The United States of America’s flag is 17.6% blue, 40.9% white, and 41.5% red. The U.S. State Department and the U.S. Embassy in the U.K. stated that the official colors are Old Glory Blue, Old Glory Red, and Pantone White.
Why is the American flag so important to the US?
The American flag has served as a representation of liberty and justice for centuries. It was also seen as a warning to enemies and a reassuring sign to allies throughout conflicts and times of peace.
The colors of the American flag symbolize different things:
Red – valor and bravery
Blue – vigilance, perseverance, and justice
White – purity and innocence
For all Americans, the American flag continues to be a symbol of national pride and unification.
Why is the American flag backward on US military uniforms?
In essence, the American flag worn backward on Army uniforms gives the impression that the flag is moving with the wearer.
Both mounted cavalry and infantry regiments during the American Civil War designated a standard bearer who led the flag into battle. The flag streamed back as the standard bearer charged forward. Since the canton of the Stars and Stripes is mounted closest to the flagpole, it remained to the right while the stripes flew to the left. The flag is positioned on the right shoulder as a result, and when worn backward, it provides the impression that the flag is swaying in the wind as the wearer advances ahead.
Should an American flag be present when flying foreign flags in the US?
According to the United States Flag Store, there are certain flag codes and etiquette to be followed.
- The American Flag should be larger than the other flags when shown together or around the same size as the largest flag.
- The American Flag shouldn’t be diminished in any manner by other flags.
- Over other flags, the American Flag should be flown higher. The American Flag should be flown to the right of all other flags if they are all displayed on the same level. A prominent position is to the right.
- In times of peace, if other flags are flown alongside the American flag, they should be flown on separate staffs and should be the same size and height.
- The American Flag should be flown highest and in the middle of any other flags flown by a state, city, or organization.
- When flown alongside other flags on nearby staffs, the American flag should be raised first and lowered last.
- The American flag should be placed on the (flag’s own) right, with its staff in front of the other flag, when it is exhibited next to another flag against a wall.
- The American Flag should not be flown on the same halyard as the flag of another country.
- The American Flag should be at the top if flown on the same halyard as a state, local, or society flag.
- The American Flag should be carried to its own right or in the middle of a line of flags if it is being held in a parade with other flags.
Which colleges refuse to fly the American flag in the US?
CNN reported in 2016 that Hampshire College, a liberal arts institution, sided with the students who hoisted the flag at half-mast the day after the presidential election. The college has received criticism for the action.
The administration sought to foster community among the students and encourage dialogue on what the flag stands for.
What does it mean when a US navy ship flies the American flag upside down?
Inverted flags have been used as a distress signal for hundreds of years. Another discreet method for sailors to communicate that their ship had been captured by adversaries and was being used maliciously was to hoist the ensign upside-down.
A flag should never be flown upside-down “unless as a signal of severe distress in circumstances of great risk to life or property,” according to the United States Flag Code.
What US city flies an American flag with Obama’s face on it?
In 2012, NBC News reported about the complaints from many veterans about the “desecration” of the American flag when the image of President Barack Obama was depicted in one. It was removed from the Lake County Democratic Party headquarters the same day.
The blue-and-stars portion of the flag, flying alongside the standard American flag on a flagpole, was filled with Obama’s face. Jim Bradford, a Leesburg veteran who discovered the Obama flag over the weekend and immediately shared images of it to friends and veterans organizations, didn’t see it until it had been flying for two months.