Flags of America

The Three County Troop Flag

In 1659 a troop was organized in the counties of Middlesex, Suffolk and Essex, Massachusetts, known as the Three County Troop. Organized initially for service in the King Phillip's war, the unit was maintained for a number of years after that bloody conflict was over.

This troop had a flag which must be recognized as one of the first colonial flags on the American continent. Its outstanding feature was an arm extending out of the clouds with a dagger in the hand. The spelling of the words in the scroll has not been accounted for. Early authorities attribute them to a misspelling of the troop’s designation and let it go at that. The original of this flag is said to be in England.

History does not state when the Three County Troop was disbanded, but more than a hundred years after it used its flag, we find another historic flag of America with the same distinguishing characteristics—an arm coming out of clouds with a dagger in the hand, and the same colors prevailing. This was the famous Bedford Flag.

The Bedford Flag

When the Minute Men of Bedford, Massachusetts rushed to Lexington on that fateful day of April 19. 1775, to oppose the British Regulars, they carried the Bedford flag, and to it must be accorded the honor of being the first flag of the American Revolution to receive a baptism of hostile fire.

The two flag, the Three County Troop Flag and the Bedford Flag, tie together closely in both type and history. Despite the fact that a hundred years separate them, it may well he considered that the Bedford banner is the lineal descendent of the Three County Troop Flag of King Phillip's War fame.

The words “Vince aut Morire” on the scroll translate “Conquer or Die” which was the spirit of the brave Minute Men w ho fought the British Regulars out of Boston all the wav through Lexington and Concord and fired the shot “heard around the world.”

This historic flag has been carefully preserved. It now occupies an honored place in the collection of relics of the Historical Society at Bedford. Massachusetts.

The Taunton Flag

In the beginning the complete separation of the colonies from the Mother country was not the dominant idea. The colonists considered that they had been imposed upon and treated unfairly by the King of England and his counsellors. Their initial contentions were for a redress of these wrongs, and when it was not forthcoming the idea of complete separation and finally independence was evolved.

Up to about 1774 the flags in use in the colonies were naturally those of Great Britain. These were the King’s Colors, the British Red Ensign, and the white flag with only the red cross of St George as the dominant emblem. Based on these there was developed a series of colonial flags which picture the trend of the times, the temper of the people, and the spirit of ’76.

One of the first of the series was the Taunton Flag, which was the British Red Ensign with the magic watch-word LIBERTY inscribed across the lower part of the field in large white block letters.

The St. George Cross Red Ensign

As the feeling against the Mother country became more intense, the Taunton Flag with the Grand Union Flag of Great Britain in the Canton proved to be too British for some of the members of the patriotic organizations of New England which later became the nucleus of the American Army.

In order to get farther away from the British influence in their flag the St. George Cross Red Ensign was devised. This banner retained the red of the British Red Ensign in the field and replaced the Grand Union with only the Cross of St. George, the emblem under which the Cabots sailed on their voyages to the New World.

Another flag of this period eliminated the Cross of St. George which left it with a pure white canton. In still another flag of this type the color of the field was changed to dark blue but the flag designers retained the cross of St George in the canton. All of this indicates how very difficult it was to get away from British emblems entirely.

The Newbury Flag

Another attempt was made to eliminate British influence in the colonial banner. It was found in the flag which was brought into the service by the Newbury. Mass., contingent which formed a part of the colonial armv. Here the designers changed the field to green, the color of the forests which covered the hills and dales of New England, and a color which is entirely foreign to those found in a British flag.

That these hardy pioneers only partially succeeded in their endeavors is evidenced by the fact that they still retained in the canton of their banner the red cross of St George, that distinctive symbol which had graced the flag of England for hundreds of years and which formed the central emblem when the old English flag was combined with the Scottish flag in 1606 to form the Grand Union or King’s Colors.

It is apparent that even at this time the patriots were unwilling to give up all connection with the flag under which they were born, and under which their forefathers tame to the New World.

Linked Hand Flag

When all British emblems were entirely eliminated from the canton of the colonial flag it was found most difficult to devise a symbol which was emblematic of the union of the 13 colonies, and which was at once simple, tasteful, and inspiring.

One of the devices suggested and embodied in a banner was that included in the Linked Hand Flag. Here 13 hands arranged in a circle with the fingers pointing towards the center, grasped as many links of an endless chain.

