British vs. American flag. Part 2

Old Glory, Stars and Stripes, the Star-Spangled Banner... From its inception the American flag has been an important flag of the American nation’s history. Survived in over 200 years, the flag has evolved physically and symbolically in times of crisis and achievement. The American flag is a symbol known worldwide. It has been an inspiration for holidays, songs, poems, books, artwork, and so much more. It’s been used to show nationalism, rebellion and everything in between. The flag  is so important that its history tells the story of America itself. It symbolizes American freedom, dignity and the true meaning of being and American. It’s been with Americans through war times, sad times, but also times of great joy and triumph.

The flag went through many changes before it became the flag that we all know today. Actually, it took a very long time from June 14^th of 1777 until July 4^th of 1960 that flag has been shrouded in legend and mystery for many years. Did Betsy Ross truly design the first American flag? Did the colours really stand for something significant?

One of the most famous rumours is that Betsy Ross first designed and created the American flag. However, this cannot be proven true or false. The story goes that her great- great- grandson heard the story directly from her that George Washington commissioned her to design and create the first American flag. Nevertheless, that might not be the full truth. 

More than likely, George Washington hired a group of people to commission, design and create the first American flag. Francis Hopkinson is also given credit for designing the first American flag. Unfortunately, we may never know because there are no documents stating whether or not Betsy Ross or Francis Hopkinson or even George Washington created the first American flag. 

This is what the first American flag looked like. It was flown on January 1^st 1776 for the first time. The 13 white stars represented 13 colonies. It is on a blue background that represents vigilance, perseverance and justice. There are 13 red and white stripes. The white represents purity and innocence, and red stands for hardiness and valor.

1795-1818

You’ll notice this flag looks a little bit different. It has 15 stripes and 15 stars. As the United States was expanding, new states needed to be added and represented in the American flag. Originally, the idea was to add a stripe for every state. Can you imagine what the flag would now look like if we have 50 stripes and 50 stars? 

This flag is referred to as the Civil War flag. During this time period there were 30 states, so there are 30 stars in the flag. However, there are only 9 stripes. No one is really sure why the flag of this era only has nine stripes. Historians do say that they think that it was due to the loss of material and not enough fabric available to have all 13 stripes, but no one’s entirely positive why there are only 9 stripes on this flag.

This flag should look extremely familiar. It’s much similar to what we now consider the American flag for 50 stars and 13 stripes. However, if you count the stars there are only 48. This is the flag seen for a very long time before Hawaii and Alaska were added as the last 2 states to make up the American now current 50 stars and 13 stripes. 

Throughout the years of American history, the American flag has changed repeatedly. These are just some of the examples of the different flags that America has flown. 

The American flag has changed a lot over the years, but one thing remains the same. Although different than the original 13, these Stars and Stripes continue to inspire and bring together the nation.

Let's take a look at how American flag was changing throughout the history of the country...

What else should you know?

Ø      The United States Congress dedicated Flag Day June 14^th through Independence Day July 4^th as 21 days to honour America.

Ø      Nicknames for the flag include:

• Stars and Stripes
• Old Glory
• Star-Spangled Banner.

Ø      The last star (state) to be added to the current design (the 27th version) of the American Flag was added in 1960, it represents the state of Hawaii.

Ø      There is a special flag code that details the use and care of the American Flag. This U.S. federal law document sets the standards in the way the American Flag should be used, displayed, folded and even disposed of!

Ø      Part of the United States Code states that if the American Flag is left up for 24 hours a day it must be illuminated, if this is not possible it should be taken down at sunset.

With this interesting note, I finish the part devoted to the history of the British and American

flags.

Thank you for reading! :-)