On July 4, 1776, a nation was born.  The United States of America claimed its independence from England.  On July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was signed by all 13 colonies.  

Every day thousands of people leave their homeland

 to come to the "land of the free and the home of

the brave" so they can begin their American Dream. 

Some Flag Day Facts

Who designed the flag?  No one knows for sure! 

• Some historians say that in 1776 it was Betsy Ross who made the first American flag and that it was she who suggested that the stars be five-pointed.  
  
• Other historians say that it was Francis Hopkinson,  signer of the Declaration of Independence and a member of the Continental Congress, who designed the first American flag. 

Past & Present

• In 1776, the 13 stars and the 13 stripes of the flag represented the 13 original colonies.  The stars were in a circle so that no one colony would be viewed above another.  According to the Flag Resolution of June 14, 1777, the flag should contain "13 stars, white in a blue field, representing a new Constellation."  

• Today, our flag has fifty stars representing the fifty states and 13 stripes representing the 13 original colonies.  White stands for purity and innocence.  Red stands for hardiness and valor.  Blue stands for vigilance, perseverance and justice. 

Important People & Dates

• 1814:   Francis Scott Key wrote the poem "The Star Spangled Banner" on September 14, 1814.  It later became our National Anthem. 
  
  
• 1892:   Francis Bellamy wrote the Pledge of Allegiance in 1892 for the observance of  the 400th Anniversary of the discovery of America by Columbus.
  
  
• 1909:   Robert Peary placed a flag sewn by his wife at the top the North Pole in 1909.
  
  
• 1949:   Flag Day is celebrated on June 14th.  On August 3, 1949, President Truman signed an act of Congress designating June 14 as National Flag Day.
  
  
• 1963:   Barry Bishop placed a flag on the top of Mount Everest in 1963.
  
  
• 1969:   Astronaut Neil Armstrong placed the flag on the moon on July 20, 1969.  The Moon is the most remote place in which the American flag is displayed.

Did You Know?

• During the playing of the National Anthem, you should face the American flag and remove your hat.
  
  
• No other flag may ever be placed above the U.S. flag.
  
  
• A vexillologist is someone who is an expert on flags.
  
  
• If a new state were to be added to the United States, its star would be added to the flag on the following July 4th after the territory had become a state.
  
  
• You can buy a flag that has flown over the Capitol Building in Washington, DC. Contact your state’s senator to make this purchase.
  
  
• The American flag usually flies over the White House except when the President is not in Washington, DC.
  
  
• The flag is flown at half staff to show mourning for the death of a high ranking government official or past president.
  
  
• According to the U.S. Flag Code, our flag is usually displayed from sunrise to sunset. However, it may be displayed at night if it is properly lighted.
  
  
• You should hang the flag upside down only when you are in trouble. The flag should never be displayed upside down, except as a signal of dire distress in instances of extreme danger to life or property.
  
  
• No part of an American flag should be used as a costume or athletic uniform. However, flag patches may be worn on the uniforms of military personnel, fireman, policeman and members of patriotic organizations.
  
  
• The flag must never touch the ground and it should not be flown outside during bad weather.
  
  
• A flag should be flown near every school during school hours.