This device for the first time symbolized in a flag the unity of thought, and the purpose of the American colonies. It fore-shadowed the motto of the United States as it was finally adopted-“E Pluribus Unum”-United We Stand.

A variation of the design included the hands issuing from the heavens with the hands incased in mail, and a (line tree, the emblem of New England, in the center.

The Linked Hand Flag passed on when the stripes of alternate red and white were adopted to symbolize the 13 colonies.

The Bunker Hill Flag

As the feeling against the English ruler and his counsellors became more and more crystalized in the New England colonies there was a determination to get further away from British influence in the colonial banners. This is evidenced by the change in the color of the field of the Bunker Hill Flag to blue. But it was difficult to find a suitable emblem for inclusion in the canton of the flag and the red cross of St. George was retained there.

About this time the pine tree, which had been used for a number of years as emblematic of the sterling qualities of the sturdy manhood of New England, appeared on the flags of the Colonists and one was placed in the upper quarter of the canton next to the staff.

The flag, which was one of the first to include the pine tree, must be recognized as one of those carried by the American colonial troops who opposed the British Regulars at the Battle of Bunker Hill. June 17,1775.

The Continental Flag

With the appearance of the Continental Flag British emblems were entirely eliminated from the Colonial Banner for the first time. In its original form it had a red field and a plain white canton.

A pine tree on a white ground was symbolic of many qualities conspicuous in the lives of our New England ancestors. Simple, austere, and bearing withal a stately dignity, it fittingly expressed the ideas and trends of the times. It proclaimed the patriot's love for his homeland with its pine-clad hills. And so it was that the pine tree emblem came into general use and one was placed in the canton of the Continental Banner. It thus became one of the series of the Pine Tree Flags.

It is claimed that the Continental Flag with a red field and the pine tree on the white canton, was one of the banners carried by the American troops, who, on that memorable day of June 17,1775, fought it out with British Regulars on the grassy slopes of Bunker Hill.

The Pine Tree Flag

In 1775 some floating batteries were constructed and launched in Boston Bay for service against the British who occupied the City of Boston. The Pine Tree Flag of New England floated over them.

This Pine Tree Flag was the banner carried by the infant American Navy which consisted of a fleet of six ships which were denominated “Washington’s Cruisers.” It was also the flag carried by the “Franklin” under the command of Captain Samuel Tucket, who rendered signal services to the colonies. Thus this Pine Tree Flag may be accepted as the first ensign of the American sea forces in New England.

The solemn motto inscribed on the flag first appeared in a resolution of the Provincial Congress of Massachusetts adopted shortly after the battle of Lexington and Concord and addressed to the British Sovereign, which concluded with the words, “Appealing to Heaven for the justice of our cause, we determine to die or be free.” It characterizes the quiet firmness with which our forefathers resolved to claim the birthright of freedom and to fight for it if needs be.

The Liberty Tree Flag

The “Sons of Liberty,” a strong colonial organization in Boston, held their meetings under the spreading limbs of a stately old elm tree which stood in Hanover Square. This historic tree became an emblem of the colonists and we find it on one of their flags, together with a slight variation of the appeal that was placed on the Pine Tree Flag.

Under the shade of the Liberty Tree the Sons of Liberty held a meeting in the late afternoon of the day of the Boston Tea Party, when the cargo of British tea was thrown into the bay. General Gage connected the two incidents and ordered the tree cut down. This was done by British soldiers. It furnished about 14 cords of wood which was burned in Old South Meeting House, then occupied by the British Army as a riding school.

The destruction of this venerable tree fanned into flame the very embers that Gage hoped to extinguish, and gave rise to the founding of the Liberty Tree Flag.

The Gadsden Flag

The rattlesnake flags were the product of the southern colonics. One of the first of these was the Gadsden Flag, devised by Colonel Christopher Gadsden. a patriot of South Carolina, and presented to Congress with the expressed desire that it be designated as the flag of the Commander of the American Navy. Congress thanked him for the idea but declined to incorporate it into law.

It is claimed that the Gadsden Flag was flow n on the “Alfred” as the personal banner of Commander Esek Hopkins, Commander of the American Navy.

The words “Don't Tread on Me” were evolved from an incident of the times. Lord North had declared that he would never relax his coercive measures until he had brought America to his feet. The sentence is an answer to his Highness and a warning as well. It said, that should he accomplish his purpose, it would be as dangerous to tread on America as it would be to tread on her symbol - the American rattler.

