Old Glory. The Stars & Stripes. The Grand Old Flag. The Star-Spangled Banner. The Red, White, and Blue. The American Standard. The United States Flag. These are all nicknames for our American Flag.
Some other, less familiar nicknames for our flag are The Banner, The National Flag, The Colors, The Standard, The Symbol of Freedom, The Patriot’s Flag, The National Ensign, The Emblem, The American Colors, and The Freedom Flag.
Today is Flag Day. A day of national observance to commemorate the adoption of the United States flag by the Second Continental Congress on 14 June 1777.
American flag flying at Willshire Cemetery, Memorial Day 2023
Our American flag is a symbol of freedom, national pride, patriotism, democracy, and unity. It represents our country’s values, history, and people. Our flag is recognized around the world.
In 1885 a Wisconsin schoolteacher urged his students to observe 14 June as Flag Birthday. In 1916 President Woodrow Wilson issued a presidential proclamation establishing a national Flag Day on 14 June. In 1949 Congressional legislation designated 14 June as national Flag Day.
Flag Day is not a national holiday, but many Americans celebrate the day by displaying the flag. Some communities have parades and ceremonies.
In 1777 the Continental Congress adopted a resolution 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 indicating a new constellation. The 13 stars represented each of the 13 colonies. Over time, the number of stars has increased as states were added.
Old Glory has undergone 27 official design changes since is adoption in 1777.
The current American flag design, with 50 stars, has been used since 4 July 1960, after addition of the 50th state, Hawaii.
The red color symbolizes valor and bravery, the white color symbolizes purity and innocence, and the blue color represents vigilance, perseverance, and justice.
Resthaven Memory Gardens, Auglaize County, Ohio. (2014 by Karen)
Our Flag is protected by the U.S. Flag Code, which provides guidelines for its proper display, handling and disposal. The American Flag should be handled with respect and should not touch the ground. It should be illuminated during the dark if flown 24 hours a day. The American flag should be disposed of properly, not discarded in the trash.
The nickname Old Glory originates from a flag owned by 19th-century American sea captain William Driver, who flew the flag during his career at sea and later took it to Nashville, Tennessee.
Old Glory still stands strong, representing our great nation and its values.
Remember to proudly fly your American Flag today and show your national pride.
