Did you know June 14th is Flag Day? It's an American National Holiday celebrated each year to commemorate the date in 1777 when the United States approved the design for its first national flag, it was officially declared a holiday in 1949. The design of the U.S. flag has officially changed 26 times since then, and has been 13 stripes and 50 stars since Hawaii entered the Union in 1959. On Flag Day, the flag is to be displayed at full staff. It may be flown at night, but should be illuminated. It should not be flown in bad weather and if there is any wear, it should be repaired or replaced and destroyed in an honorable way, such as by burning - but only if it's a natural fabric.
Everyone knows the story of Betsy Ross, but have you heard the story of Bob Heft? In 1958, shortly after Alaska gained statehood, the 17-year-old from Ohio took apart his family's 48-star flag and added two more in a symmetrical pattern for a class project. He explained to his teacher he believed Hawaii would soon gain statehood status as well. He sent the flag to his congressman who, in turn, presented it to then-President Dwight D. Eisenhower. Eisenhower selected Heft's design for the 50 star flag after Hawaii became a state, and on July 4, 1960, Eisenhower and Heft raised the 50 star flag together for the first time. The best part of the story? Heft’s teacher, initially unimpressed with his project, had given him a B-. The teacher later changed his grade to an A.
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Share these Fun Facts about the American flag with your kids:
- Colors and Meaning: The American flag has three colors - red, white, and blue; Red symbolizes bravery; White represents purity and innocence; and Blue stands for vigilance, perseverance, and justice.
- The 13 Stripes: The American flag has 13 stripes representing the original 13 colonies of the United States.
- The 50 Stars: The American flag has 50 stars arranged in a pattern on a field of blue with each star represents one of the 50 states.
- The Betsy Ross Legend: According to legend, Betsy Ross sewed the first American flag. Although the story might not be entirely true, it is a famous tale associated with the flag's history.
- Proper Handling: The American flag should be treated with respect. It should never touch the ground, and when it gets old or torn, it should be properly retired.
- The Pledge of Allegiance: The Pledge of Allegiance is a promise of loyalty to the United States. It is often recited while facing the American flag and placing the right hand over the heart.
- The Star-Spangled Banner: The national anthem of the United States is called "The Star-Spangled Banner." It was written by Francis Scott Key during the War of 1812 and celebrates the American flag.
- The American Revolution: The American flag has its roots in the American Revolution when the 13 colonies fought for independence from Great Britain. The flag has evolved over time, but it still represents the same spirit of freedom.
- Flag Crafts: Kids can have fun making their own flags using craft materials like construction paper, markers, and glue. It's a creative way to learn about the flag's colors and design. Make this beaded American flag pin and this popsicle stick American flag.
These fun facts offer a glimpse into the significance and history of the American flag in a way that is engaging and accessible for kids.
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Celebrate Flag day with your family:
- Listen to Bob Heft tell his story on NPR's StoryCorps.
- DIY A Beaded American Flag Pin to Show Your Patriotism
- Cool Berry Flag Cake for Any Patriotic Celebration
- DIY Popsicle Stick Flag Craft
- Watch and listen to this patriotic read aloud for kids: F is for Flag
- Watch this PBS video explaining Flag Day for Kids
- Free American Flag coloring pages - download and print
- Color these Flag Day coloring pages
Learn More:
- Read these Macaroni KID articles: Celebrate Flag Day and All About Flag Day
- Learn more about the history of the U.S. flag and see several previous designs
- Read more about the History of Flag Day and how to properly display the American Flag
- What Is Flag Day? - Discover the history of the annual holiday and check out 13 surprising facts about the American flag and how to properly display it
- 5 Facts You Never Knew About the US Flag
- Did Betsy Ross Really Make the First American Flag?
- 10 Rejected American Flag Designs
- United States Flag Code
Flag Day serves as a reminder of the importance of the flag as a symbol of American unity, freedom, and democracy
It is an opportunity for Americans to express their patriotism and reflect on the values that the flag represents. Teach your children the history and the value of "old glory" and celebrate America with your family. The flag's design, with its 13 alternating red and white stripes representing the original thirteen colonies and a blue field with fifty white stars representing the states, evokes a sense of national pride and identity. G-d bless America!
Happy Flag Day!
An earlier version of this article was published by Laura Miller, Appleton Macaroni KID Publisher.
It has been updated June, 13, 2023 by Macaroni KID Conejo Valley - Malibu - Calabasas.
