• A Tribute to the United States Flag

    The United States Flag is one of the most recognizable images in the world, standing tall for freedom, democracy and American pride.  The US flag consists of 13 red and white horizontal stripes and a blue rectangle in the upper left corner with 50 white five-pointed stars. The American flag is typically flown at public buildings, such as government offices, churches and schools, but is also commonly displayed at businesses and private homes. The US flag took on increased importance in the days, weeks and months following 9/11 and remains a national symbol of pride as our troops work hard to preserve our freedoms at home and overseas.

    At UnitedStatesFlags.com, we pay tribute to the American Flag, its rich history, its meanings and its place in American life. We’ll tell you how the U.S. flag has evolved over time, the symbolism behind our flag’s design and you’ll teach you about proper flag etiquette. We’ll give you links to the United States Flag Code and other historical documents that will deepen your understanding and respect for our national symbol. We’ll also tell you what’s happening in current news regarding the flag and where you can buy US flags at great prices.

Featured Articles About the US Flag

  • When to Display the American Flag

    The American flag should be displayed on all days, but especially on holidays. Displaying the US flag reminds us that we are fortunate to live in America, where freedom reigns and anything is possible! Here’s the official list of flag holidays: New Year’s Day, January 1; Inauguration Day, January 20; Lincoln’s Birthday, February; Washington’s Birthday, third Monday in February; Easter Sunday (variable); Mother’s Day, second Sunday in May; and Armed Forces Day, third Saturday in May. Other flag-flying holidays include:

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    | December 3, 2011 | 0 Comments

  • The Story of Betsy Ross

    Betsy RossIt’s a story many of us read about in grade school. In May of 1776, on a swelteringly hot day in Philadelphia, three men walked purposefully along the cobblestones toward a small house on Arch Street. Just a few days before, these men had been appointed to a special task by the fledgling U.S. Congress, and they were now carrying out their commission.

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    | November 27, 2011 | 0 Comments

U.S. Flag-Related Videos

U.S. Flag-Related Videos
  • Occupy Wall Street Protesters Defacing the US Flag

    Occupy Wall Street protesters deface an American Flag in violation of the US Flag Code

  • The United States National Anthem

    A wonderful video featuring the Star Spangled Banner and historic patriotic images.

  • American Veteran Removes US Flag from beneath Mexican Flag

    Jim Brossard, a proud veteran, was so offended by the unlawful display of the American flag beneath the Mexican flag in Reno, Nevada that he cut it down.

Recent Articles

US Flag Retirement

| January 1, 2012 | 0 Comments

While most of us know never to dispose of a tattered U.S. flag by throwing it in the garbage, many are unaware of the most appropriate way in which to retire a U.S. flag that is no longer fit to serve as a symbol of our country. On Dec. 22, 1942, the 77th Congress approved Public Law 829. This gave official sanction to most of the provisions of the Flag Code, the set of rules of civilian flag courtesy first formulated by the National Flag Conference in 1923, including the Flag Code § 176(k) on disposal of unserviceable flags.

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Proper U.S. Flag Care

| December 24, 2011 | 0 Comments

A torn, tattered American flag is not fit to serve as a symbol of our proud nation. Keep your flag in good repair and flying for a longer time with the following flag care tips:

  • For best results, only display flags made specifically for exterior use outdoors. A good choice might be Tough-Tex American Flags, which are engineered for durability.
  • Exposing your U.S. flag to rain, snow or abnormally high winds is not recommended.
  • Don’t fold or roll-up a damp or wet flag. If your flag becomes wet, spread it out and allow it to completely dry before flying it.
  • Clean your flag regularly, to prevent soil and discoloration from dirt, smoke, dust and other airborne contaminants from setting in the fabric.
  • Outdoor flags can be hand-washed with cold water and a mild soap, then thoroughly rinsed and spread out to dry.  Do not allow flags to stand in water too long to avoid color transfer onto white stripes.
  • Professional dry cleaning is recommended for indoor/parade flags. Incidentally, some establishments will clean Old Glory free of charge.
  • Do not hang the flag where the wind will whip it against rough surfaces, tree branches, wires, cables, etc. Small tears can soon result in a tattered flag.
  • Keep pole surfaces clean! Heavy dirt, rust, scale and corrosion can damage your flag.
  • Inspect your flag fabric or thread breaks which may occur in the end farthest from the pole (the fly end). Trimming off and re-hemming torn or frayed ends will help extend your flag’s life.

For large flag owners (12 x 18 ft and larger), you may want to purchase two flags and rotate them regularly.  Tests have shown that flag fibers actually benefit from periodic “rest”. In addition, you won’t be without a flag while the other is being cleaned or repaired. Proper flag etiquette, including a prohibition on flying tattered, faded or soiled flags is outlined in the U.S. Flag Code.

Check out the huge selection of US flags at AmericanFlags.com – American’s largest online flag retailer.

Pledge of Allegiance

| December 17, 2011 | 0 Comments

“I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”

The Pledge of Allegiance of the United States is an expression of loyalty to the American Flag  and the United States of America. It was originally composed by Baptist Minister Francis Bellamy in 1892 and formally adopted by Congress as the U.S. pledge in 1942. The Pledge has been modified four times since its composition, with the most recent change adding the words “under God” in 1954.

The US Supreme Court has found that students can’t be compelled to stand for the pledge, but the pledge of allegiance is typically recited in schools, before government meetings and civic events. It is often accompanied by a salute to the United States Flag.

Battle Hymn of the Republic Lyrics

| December 3, 2011 | 0 Comments

 

Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord
He is trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored,
He has loosed the fateful lightning of His terrible swift sword
His truth is marching on.

Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
His truth is marching on.

I have seen Him in the watch-fires of a hundred circling camps
They have builded Him an altar in the evening dews and damps
I can read His righteous sentence by the dim and flaring lamps
His day is marching on.

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United States Flag Code

| November 27, 2011 | 0 Comments

The laws relating to the flag of the United States of America are found in detail in the United States Code. Title 4, Chapter 1 pertains to the flag; Title 18, Chapter 33, Section 700 regards criminal penalties for flag desecration; Title 36, Chapter 3 pertains to patriotic customs and observances. These laws were supplemented by Executive Orders and Presidential Proclamations.

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