The Culpepper Flag

The Culpeper Minute-Men were a unit of a regiment of infantry organized in Virginia in the latter part of 1775, and commanded by Patrick Henry. Their flag bore the rattlesnake emblem of the south, accompanied by its warning motto, together with the stirring words of their illustrious commander, “Liberty or Death,” which were a part of his historic speech in the House of Burgess of the Colony of Virginia.

The Culpeper Minute-Men were as distinctive as their banner. They wore green hunting shirts with “Liberty or Death” in white letters on the bosom. In their belts they carried the scalping knife and the tomahawk of the Indian warrior.

The use of the rattlesnake as an American emblem grew out of the practice of emptying the prisons of England and sending the inmates to America as colonists. Some stout-hearted patriot of the day made bold to suggest that a cargo of perfectly good rattlers be sent over to the mother country and liberated in St James Park and other pleasure resorts, as a return compliment

The Pine Tree---Rattlesnake Flag

The distinctive emblem of the New England colonies was the Pine Tree, which was incorporated into their flags in a variety of ways. That of the southern colonies was the Rattlesnake which was also given a prominent place in the banners of the southland.

When the military and naval forces of the south and the north joined together in cooperation against the British they took on the aspect of a national force. It was then that an attempt was made to devise a flag which would be emblematic of the unity of thought and purpose of the united colonies.

The result was the Pine Tree-Rattlesnake Flag which retained on it both of the emblems, the Pine Tree of New England and the Rattlesnake of the south, together with the distinctive mottoes. "All Appeal to God” and “Don't Tread on Me” which had been used on each of these banners. In the flag thus evolved the rattlesnake lay coiled around the trunk of a pine tree ready to strike.

The Connecticut Flag

The colony of Connecticut sent her troops to the colonial Army under the folds of her state Flag. On this banner was emblazoned the Great Seal of the Commonwealth which dates back to 1656. The background was in a variety of colors designed for the purpose of identifying the regiments by the color of its standard.

When Lief Ericson came to the New World in A. D. 1000 under the Raven Flag of the Vikings he found quantities of wild grapes growing on the north shore of Long Island Sound, and named the new country Vinland. Connecticut records this historic occasion by including three fruit-bearing grape vines on the Great Seal of the State, which are designed to symbolize the three original “plantations” of the Colony-Hartford, Windsor and Weathers- field.

The motto “Qui Transtulit Sustinet” emblazoned on the banner in letters of gold, freely translated means “He who brought us here sustains us.” Thus with beautiful simplicity the motto bears perpetual witness to the faith in our Fathers.

The Moultrie Flag

The Moultrie Flag floated over the ramparts of Fort Sullivan at Charleston, South Carolina, when the British fleet of nine ships, under the command of Sir Peter Parker, attacked on June 28, 1776.

A shot carried away the flagstaff of the fort and the blue banner fell outside the parapet. Braving a storm of shot Sergeant William Jasper leaped through a gun embrasure, recovered the flag, mounted the breastwork, and stood holding the emblem aloft until another support could be improvised. A sponge staff was passed up to him. He fastened the flag to it, drove the staff into the parapet, and leaped to safety within the Fort, exclaiming, “We can not fight without a flag.”

With a loss of more than 200 killed and wounded, among whom was their commander, the British fleet withdrew under cover of darkness. This day marked the first defeat of a British naval force over a period of years. The victory saved the

The Moultrie Liberty Flag

The Moultrie Flag, which was the first distinctively American flag used by the Colonial Army in the far south, was sometimes embellished by having the word “LIBERTY” inscribed on it in large white block letters. The word was of the same type used by the Yew Englanders on their Taunton flag. It thus reflected the spirit of the times, and the hopes and aspirations of the colonists of the South.

For his act of signal bravery in rescuing the Moultrie Flag at Fort Sullivan. Governor Rutledge of South Carolina, presented his own sword to Sergeant William Jasper, and offered him a commission in a South Carolina regiment of infantry. This latter he modestly declined with the statement that he was content to serve his country in the ranks, where he believed he belonged, am) this he continued to do.

Sergeant Jasper was killed during the assault by the British on Savannah, October 9, 1779. The South has not forgotten him for there are many counties, towns parks and buildings named in his honor in the southland.

