The History of our Flag

1. The History of our Flag

2. The first flag for all of the 13 colonies was the Grand Union or Continental Colors.

3. Red represents hardiness and courage. White represents purity and innocence. Blue represents vigilance and justice.

4. The number of stripes is limited to 13 by law. Each star represents a state.

5. The American flag is the most recognizable symbol of freedom, justice, and liberty everywhere.

6. All persons should face the flag, stand at attention, and salute (place hand over heart) when the flag is passing in a parade.

7. When flags of two or more nations are displayed, they are to be flown from separate staffs at the same height.

8. When the flag is on a staff projecting from a building, the union of the flag is placed at the peak of the staff.

9. When the flag is displayed on a speaker’s platform, it should occupy a position of honor at the speaker’s right.

10. When flags are displayed on crossed staffs, the U.S. flag should be on the left as you view them and its staff should be on top.

11. When a number of flags are grouped and displayed from staffs, the U.S. flag should be in the center and at a higher point than the rest.

12. No flag may fly above or to the right of the U.s. flag

13. When the flag is displayed on a wall behind a speaker’s platform, it should be above and behind the speaker.

14. The flag should be raised briskly to the peak and lowered slowly.

15. The flag should never touch the ground or floor.

16. The U.S. flag displayed with the union down is a sign of distress.

17. The flag should never have placed upon it or attached to it any mark, sign, letter, picture, etc.

18. Never use the flag to hold, carry, or deliver anything.

19. An old flag should be destroyed by burning in private respectfully. The VFW will properly dispose of flags for you.