The History of the American Flag
The American flag stands a symbol of justice and freedom for over 225 years. Through wars and in the time of peace, the sight of the American flag has paid special notice to foes and assurances to people that democracy lives. The American flag was designed to represent the unions of the 13 original states. It has 13 stripes, 13 stars. Previously each colony had its flags. The declaration of independence made this resolution necessary. In 1818, after some changes in the design, the U.S. Congress decided to retain the flag's original 13 stripes and new starts to reflect every new state that entered the union.
Betsy Ross
She is known for designing and sewing the first American flag. This flag was different from the flags we have today. Her flag consisted of red and white stripes but instead of having 50 stars it had a total of 13 stars making a circle in the blue area. At this time there were only 13 states and each star represented a state just like our 50 stars today represent our 50 states.
Flag Symbolism
In the space below design your own flag that represents you as a person and what you believe in. Give thought to the shapes and the colors used then answer the questions that follow.
Francis Scott Key
Key was inspired while watching the bombing of Ft. Henry and began to write a poem on the back of a letter he had in his pocket.
Pledge of Allegiance
The Pledge of Allegiance is a promise of loyalty to our country and what it stands for. It is recited daily in classrooms all across the United States and even at sports events.
Facts and Etiquette Review
The US Flag may be displayed 24 hours a day only if it is ____________ during the dark hours.
Who Was Francis Scott Key?
Imagine that you have been asked to write a newspaper article about Francis Scott Key and "The Star Spangled Banner".
Betsy Ross and the First Flag
Betsy Ross was the seamstress who made the first flag for the new American nation. Tell the story of the first flag in your own words.
Etiquette
Etiquette means the rules about how you should behave. Etiquette about the American flag means the rules about how to treat the flag and how to display it properly.
Betsy Ross
Betsy trained to be a seamstress as a young girl. She and her first husband opened a sewing shop. Because she was a good seamstress, her cousin George Ross, Robert Morris and George Washington asked her to make the first flag for America.
Pledge of Allegiance
These words have been recited every day by school children and adults alike all across America. The Pledge of Allegiance was written by Francis Bellamy.
The Inside Story
Our red, white, and blue flag is widely recognized as a United States symbol. The flag consists of 50 stars representing the 50 states that have come to form our country.