The Rhode Island Flag

In the early days of the American Revolution the troops from several of the colonies which composed Washington’s Army carried their own colonial banners with them into the military service. Those from the colony of Rhode Island carried the white flag of that commonwealth with its distinctive symbol This consisted of a blue anchor, adopted in 1647, with a scroll above it which carries the motto “Hope,” which was added in 1664. This was the Great Seal of the Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, that was in use at the time of the Revolution and which has been maintained intact up to the present time.

This historic device symbolizes those principles of civil and religious liberty which led to the founding of the colony and in which the faith of the people was so deeply anchored. The motto “Hope” on the scroll directs the mind to the uncertain future and anticipated the growing prosperity of the colony and the perpetuity of its institutions.

The Grand Union Flag

As the colonial forces took on a national aspect it became necessary to provide a national flag for them.

Out of this situation came the Grand Union or Cambridge Flag with its field of thirteen alternate red and white stripes, which symbolized the union of the 13 colonies, and the King’s Colors in the canton. While the banner was only half American, it expressed the thought of the times and the political situation in the colonies, which at that time still acknowledged their allegiance to Great Britain. The colonists wanted only justice and their rights as Englishmen. They were united in their determination to secure them and to fight for them if necessary.

The Grand Union Flag was raised at Cambridge, January 2, 1776. by General Washington, and given a salute of 13 guns. The occasion marked the beginning of our National existence. It continued to be the flag of the Revolution until the adoption of the Stars and Stripes by an Act of the Continental Congress, June 14,1777.

The Stars and Stripes

“Resolved that the flag of the thirteen states be thirteen stripes alternate red and white, that the union be thirteen stars, white on a blue field, representing a new constellation.” With these simple words Congress created the American Flag on June 14,1777.

The stripes came from the field of the Grand Union Flag and were presumably taken from the Washington coat of arms. It is probable that the stars were also taken from that emblem, and changed to white for color harmony. It is generally conceded that General Washington had a hand in designing this flag and it is fair to assume that the idea of the stars originated with him.

The first Stars and Stripes displayed in the face of an armed enemy was at Fort Stanwix, August 3, 1777. The Flag was improvised. The white stripes and stars came from the soldier’s shirts; a captain’s cloak supplied the blue of the union; and the red stripes came from the flannel petticoats of the women of the garrison, who gladly donated them for the purpose.

First Navy Stars and Stripes

The Resolution of the Continental Congress which established the Stars and Stripes on June 14, 1777, did not specify the arrangement of the 13 stars on the blue union, except to say that they should represent a new constellation, and as a consequence we find a variety of forms. The first Army flag popularly known as the Betsy Ross Flag, had them arranged in a circle, based on the idea that no colony should take precedence.

The first Navy stars and stripes had the stars arranged in staggered formation in alternate lines and rows of threes and twos on the field of blue. A close inspection of this arrangement of the stars shows a distinct outline of the diagonal X-shaped cross of St. Andrew, which has the emblem on the old Scottish flag, and the cross of St. George of the English flag. This indicates how very difficult it was for the colonists, even at this late date, to break away entirely from the British flag under which they were born and had lived all the years of their lives.

First American Navy Jack

With the creation of the Grand Union, or Cambridge Flag, the red and white striped banner of the colonies came into use for the first time. The American Naval forces eliminated the union from it which modified it into a plain flag of thirteen alternate red and white stripes extending across the field. They then adapted the rattlesnake symbol of the south with its warning motto to it and created their First Navy Jack.

There has been much controversy as to whether this was one of the flags hoisted on the “Alfred” by John Paul Jones, December 5, 1775, when he also raised the Grand Union Flag on that vessel.

Jones did not like the rattlesnake symbol on the flag and after commenting on it in his journal, said: “I had no choice but to break the pennant as it was given to me, hut I always abhored the device and was glad when it was discarded.” It is presumed that he here referred to the First American Navy Jack.

The South Carolina Navy Ensign

With the advent of the bi-color banner with 13 stripes to represent the original colonies, navy commanders devised striped ensigns in colors to suit their fancy. Some had red and white stripes and others had red and yellow.

The South Carolina Navy contingent adopted the colors red and dark blue for their emblem, which was used up to the time that the Stars and Stripes were adopted as the National Flag. On this flag they placed the emblem of the south, the American rattler, with the warning words “Don’t Tread on Me,” and they lived up to that motto.

