It’s the symbol of our country, but how much do you really know about the history of the stars and stripes? Challenge your friends with these fun flag facts.

1. There was no uniform design or shape to the U.S. flag until an executive order of June 24, 1912. Consequently, flags dating prior to this period sometimes show somewhat odd arrangements and shapes of stars.

2. The original flag, with thirteen stars representing the original thirteen colonies was used from 1777 until 1795.

3. New stars are added to the flag on the July 4th following the admission of each new state.

4. The white on the flag signifies purity and innocence; the red, hardiness and valor; and the blue, vigilance perseverance, and justice.

5. The five-pointed star, used on the American flag, was relatively rare until its use in 1777. It has since been used on many flags around the world.

6. On Memorial Day, it is proper to fly the flag at half-staff until noon in honor of America’s fallen service men and women.

7. “The Star-Spangled Banner,” written by Francis Scott Key, actually has four verses. Who knew?

8. Originally, a new star and a new stripe were to be added for each new state, but at fifteen, it was starting to get impractical and the stripes went back to thirteen, signifying the original thirteen colonies.

9. American citizens can purchase flags that have flown over the Capital building by applying to their Congressman or Congresswoman.

10. The original “Star-Spangled Banner,” that flew over Fort McHenry, was made by Mary Pickersgill of Baltimore, Maryland in 1813. It measured 30 by 42 feet and she was paid $405.90 for her efforts

By
Sandy Mitchell