The American Flag and
Other Symbols
Foundations of United
States Citizenship
Lesson 1, Chapter 6
1
Chapter overview
• The American flag and other symbols
• What is the history and symbolism of the
American flag?
• How should the flag be displayed and honored?
• What are the history and meaning of the
National Anthem, the Pledge of Allegiance, and
Flag Day?
• What are the uses of and symbols in the Great
Seal of the United States and the Air Force Seal?
• What is the American’s Creed?
Foundations of United
States Citizenship
Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The
American Flag and Other Symbols
2
Motivation
• What should you do
when the American
flag is being hoisted
or lowered?
• When should you
salute during the
playing of the
National Anthem?
Foundations of United
States Citizenship
Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The
American Flag and Other Symbols
3
Lesson overview
• What is the history and symbolism of the
American flag?
• What laws and regulations govern the flag?
• When should the flag be displayed?
• How should the flag be positioned and
displayed?
• What is the proper way to show respect for
the flag?
Foundations of United
States Citizenship
Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The
American Flag and Other Symbols
4
Lesson overview (cont’d)
• What is the proper way to show respect for
the National Anthem?
• What is the significance of the Pledge of
Allegiance?
• What is the history of Flag Day?
• What is the significance of the Great Seal of
the United States?
• What is the significance of the Air Force Seal?
• What is the American’s Creed?
Foundations of United
States Citizenship
Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The
American Flag and Other Symbols
5
Quick Write
Make a quick list of
everything you know about
the design of the American
flag. Then, write down what
you know about how to
display it, treat it, and show
it respect. What do the
American flag and other
patriotic symbols mean to
you?
Foundations of United
States Citizenship
Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The
American Flag and Other Symbols
6
What is the history of the
American flag?
• The Second Continental Congress officially
adopted the American flag in Philadelphia on
June 14, 1777 .
• The design called for
• 13 stripes, alternating red and white
• A union—the upper left corner of the flag—with
13 stars, white in a blue field
• Francis Hopkinson is probably responsible
for the stars in the American flag.
Foundations of United
States Citizenship
Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The
American Flag and Other Symbols
7
What is the history of the
American flag? (cont’d)
• During the Revolutionary War, patriots
made flags for our new nation.
• Betsy Ross – circular arrangement of 13 stars
• The claim that she designed the first flag of
the United States is based on family
traditions.
Foundations of United
States Citizenship
Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The
American Flag and Other Symbols
8
What is the history of the
American flag? (cont’d)
• Grand Union Flag
• First flag of the colonists that
looked like the present Stars
and Stripes
• Also known as the Congress
Colors, the “First Navy
Ensign, or the Cambridge
Flag
• Design: 13 stripes, blue field
with two crosses
Foundations of United
States Citizenship
Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The
American Flag and Other Symbols
9
What is the history of the
American flag? (cont’d)
• In 1794, Congress
passed an act requiring
that the flag have 15
stars and 15 stripes.
• This became the official
flag from 1795 to 1818.
• It played a role in
historic events.
• Inspired the “Star
Spangled Banner”
Foundations of United
States Citizenship
Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The
American Flag and Other Symbols
10
What is the history of the
American flag? (cont’d)
• Capt Samuel C. Reid, USN, suggested
• Constant of 13 stripes, but one star added to
blue field for each new state added to Union
• April 4, 1818: President Monroe
accepted bill that reflected Reid’s ideas.
Foundations of United
States Citizenship
Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The
American Flag and Other Symbols
11
What is the history of the
American flag? (cont’d)
• The flag changed as new states were
admitted to the Union.
• Last added stars were for Arizona, New
Mexico, Alaska and Hawaii (50th state).
• With the 50-star flag came a new design
and arrangement of stars in the union.
Foundations of United
States Citizenship
Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The
American Flag and Other Symbols
12
What is the history of the
American flag? (cont’d)
• Colors used in the American flag
• White: purity and innocence
• Red: hardiness and valor
• Blue: vigilance, perseverance, and justice
• An American flag with 50 stars was raised for
the first time on July 4, 1960.