Benjamin Franklin made an analysis of the qualities of the rattlesnake and the propriety of using it as a symbol of America. One of the conclusions arrived at was: “She never begins an attack, and then only when molested. Once enraged she never surrenders, but fights to the end. She is therefore an emblem of magnanimity and true courage. These qualities characterized the hardy pioneers who engaged in the contest for the independence of the colonies.”

The Privateer Ensign

During the Revolutionary War many privateers volunteered for service with the American Navy and their daring exploits form a chapter in the annals of Naval warfare that is without parallel.

This type of service gave rise to the necessity for a flag under which they could sail, for England considered all sea rovers without an authorized and accepted national flag as pirates and hanged them to the yardarm of their vessel when captured.

With the adoption of the Grand Union, or Cambridge Flag, with its alternate red and white stripes to represent the thirteen original colonies the idea of a bi-colored striped ensign was accepted and we find it in general use in both the land and naval forces of the struggling young nation.

The Privateer Ensign was one of the first in which all trace of British influence was eliminated. It was a field of alternate colored stripes with no canton. The colors of the stripes varied with the fancy of the vessel commanders.

The Bennington Flag

Burgoyne. the British General operating in northern New York, in the Revolutionary War. heard that the Americans had collected some military supplies at Bennington, Vermont. He sent an expedition of 1,000 men to capture them.

Colonel John Stark, a hero of Bunker Hill, with 2,000 Americans set out to oppose the British. They fought under the Bennington Flag. When Stark saw the British lie pointed them out to his brave troops and said: “Boys, there they arc. We beat them today, or Molly Stark's a widow.”

The Green Mountain Boys, fighting Indian fashion. practically annihilated the British Regulars. Only about 100 of them ever got back to Burgoyne’s Army. It was the loss of these 900 men that contributed much to the failure of Burgoyne’s campaign. which ended in disaster with the surrender of his Armv at Saratoga. New York, October 7. 1777.

The Bennington Flag was presented to Colonel Stark's Army by Nathaniel Fillmore, the father of the future President. It was made of homespun linen and hand sewed.

The Bon Homme Richard Flag

This banner, which is sometimes referred to as the John Paul Jones’ Starry Flag, was flown on the Bon Homme Richard during the historic battle with the Serapis off the coast of England on the night of September 23, 1779.

After an orthodox naval engagement, John Paul Jones rammed the Serapis, lashed his ship to the British Man of War and fought it out hand to hand on the decks of the two vessels. The Serapis struck her colors. The Bon Homme Richard was so badly crippled that Jones had to transfer the remainder of his crew to the Serapis and cut her away from his beloved vessel She sank the next morning carrying the flag with her.

When the Bon Homme Richard Flag was made by the young ladies of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and presented to John Paul Jones, it was not known whether Georgia had joined the confederation. This accounts for the fact that there are only 12 stars on the blue union of the flag.

The Star-Spangled Banner

When Vermont and Kentucky were admitted to the Union, Congress added a stripe and a star to the flag for each of them.

This flag of 15 stars and 15 stripes waved over Fort McHenry when the British Navy attacked on the night of September 13.1814. Francis Scott Key was a hostage on the British Frigate “Surprise.” All night through he watched the gallant defense of Fort McHenry. In the first pale streaks of dawn he saw that the flag still proudly waved over the ramparts and was inspired to write the words of our National Anthem, “The Star Spangled Banner.”

It was this banner under which the American Navy waged a war against the Barbarv Pirates and which they hoisted over the fort at Derne, Tripoli, on April 27,1805, following an assault on that place by American Marines and Bluejackets. It was the flag under which Commodore Perry won the battle of Lake Erie, and General Andrew Jackson the signal victory over the British Regulars at New Orleans.

The Texas Flag

Texas has lived under the flags of six governments including the Republic-France. Spain. Mexico, Texas, the Confederacy and the United States.

The “Lone Star” flag dates back to the days of the Republic. It was adopter! in 1839, and retained as the National Emblem until 1813, when the State came into the United States. It then became the state flag.

The red and white stripes in the field proclaim the union between the red and white men effected by the treaty of Nacogdoches entered into between the white settlers and the chiefs of 23 Indian tribes.

