The Evolution of the U.S Flag (1777-Present)
Despite not being from a military family, I learned some military customs and U.S. history through ROTC. It is a military high school-college program. One of the things I learned was our flag’s history, customs, and ceremonies.
Some of my favorite flag-related activities in high school were raising and lowering flags every school day, teaching pre-K through elementary students about flag customs, and participating in marching flag ceremonies and competitions.
As the United States prepares to commemorate America250—the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence—I have found myself reflecting on the significance of national symbols such as the U.S. flag. Through my experiences in ROTC, I not only learned about flag etiquette and ceremonial traditions, but also became interested in the history behind the flag itself. Learning how the U.S. flag evolved from the original 13-star design to today's 50-star banner has helped me better understand the nation's historical development and has given me a deeper appreciation for American history, civic responsibility, and national identity.
Flag Day is on June 14! But why?
On June 14, 1777, the Second Continental Congress established our country's first official flag. This was the “Stars and Stripes” flag, designed by Francis Hopkinson.
[Source of the Image: Library of Congress (1907), Goff’s evolution of the American flag]
[Source of the Image: Public Domain]
This technically was the U.S.’s first national flag, a combination of stripes representing the 13 colonies and England’s flag. Though it was replaced a year later.
[Source of the Image: Public Domain]
Created by Francis Hopkinson, this was the first flag designed and adopted by the U.S. It was first carried at the Battle of Brandywine during the American Revolution.
[Source of the Image: Public Domain]
According to her descendants. Betsy Ross was a seamstress and upholsterer who designed numerous U.S. flags. While there is no historical evidence crediting her with this particular flag, her story has been passed down through generations.
[Source of the Image: Public Domain]
This flag was flown over Fort McHenry after a war victory against the British. Francis Scott Key, a prisoner, was inspired to write the Star-Spangled Banner after seeing the flag waving from a distance.
[Source of the Image: Public Domain]
The flag’s colors also have significance:
White: purity and innocence
Red: valor and bravery
Blue: vigilance, perseverance, and justice
If you look at a timeline featuring all the U.S. flags, you will notice that a lot of them look very similar, except for the fact that they have a different number of stars or are arranged differently.
Besides the flag’s extensive history, many rules have been established to ensure it is treated with respect.
Here is a basic guideline to some of those rules:
The flag should not touch the ground (if it does, you do not need to burn it)
The flag should not be displayed at night unless it has a direct source of light
The flag’s stars should be on the left regardless of whether it’s displayed vertically or horizontally.
When displayed with other flags, the U.S. flag should be the highest and in the right position (this depends on how you’re displaying the flag; check out the linked PDF for more information)
Actual flags cannot be used as clothing, but clothes can have “images” or “patterns” of the U.S. flag
Flag ceremonies:
Raising/Lowering:
Ever see flags blowing in the wind on poles outside? Since flags can only be displayed at night if it has a direct source of light, some buildings/organizations raise their flags in the morning and lower them at night.
Untie the rope from the post
Pull one side all the way down until you see the clips to put the flag through
Put the flag on the clips, making sure the stars are on top
Pull the other side of the rope until the flag is all the way up (make sure the U.S. flag is higher than any other flags)
Tie the rope again (make sure it’s tight; wind can easily undo the knot)
Video tutorial: Tutorial: Raising and Lowering the US Flag
Folding:
Fold the flag in half horizontally twice (or more, depending on the size of the flag)
Then into triangles, starting on the end with stripes.
When you are at the last fold, tuck in the extra fabric into the triangle (only the stars should be visible)
Tips:
Make sure the flag doesn’t touch the ground
At least 2 people are required to fold it.
Video tutorial: How to Fold an American Flag
Marching (usually done by military personnel/organizations):
On special occasions, people will carry the U.S. flag plus other flags and march with them. The people who do this usually practice beforehand. Below are a few video examples of these ceremonies.
- Posting of the Colors
- Presenting the Colors
- 2023 CCHS Chaminade Color Guard Competing at US Army JROTC National Championships
👉 🆕🧰Fondren Library Resource
Kelley Center has a new Flag Etiquette Kit to check out! Contact govhelp@rice.edu to request it for your teaching, event, or for more information about it!
Check out our Instagram video featuring Fondren Library staff and student employees demonstrating how to fold the U.S. flag.About the Author Daira Posada is an undergraduate student in Computer Science at Rice University. Through her experiences in ROTC, she developed an interest in U.S. history, flag traditions, and civic education. This post was written as part of the America250@Fondren program.