• The American flag is traditionally a symbol of
liberty and freedom.
Foundations of United
States Citizenship
Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The
American Flag and Other Symbols
13
What is the history of the
American flag? (cont’d)
• Elements in the design of today’s flag
• 13 horizontal stripes—7 red and 6 white, alternating
• Union of white, five-pointed stars on blue field
• Blue field in the upper quarter of the flag next to the
staff, extending to the lower edge of the fourth red
stripe from the top
• Number of stars equal to the number of states in the
Union
Foundations of United
States Citizenship
Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The
American Flag and Other Symbols
14
When should the flag be
displayed?
• Display flag only from sunrise to sunset
on buildings and on stationary flagstaffs
in the open.
• Can display all-weather flag 24 hours a
day if properly lit at night.
• Can display flag in good weather on all
days, especially certain holidays.
Foundations of United
States Citizenship
Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The
American Flag and Other Symbols
15
When should the flag be
displayed? (cont’d)
• The flag should be displayed
• Daily on or near the main administration
building of every public institution
• On election days in or near every polling
place
• During school days in or near every
schoolhouse
Foundations of United
States Citizenship
Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The
American Flag and Other Symbols
16
How should the flag be
positioned and displayed?
• In a procession with another flag or flags
• Marching right or front and center of line
• On a float in a parade
• On staff or suspended, folds falling free
• On a vehicle, railroad train, or boat
• Not draped over any surface
• On a motorcar
• Staff attached to chassis or right fender
Foundations of United
States Citizenship
Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The
American Flag and Other Symbols
17
How should the flag be
positioned and displayed?
(cont’d)
• No other flags or pennants above it
• Exceptions: services at sea, U.N. flag
• National colors only on vehicles
designed for colors and color guards
• If displayed with crossed staffs, flag on
and staff in front
Foundations of United
States Citizenship
Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The
American Flag and Other Symbols
18
How should the flag be
positioned and displayed?
(cont’d)
• Display flag flat or hanging free.
• With other flags of states/localities/societies
• On separate staffs: Flag in center, at highest point
• Hoist American flag first, lower last
• On same halyard: American flag at highest point
• No other flags/pennants above or to right of
American flag
Foundations of United
States Citizenship
Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The
American Flag and Other Symbols
19
How should the flag be
positioned and displayed?
(cont’d)
• Against a wall or in a window
• Union uppermost, to flag’s own right
• Over the middle of the street
• Vertically, union toward north or east
• Flat on speaker’s platform
• Above and behind speaker
• In ceremony for unveiling statue/monument
• Not as covering for object
Foundations of United
States Citizenship
Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The
American Flag and Other Symbols
20
How should the flag be
positioned and displayed?
(cont’d)
• When flying the flag at half-staff
• First, hoist it to the peak for an instant.
• Then, lower it to the half-staff position.
• Before it is lowered for the day, hoist it
to the peak again.
• On Memorial Day, display the flag at
half-staff until noon only.
Foundations of United
States Citizenship
Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The
American Flag and Other Symbols
21
How should the flag be
positioned and displayed?
(cont’d)
• Presidential order: Fly flag at half-staff upon
death of important government figures.
• Flag may be displayed at half-staff for death
of other officials or foreign dignitaries.
• Governor of state/territory/possession may decide to
fly national flag at half-staff upon death of present
or former official of that government.
Foundations of United
States Citizenship
Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The
American Flag and Other Symbols
22
How should the flag be
positioned and displayed?
(cont’d)
• Fly flag at half-staff after death of
• President or former president
• Vice president, Chief Justice, retired Chief Justice,
or Speaker of the House
• Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, secretary of
an executive or military department, former vice
president, governor of a state/territory/possession
• Member of Congress
Foundations of United
States Citizenship
Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The
American Flag and Other Symbols
23
How should the flag be
positioned and displayed?