When they declared the province of Texas free and proclaimed its serration from Mexico, this declaration of independence proved to be premature and Texas continued as a State of the Mexican Republic until 1836 when she again proclaimed her independence and won it through the decisive battle of San Jacinto, fought on April 21,1836. At the battle the Mexican General Santa Ana was captured and the hopes of Mexico for controlling Texas were destroyed forever.

The California Flag

The Bear Flag of California came into being June 14, 1846, at Pueblo Sonoma, when a hand of 33 Americans resisted the Mexican authorities who had begun a movement to drive them from the country.

The American settlers were called “Los Osos” (the bears) by the native (Californians and the bear symbol was at once adopted as the central figure of the new flag. The red stripe and star came from the American stars and stripes, which it was contemplated would eventually be the emblem of California. This came about in 1830 when the State was admitted to the Union.

The material for the original flag was supplied by Mrs. John Sears. William Todd made the drawing and filled it in with improvised colors made from paint secured from the shop of a wheelwright. It is said that the result did not excel in artistic merit but it served the purpose of providing a flag for the handful of hardy pioneers who effected the independence of California, and later brought the State into the Union.

The “Stars and Bars”

When the Southern States seceded from the Union each State used its own flag in place of the Stars and Stripes. Then as the Confederation of States was effected there arose a demand for a distinctive flag which would be acceptable to all of the States.

On March 4,1861, the same day that Mr. Lincoln was inaugurated President, the assembly at Montgomery, Alabama, adopted the first flag of the Confederacy.

There were many people of the south, who. while they favored secession and breaking away from the Union, were not so ready to break away from the flag under which their forefathers had fought and under which they had lived and prospered through the years. They retained the red, white and blue colors of the old flag. They retained the blue canton and used stars as symbols to represent the States. They replaced the thirteen stripes of alternate red and white with three of the same colors. These they denominated “Bars,” which gave rise to the popular name of the flag, the “Stars and Bars.”

The Battle Flag of the Confederacy

Through the years it had been the custom for military organizations to carry their national and regimental colors into battle when they engaged the enemy. These emblems inspired the soldiers to deeds of valor in the attack, and furnished a rallying point in the event of a reverse.

At the first battle of Bull Bun (Manassas) some difficulty was experienced by the leaders of the Confederate forces in distinguishing, at a distance, the Stars and Bars of their own troops from the Stars and Stripes of the Federal forces who opposed them.

General P. G. T. Beauregard designed the famous Battle Flag of the Confederacy to remedy this defect, and it was retained throughout the war. It was the oblong St. Andrew’s Cross in blue with a white border, mounted on a field of red. Thirteen stars on the blue stripe represented the States of the Confederacy. Originally the flag was an oblong, but later was made a square, the size of which was prescribed for the arm of the service carrying it

The Last Confederate Flag

At a distance, when the union was hidden by folds, the second Confederate flag adopted in 1863, could readily be mistaken for a flag of truce, which is a white flag the world over. It therefore did not prove acceptable to the Confederate military leaders in the field. After nearly a year’s use, this white flag was modified.

A red bar extending over the width of the banner and covering the outer half of the field was added. The famous Battle Flag of the Confederacy in its square form was retained in the union.

This was the final National flag of the Confederacy. Under it General Lee conducted the campaign of 1864, which began with the battle of the Wilderness, and terminated with the transfer of the Federal Army across the James River; through the siege of Petersburg; and the final retreat. Under it he surrendered his Army to General Grant at Appomattox Court House in April, 1865, and brought to an end the bloodiest civil war of modem times.

Old Glory

It was not found practicable to add a stripe to the flag for each new state admitted to the Union. The idea was abandoned after the two stripes were added for Vermont and Kentucky, which States were admitted in 1791 and 1792 respectively.

On April 4, 1818, Congress passed a law which provided that the flag of the United States be thirteen horizontal stripes, alternate red and white, and that on the admission of every state into the Union one star be added to the blue union of the flag. It was further provided that the new star should be added on the Fourth of July next succeeding the admission of the new State.

Thus we have “Old Glory,” a stripe for each of the original 13 states and a star for each of the States. The flag will remain in its present form except that stars will be added as States come into the Union. It will forever symbolize the origin of the Republic and its growth into a union of 48 States, or whatever may be the number in the future.

Old Glory

Old Glory is the Flag of our country. We love it for what it is and what it represents.

It embodies the purposes and history of the Government itself. It records the achievements of its defenders on land and sea. It heralds the heroism and sacrifices of our Revolutionary forefathers who planted free government on this continent and dedicated it to Liberty forever. It attests the valor of our citizens in all the wars of the Republic and is bathed in the blood of our best and bravest.

