Today is “Flag Day” in the United States. In honor of this occasion, we’ve “flown” through the internet to find you some fun flag facts.

Check it out!

Did You Know?

• The American flag was “adopted” by Congress on June 14th, 1777. This original version only had 13 stars and 13 stripes, for the thirteen original colonies.
• A star and stripe were added for each new state, that is, until the flag became too crowded. It was decided then to leave the 13 stripes, and just add stars to represent the new states.
• The current flag was designed by a high school student in 1958. Robert G. Heft was only seventeen when his design was chosen by President Dwight D. Eisenhower. Robert’s design was one out of 1,500 entries!

The Red, White, and Blue Has Meaning

1. Red symbolizes hardiness and valor
2. White symbolizes purity, and innocence
3. Blue represents vigilance, perseverance, and justice

• Out of respect for the flag, it cannot be repaired. If you have to destroy a flag it should be burned. It can also be washed and dry cleaned if it gets dirty.
• There are Federal laws regarding the US flag. One is the flag should only be flown from sunrise to sunset, unless the weather is bad. It can be flown at night, but it should be well-lit.
• Neil Armstrong planted the first US flag on the moon in 1969.

The Proper Way to View the Flag

According to Federal flag laws and regulations, when you are at a parade and you see an American Flag, the proper way to view it is by facing the flag with your right hand over your heart. The same goes for when you witness the flag being raised or lowered as part of a ceremony.

What do you think of Flag Day? Tell us in the comments section!