(cont’d)
• When covering a casket
• Place flag with union at head and over left
shoulder. Do not lower flag into grave or let
it touch ground.
• When displayed with United Nations flag
• American flag should be on right and above
United Nations flag.
Foundations of United
States Citizenship
Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The
American Flag and Other Symbols
24
What is the proper way to
show respect for the flag?
• Never dip the flag to any person or
thing.
• Never display the flag with the union
down, except as a signal of dire
distress.
• Never let the flag touch anything
beneath it.
Foundations of United
States Citizenship
Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The
American Flag and Other Symbols
25
What is the proper way to
show respect for the flag?
(cont’d)
• Never carry the flag flat or horizontally.
• Never use the flag as apparel, bedding,
or drapery.
• When using bunting, always arrange it
with blue above, white in the middle,
and red below.
Foundations of United
States Citizenship
Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The
American Flag and Other Symbols
26
What is the proper way to
show respect for the flag?
(cont’d)
• Never use or store the flag in a way that
might tear, soil, or damage it.
• Never use the flag as a ceiling covering.
• Do not put any markings on the flag.
• Never use the flag to receive, hold,
carry, or deliver anything.
Foundations of United
States Citizenship
Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The
American Flag and Other Symbols
27
What is the proper way to
show respect for the flag?
(cont’d)
• Never use the flag for advertising.
• Never use any part of the flag as a
costume or athletic uniform.
• Wear a flag pin on the left lapel near the
heart.
• If a flag is worn out, destroy it in a
dignified way (burning).
Foundations of United
States Citizenship
Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The
American Flag and Other Symbols
28
What courtesies should be
rendered to the flag and the
National Anthem?
• The National Anthem is played at most
flag ceremonies.
• Parades, reveille, retreat, prior to events
• Sometimes, “To the Colors,” a bugle
call, is used instead. It is given the same
respect as the National Anthem.
Foundations of United
States Citizenship
Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The
American Flag and Other Symbols
29
What courtesies should be
rendered to the flag and the
National Anthem? (cont’d)
• Military and civilian courtesies for flag
ceremonies
• When in uniform and in formation
• When in uniform but not in formation
• When indoors
• When outdoors in uniform
Foundations of United
States Citizenship
Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The
American Flag and Other Symbols
30
What courtesies should be
rendered to the flag and the
National Anthem? (cont’d)
•
•
•
•
•
•
When outdoors in civilian clothes
When a flag is escorted past outdoors
When a flag is on a stationary flagstaff
When a flag is small or cased and folded
When indoors in civilian clothing
During indoor ceremonies
Foundations of United
States Citizenship
Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The
American Flag and Other Symbols
31
What courtesies should be
rendered to the flag and the
National Anthem? (cont’d)
• When riding in a civilian or military vehicle
• When the flag is at half-staff
• When the flag is hoisted, is lowered, or
passes by
• When the National Anthem is played
• Ensign – national flag displayed on ships and
aircraft
• Reveille – start of duty day
Foundations of United
States Citizenship
Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The
American Flag and Other Symbols
32
What courtesies should be
rendered to the flag and the
National Anthem? (cont’d)
• The National Anthem
• Was written by Francis Scott Key
• Was inspired by the sight of an American
flag waving over Fort McHenry after a
British attack
• Began as a poem and became the National
Anthem of the United States
Foundations of United
States Citizenship
Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The
American Flag and Other Symbols
33
What is the significance of
the Pledge of Allegiance?
• The original
• Written in the office of a Boston magazine
• Intended to celebrate the 400th anniversary
of the discovery of America
• First published and used in 1892
• Authorship claimed by two people
Foundations of United
States Citizenship
Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The
American Flag and Other Symbols
34
What is the significance of
the Pledge of Allegiance?
(cont’d)
• 1945: Congress recognized Francis M.
