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  1. Flag of the United States - Wikipedia

    • The first official flag resembling the "Stars and Stripes" was the Continental Navy ensign (often referred to as the Continental Union Flag, first American flag, Cambridge Flag, and Grand Union Flag) used between 1775 and 1777. See more

    Overview

    The national flag of the United States, often referred to as the American flag or the U.S. flag, consists of thirteen horizontal stripes, alternating red and white, with a blue rectangle in the canton bearing fifty small, white, … See more

    History

    The current design of the U.S. flag is its 27th; the design of the flag has been modified officially 26 times since 1777. The 48-star flag was in effect for 47 years until the 49-star version became official on July 4, 1959. Th… See more

    Symbolism

    The flag of the United States is the nation's most widely recognized symbol. Within the United States, flags are frequently displayed not only on public buildings but on private residences. The flag is a common m… See more

    Design

    The basic design of the current flag is specified by 4 U.S.C. § 1 (1947): "The flag of the United States shall be thirteen horizontal stripes, alternate red and white; and the union of the flag shall be forty-eight stars, whit… See more

    Display and use

    The flag is customarily flown year-round at most public buildings, and it is not unusual to find private houses flying full-size (3 by 5 feet (0.91 by 1.52 m)) flags. Some private use is year-round, but becomes widespread on civic holi… See more

    Folding for storage

    Though not part of the official Flag Code, according to military custom , flags should be folded into a triangular shape when not in use. To properly fold the flag:
    1. Begin by holding it waist-high with another per… See more

    Use in funerals

    Traditionally, the flag of the United States plays a role in military funerals, and occasionally in funerals of other civil servants (such as law enforcement officers, fire fighters, and U.S. presidents). A burial flag is drap… See more

     
  1. flag of the United States of America - Encyclopedia …

    Oct 24, 2024 · The first official national flag, formally approved by the Continental Congress on June 14, 1777, was the Stars and Stripes. That first Flag Resolution read, in toto, “Resolved, that the flag of the United States be thirteen stripes, …

  2. Short History of the United States Flag - American Battlefield Trust

  3. Flag Timeline - US History

    Jan 3, 2011 · A timeline of the evolution and development of the official U.S. flag over the course of U.S. History.

  4. List of flags of the United States - Wikipedia

  5. Star-Spangled Banner - Smithsonian Institution

  6. The Real Story Behind the Star-Spangled Banner, the …

    Jul 1, 2024 · How the flag that flew proudly over Fort McHenry in September 1814 made its way to the Smithsonian. A 1914 photo of the Star-Spangled Banner undergoing conservation in the Smithsonian Castle ...

  7. History of the American Flag | A Capitol Fourth - PBS

  8. The Mysterious Origins of the American Flag - HISTORY

    Jun 13, 2012 · Learn how the first American flag was created in 1777 by the Continental Congress, and how its design and meaning evolved over time. Explore the legends and controversies surrounding the flag's origins and its …

  9. Facts about the United States Flag | Smithsonian …

    Learn about the history and evolution of the U.S. flag, from 13 stripes and stars to 50 stars. See the dates and states that were added to the union and the flag.