It is the emblem of equal rights. It means universal education—light for every mind, knowledge for every child. It means that the schoolhouse is the fortress of Liberty. In the hour of victory we give it to the breeze as the expression of our thankfulness and joy. In the dark days we turn to its sheltering folds for support.

Its stripes of alternate red and white proclaim the original thirteen states of the Union. Its stars of white on a field of blue, one for each State, represent the constellation which our fathers had in mind on June 14,1777 when they founded the Flag.

Even the colors of the Flag have their own significance. The red is for valor, typical of the blood that was shed in the war for freedom; the white is for purity, emblematic of the principles on which the Government was organized; and the blue is for justice, representing the loyalty and devotion of the founders of the Republic.

Let us teach the young to look with eyes of respect, love, and pride upon the American Flag, wherever they may see it Let us spread it where our school children may look upon it Let us teach them its wonderful history.

[FIGURE-STARS OF THE STATES]

Display of the Flag

There are certain fundamental rules of Heraldry which, if understood generally, would indicate the proper method of displaying the Flag. The matter becomes a very simple one if it is kept in mind that the National Flag represents the living country and is itself considered a living thing. The Union of the Flag is the honor point; the right arm is the sword arm, and therefore the point of danger and hence the place of honor.

The Flag should be displayed only from sunrise to sunset It should be displayed on National and State holidays and on historic and special occasions. The Flag should be hoisted briskly and lowered slowly and ceremoniously. In raising and lowering the Flag it should never be allowed to touch the ground.

When the Flag is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display it should not be cast aside or used in any way that might be viewed as disrespectful to the National Colors, but should be destroyed as a whole, privately, preferably by burning or by some other method in harmony with the reverence and respect we owe to the emblem representing our country.

When it is displayed with any other flag against a wall or in the open, from crossed staffs, the Flag of the United States should be on the right, the flag’s own right, and its staff should be in front of the staff of the other flag, as shown in the illustration at the left.

When carried in a procession with another flag or flags, the Flag of the United States should be either on the marching right, i.e., the Flag’s own right, or when there is a line of other flags the Flag of the United States may be in front of the center of that line.

When a number of flags are grouped and displayed from staffs, the Flag of the United States should be in the center or at the highest point of the group, as illustrated at the left.

When the flags of states or cities or pennants of societies are flown on the same halyard with the Flag of the United States, the National Flag is always at the peak. When flown from adjacent staffs the Flag of the United States should be hoisted first No flag or pennant should be placed above or to the right of the Flag of the United States.

When the Flag of the United States is displayed in a manner other than by being flown from a staff it should be displayed flat, whether indoors or outdoors. When displayed either horizontally or vertically against a wall the union should be uppermost and to the Flag’s own right, i.e. the observer’s left When displayed in a window it should be the same way. The Flag should never be draped or used as a decoration to replace bunting.

When displayed over the middle of the street, as between buildings, the Flag of the United States should be suspended vertically with the union to the north on an east and west street and to the east on a north and south street

[FIGURE-IMPROPER USE OF FLAGS. NEVER USE THEM FOR DECORATIONS]

When used on a speaker’s platform the Flag should be displayed above and behind the speaker. It should never be used to cover the speaker’s table nor to drape over the front of the platform. If flown from a staff it should be on the speaker’s right.

When flown at half staff, the Flag is first hoisted to the peak of the staff and then lowered to half staff. Before lowering the Flag for the day it is again raised to the peak and then lowered. On Memorial Day, the Flag is displayed at half staff from sunrise until noon and at full staff from noon until sunset.

When the Flag is displayed from a staff projecting horizontally or at angle from the window sill, balcony or front of a building, the union should go clear to the head of the staff unless the Flag is at half staff.

When it is displayed on the pulpit or chancel in a church, the Flag of the United States should be flown from a staff placed on the clergyman’s right as he faces the congregation. All other flags on the pulpit or chancel should be on his left

When used to cover a casket the Flag should be placed so that the union is at the head and over the left shoulder. The Flag should not be lowered into the grave. It should not be allowed to touch the ground. The casket should be carried foot-first from the hearse to the grave.

The Flag of the United States should never be displayed with the union down except as a signal of distress.

