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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.”