The American Flag

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The American Flag

After July 4th, 1776, the people of the colonies felt the need of a national flag to symbolize their new spirit of unity and independence. On the afternoon

of June 14th,1777, Congress passed a resolution that “the flag of the United States be 13 stripes. Alternate the red and white, that the union be 13 stars, white in a blue field.”

The stars in our flag represent the fifty states. No one star represents any

particular state. The stripes in the flag stand for the thirteen original colonies. The stripes were probably adopted from the flag of the Sons of Liberty. It had five red and four white stripes.

On our American flag, the white signifies purity and innocence. The red color means hardiness and bravery. Blue expresses courage, vigilance (alertness), perseverance (never giving up), and justice.

The American flag has produced different reactions in people. Here are some people’s opinions; President Woodrow Wilson expressed in 1917. “This flag, which we honor and under which we serve, is the emblem of our unity, our power, our thoughts and purpose as a nations.” John Lindsey, former New York

City mayor, once said, “The flag stands for the right to believe what you want and speak as you must. Its design conveys its real meaning. There wouldn’t be individual stars and individual stripes if we were all suppose to think the same.”

Former Senator Robert Winthrop said, “So when you see the flag, I just hope you remember the blood, sweat, and tears that men have gone through to keep our country free.”

In the 1976 revision of the flag code by Congress, the symbolism of the United States Flag is considered to be a living symbol representing a living country. The flag represents the many freedoms, rights and responsibilities not entrusted to the citizens of any other country in the world.

To veterans throughout American history, the Stars and Stripes have served as a symbol of their service, and as a continuing testimony that the service was worthwhile. During a military funeral, the flag draping the casket embraces the service man or woman who devoted their life.

In conclusion, flags are the most important symbols that nations have. The flag’s meaning is in the mind of those who look at it. People love it or hate it, fight for it or tear it to shreds.

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