American Flags for Sale

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Historically a symbol of freedom, the American flag has carried the message of freedom to a lot of parts of the globe. If you are an American and grew up attending school in the United States, you were taught the lesson of how Betsy Ross sewed together the first American flag in 1776. But how many recall precisely what the stripes, the stars and the colors represent?

Believe it or not, the colors red, white, and blue didn't have any significance when the flag was adopted in 1777. The Continental Congress actually passed a resolution on July 4, 1776 which sanctioned a committee to come up with a seal for the United States of America. That committee was instructed to create a fashion that reflected the Founding Fathers' beliefs of values and independence for the new Nation. It wasn't until the seal was completed and approved on June 20, 1782 that the nationwide colors and symbols on the American flag had any defined meaning. The definition for the flag's style, taken from a book written by the Home of Representatives during that day, is as follows:

* The Stripes - White to denote purity and innocence - Red to signify stamina and valor
* The Area - Blue for vigilance, perseverance and justice
* The Star - -a symbol of the heavens and the divine goal to which man has aspired from day immemorial; the stripe is symbolic of the rays of light emanating from the sun."

In 1777, the number of stripes was congressionally mandated to stand at thirteen to signify the original thirteen colonies, however, designs throughout America still varied greatly. A hero of the War of 1812 and Naval Officer named Samuel Chester Reid got together with New York Congressman Peter H. Wendover in 1818 and initiated a bill to determine uniformity for the style of the American flag. Samuel Reid was the person who actually suggested that stars be added as new states were admitted into the Union. That bill was passed on April 4, 1818.

Over the years, there have been twenty-seven versions of the flag. The modern design dates to July 4, 1960, when Hawaii became the United States of America's 50th state. Here in the United States, the flag is displayed daily in or near government buildings and schools and in countless public areas. It is universal to fly the flag on Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Day, Labor Day and most other U.S. holidays.

Here are some flag etiquette guidelines:

* When the flag is displayed more than the middle of the street, it should be balanced vertically with the union (stars) to the north in an east-and-west street or to the east in a north-and-south street.

* When the flag is displayed from a staff projecting horizontally or at an angle from the window sill, balcony or front of a building, the union should be placed at the peak of the staff unless the flag is at half-staff.

* When flown at half-staff, the flag should be first hoisted to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff position. It should be again raised to the peak prior to it is lowered for the time.

* When the flag is displayed in a mode other than by being flown from a staff, it should be displayed flat. When displayed either horizontally or vertically against a wall, the union should be uppermost and to the flag's right (to the observer's left). When displayed in a window it should be displayed in equal way, with the union to the left of the observer in the street.

* To fold the flag, first fold it in half along the stripes twice. Fold up a triangle, starting at the striped end, and repeat until just the end of the union is exposed. Then, fold down the square into a triangle and tuck inside the folds.

* Never throw a flag in the garbage. For information on how to correctly dispose of a worn flag, contact your area American Legion hall, VFW chapter or Boy Scout troop.

The American flag has been an inspiration to citizens of the United States, since its beginning. Francis Scott Key composed our national anthem, The Star Spangled Banner, after his relief at seeing the American flag flying at dawn following a brutal battle, during the War of 1812. The symbolic raising of this nationwide symbol has marked other moments in United States record. Soldier's lifted the "Colors" to signify victory and determination after the Battle of Iwo Jima; in identical way, the first astronauts to walk on the moon placed "Old Glory" within its powdery surface.

This type of patriotism waned in the late 20th century, but was brought back after tragedy gripped our nation on September 11, 2001. American flags are becoming a hot commodity and displaying "Old Glory" should be conducted with dignity. After that horrific day, citizens rose up and began displaying "Old Glory" all over the land. A wish to perpetuate this newfound pride meant individuals wanted to keep the show up 24 hours a time. In order to maintain respect, the Colors must be properly illuminated.

Our country has seen dark days within its history and latest past, however the enduring resolve of its citizens continues to surprise its foes. The American flag stands for the strength and commitment that is within all the country's citizens.