properly and effectively. There are tips that you can follow to do this task right.

1. If your flag is already old and valuable, bring it to the dry cleaners so that they can do the cleaning for you. This is highly advisable for those flags that have other materials that you don’t want to damage such as tassels and ropes.

2. If you are going to wash your flag by hand, try to be extra careful. Here’s a good way on how to wash your flag:

Fill up a wash basin with cool water. You can also use the sink if you don’t have a basin - but you can use basically anything just as long as you can wash the flag there. Just make sure that it’s clean and safe to use because you don’t want to damage the cloth.
You can use laundry soap as long as it’s not too strong for it might affect the vibrant colors of the flag.
Cautiously scrub the fabric by hand and also focus on the part where there is dirt or stain. Prevent the fabric from puckering when you wash it by hand.
After this, you can lay it flat on a clean surface or hang it to let it dry.

3. A stain remover can be used if there are hard to remove dirt or stains on the flag. Just be mindful when you use one because you might apply too much and may affect the color and overall appearance of the flag. It’s also advisable to test of colorfastness first before using a stain remover.

4. Do not use a dryer after washing the flag because it might damage it. You can lay it down on a flat surface and leave it for a few hours to dry.

Choose a good quality Nylon American flag. Nylon is the best choice of fabric if you want it to last long and to stand even the harshest weather conditions.

A guide on buying an American Flag

admin — Wed, 26 May 2010 15:46:43 +0000

If you are thinking of buying an outdoor American flag, there are several things that you have to consider. Of course one very important aspect is that it has to stand even the harshest weather condition. There are some things that you have to put into consideration for quality and care. If you want have a guide in purchasing the best quality American flag, here is a list of the things that you need to check to make sure you are on the right direction.

1. Take a look at the fabric. The best choice would here would be nylon. They are the best fabrics for flags because can fair very well on all sorts of weather conditions. It’s also very light and durable which would be the best choice for outdoor use. This type of fabric also dries up quickly. However, you can also choose to buy polyester that is a lot heavier than nylon and cotton which is the traditional flag fabric but needs extra care to be preserved.

2. Buy from a store that will give you a product guarantee because it’s a proof that they are not selling inferior products. Always ask for this with your flag purchase.

3. There is also a price range when it comes to flags but don’t try to get away from the expensive ones. You usually get what you pay for so when you buy something cheaper, they are the ones that usually wear out quickly. If you don’t want to spend more because you have to replace your flag, then consider buying the best one.

4. The flag comes in various sizes but the most common is the 3x5 American flag. Also consider the height of your flagpole because this is the basis of the size of the American flag that you will purchase.

When you purchase an American flag, you are automatically supporting the U.S. Economy. It’s also a very good way to show support and love for country. Just always keep in mind the instructions on flag care and flag etiquette. Don’t forget the appropriate dates that you might need to display the flag. Don’t fly a tattered, worn or dirty flag to show your care and respect for the American flag. When your flag is tattered, fix it; when it’s dirty, clean it; but if there’s nothing more that you can do about it, you might as well buy a new flag.

The meaning of the colors and design of the American flag

admin — Wed, 26 May 2010 15:46:09 +0000

The meaning of the colors as of the American flag as well as the design came from the Great Seal and it was Charles Thompson, the Secretary of the Continental Congress who commenced the specific representation of each color. This information was also taken from a book published in 1977 by the House of Representatives.

Here are some pointers of what the colors and design signify:

The color white on the vertical stripes signify purity and innocence. The red color means hardiness and valor. The blue broad band beneath the white stars denotes the color of the chief which implies vigilance, perseverance and justice.
Stars symbolize the heavens and at the same time, the divine goal that man aspired to reach from the very start. Stripes symbolize the rays of light that are coming from the sun. This will be discussed further on What the American Flag Stripes Represent.
A gold fringe can be placed on the flag but it is optional. It is considered to be an ‘honorable enrichment’ and was used by the US Army. A quote that further explains that is found on the book called “So Proudly We Hail, the History of the United States Flag” this is written by William R. Furlong and Byron McCandless and was taken from the Smithsonian Institute Press 1981. According to the Institute of Heraldry, this is acceptable for various organizations that use the American flag. However, it is better if the fringe will be placed on indoor flags because they will deteriorate quickly when they are placed outside.