Occasions for Display of the Flag

The Flag of the United States should be displayed on every fair day on the flag poles in all public building, federal, state, county and city; at every schoolhouse during the sessions of the classes; and on every office building, hotel, and place of business in the country.

The following are the occasions when the Flag may be displayed at homes, along streets, at places of business, etc., with propriety.

New Year’s Day, January 1.                          Independence Day, July 4.

Lincoln’s Birthday, February 12.                  Labor Day, First Monday in                                                                           September.

Washington’s Birthday, February 22.                      Columbus Day, October 12.

Inauguration Day.                                         Armistice Day, November 11.

Easter Sunday. Variable.                               Thanksgiving Day, Last Thursday                                                                in November.

Mother’s Day, Second Sunday in May.                     Christmas Day, December 25.

Memorial Day. May 30.                                              Birthday of the State. Date of Admission.

Birthday of the Flag, June 14.                                  State Holidays, Proper Dates.

In those places where the Flag is flown regularly in fair weather a special Flag should be provided for the above occasions This can he accomplished by having two flags on hand, one for daily use and one for these special occasions When reserved for these special occasions. When the regular Flag wears out, replace it with the reserve Flag and secure another one for special service. This insures a clean new flag for the special occasions.

Cautions to Observe in Display of the Flag

1. Do not permit disrespect to he shown to the Flag of the United States.

2. Do not dip the Flag of the United States to any person or any thing. The regimental color, state flag, organization or institutional flag will render this honor when it is appropriate.

3. Do not place any other flag or pennant above or to the right of the Flag of the United States.

4. Do not let the Flag touch the ground or trail in water.

5. Do not place any object or emblem on or above the Flag.

6. Do not use the Flag as drapery in any form whatever. Use bunting for the purpose.

7. Do not fasten the flag in such manner that will permit it to be torn.

8. Do not drape the Flag over the hoot), sides or hack of an automobile. When a flag is displayed from a motor car it should lx- from a staff firmly affixed to the chassis.

9. Do not display the flag on a float in a parade except from a staff.

10. Do not use the flag as a covering for a ceiling.

11. Do not use the flag as a portion of a costume or of an athletic uniform.

12. Do not put lettering of any kind on the flag.

13. Do not use the flag in any form of advertising nor fasten an advertising sign to a pole front which the Flag of the United States is flying.

14. Do not display, use or store the flag in such a manner as w ill permit it to be soiled or damaged.

Saluting the Flag

During the ceremony of hoisting or lowering the Flag or when the Flag is passing in a parade or review, all persons present should face the Flag, stand at attention, and salute. Those present in uniform should render the hand salute. When not in uniform, men should remove the headdress with the right hand and hold it at the left shoulder. Women should salute by placing the right hand over the heart The salute to the Flag in a moving column is rendered when the Flag is six paces away and is held until it has passed.

[FIGURE-Those present in uniform render the Hand Salute.]

SALUTE TO THE NATIONAL ANTHEM

When the National Anthem is played those present in uniform should render the hand salute at the first note of the Anthem, retaining the position until the last note. Men not in uniform should remove the headdress and hold it as in the salute to the Flag. Women should render the salute as to the Flag. Both hold the position until the last note of the music.

When there is no flag displayed all should fare towards the music.

HOW TO STAND AT ATTENTION

Heels on line, as close together as possible. Feet turned out equally at an angle of 45 degrees. Knees straight without stiffness. Hips level and drawn back slightly. Body erect and resting equally on hips. Chest lifted and arched. Shoulders square and falling equally. Arms hanging straight down without stiffness. Thumbs along seams of trousers. Backs of hands out Fingers curled naturally. Head erect and square to the front Chin drawn in. Eyes straight to front. Weight of body resting equally on heels and balls of feet

[FIGURE-Men salute by removing the headdress with the right hand and holding it at the left shoulder.]

HOW TO SALUTE

The salute is made always with the right hand. Raise the right hand smartly until the tip of the forefinger touches the lower right hand side of the headdress, or the forehead, just above and to the right of the right eye; thumb and fingers extended and joined, palm to the left; forearm, wrist, and hand in line; upper arm horizontal.

At the conclusion of the occasion for the salute, when the Flag has passed, or the last note of the National Anthem has been sounded, the salute is completed by bringing the arm smartlv to the side in one motion.

[FIGURE-Women salute by placing the right hand over the heart.]