The flag could have a gold trim but it is commonly used on ceremonial flags that are used indoors for special services in a military setting. This one probably has no specific importance but its use should be in compliance with the applicable flag codes and laws.

As the colors of the American flag might vary in an individual’s standpoint and yet it will never lose its essence after decades and even centuries of its existence. It lies in the hearts of the ones who have given it due respect and importance and eventually would have to pass it on the younger generation, and re-live how it was once cherished by their Forefathers who have fought hard to win the battle to acquire the liberty that now has become a privilege of every American.

Who Made the First American Flag?

admin — Wed, 26 May 2010 15:44:30 +0000

The one thing that symbolizes the true meaning of an American is none other than the American flag. We can say that the origin of the American flag is a bit unclear because there are claims that the design has come from the fusion of other different flags which is considered have similarities with the flag itself. It has a high resemblance with British East India Company otherwise known as BEIC and was believed to be based upon the flag although this is also a theory and was never proven to be true. And thus another birth of a conflict took place when it was concluded that it was from the Washington family coat of arms but the idea was also eventually dismissed after sometime.

Another story that they claimed as a historical myth is that the flag was design by Elizabeth Griscom Ross or better known as Betsy Ross right after the Civil War. She was said to be personally commissioned by George Washington. The story was not known if not for her son who claimed after thirty-four years that it was designed by her. The issue about Betsy Ross flag became highly controversial and it was something terribly debated by historians.

Another unofficial flag is the Grand Union Flag. The flag has a rattlesnake and a “Don’t Tread on me” motto was written on it. The Stars and Stripes by Francis Hopkinson is recorded to be approved by the Congress and is considered as the first official national flag. Other flag makers who claim to have a say in the birth of the American Flag are Rebecca Young, Anne King, Cornelia Bridges, and William Barrett.

The origin of the American flag would probably have different legends until now and it has evolved all throughout its existence for over 200 years. All the other versions of stories were not yet verified up to this time. Since the flag evolved for plenty of years and the latest was the addition of stars that represents the states, the latest flag rendition that was used the longest time was with the addition of Hawaii as a State.

What the American Flag Stripes Represent

admin — Wed, 26 May 2010 15:44:15 +0000

The Congress announced last June 14, 1777 that the American flag should constitute of seven red and six white stripes arranged in an alternate order. In addition to that, there are also fifty white stars on top of the large blue band but stars on the American flag also denote a different meaning.

But let’s go back to the thirteen red and white American flag stripes. It’s been said that those stripes represent the original thirteen colonies. It was stated before that one stripe represents one state but if there would be an additional state, a stripe should be added and that’s when the problem comes in. There would be irregularities in the size of the flag and it would not look good when the stripes are adjusted so instead of the stripe, the idea that a star is added came in instead of another stripe.

The thirteen colonies are Province of New Hampshire, Province of Massachusetts Bay, Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, Connecticut Colony, Province of New York, Province of New Jersey, Province of Pennsylvania, Delaware Colony, Province of Maryland, Colony and Dominion of Virginia, Province of North Carolina, Province of South Carolina and Province of Georgia. These colonies were considered to be a part of British America and they are what the American flag stripes represent.

Stripes were also considered to be a symbol of liberty and they were carried out by the Patriots after America declared her independence. Those stripes also mean America’s rebellion against British for many years. The early American flags show only stripes of red and white or red, white and blue and they were given more significance than the other parts of the flag that even mentioned in the National Anthem – “The broad stripes and bright stars.”