Bellamy as the author.
• 1923: Wording changed from “my flag”
to “the flag of the United States.”
• 1954: Words “under God” were added.
Foundations of United
States Citizenship
Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The
American Flag and Other Symbols
35
What is the significance of
the Pledge of Allegiance?
(cont’d)
• Purposes of the Pledge
• Expresses patriotism and loyalty
• Expresses the freedom of our nation
• Reminds us of our duty to preserve liberty
and justice for all
Foundations of United
States Citizenship
Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The
American Flag and Other Symbols
36
What is the significance of
the Pledge of Allegiance?
(cont’d)
• Reciting the Pledge
• Come to attention and face the flag.
• When not in uniform, remove headdress and
hold it at left shoulder.
• When in uniform, remain silent, stand at
attention, face the flag, and salute if outdoors.
If indoors, stand at attention.
Foundations of United
States Citizenship
Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The
American Flag and Other Symbols
37
What is the history of Flag
Day?
• Celebrates the birthday of the Stars and
Stripes: June 14, 1777
• First national observance: June 14, 1877
• In 1916, President Wilson called for
nationwide observance.
• In 1949, Flag Day became a permanent
observance.
Foundations of United
States Citizenship
Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The
American Flag and Other Symbols
38
What is the significance of
the Great Seal of the United
States?
• Designed to reflect the Founding
Fathers’ beliefs, their values, and the
sovereignty of the new nation
• Completed on June 20, 1782
• Contains vertical stripes with the same
colors used in in the American flag
Foundations of United
States Citizenship
Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The
American Flag and Other Symbols
39
What is the significance of
the Great Seal of the United
States? (cont’d)
• The obverse of the
Great Seal authenticates
the president’s
signature – obverse=
front of official seal.
• Treaty ratifications
• International agreements
• Appointments of
ambassadors
Foundations of United
States Citizenship
Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The
American Flag and Other Symbols
40
What is the significance of
the Great Seal of the United
States? (cont’d)?
• Features of the obverse of the Great Seal
• American bald eagle
• Shield with 13 red and white stripes and blue bar
• Motto of the United States—E Pluribus Unum
• -”Out of Many, one”
• Olive branch and 13 arrows
• Constellation of stars
• Design of obverse is shown in many ways.
Foundations of United
States Citizenship
Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The
American Flag and Other Symbols
41
What is the significance of
the Great Seal of the United
States? (cont’d)
• Features of the reverse of the Great Seal
• Pyramid
• Eye over the pyramid
• Motto—Annuit Coeptis –”God has favored our
undertakings”
• Roman numerals
• Words under the pyramid—Novus Ordo Seclorum –
“new order of the ages”
Foundations of United
States Citizenship
Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The
American Flag and Other Symbols
42
What is the significance of
the Air Force Seal?
• Design is based on historic
tradition and symbolism.
• Coat of arms with two parts
• Crest
• Shield
• White stars
• Numerals under the shield
• Band encircling the design
• Inscriptions
Foundations of United
States Citizenship
Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The
American Flag and Other Symbols
43
Lesson review
• The Second Continental Congress
adopted the American flag on June 14,
1777.
• During the Revolutionary War, several
patriots made flags for our new nation.
Among them was Betsy Ross.
• The colonists’ first flag was the Grand
Union flag.
Foundations of United
States Citizenship
Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The
American Flag and Other Symbols
44
Lesson review (cont’d)
• Colors used in the flag
• White: purity and innocence
• Red: hardiness and valor
• Blue: vigilance, perseverance, justice
• The American flag is traditionally a
symbol of liberty and freedom.
Foundations of United
States Citizenship
Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The
American Flag and Other Symbols
45
Lesson review (cont’d)
• Current American flag features
• 13 horizontal stripes, alternating red and
white
• Union of five-pointed white stars on a blue
field
• Laws that govern the flag are found in
the United States Code.
Foundations of United
States Citizenship
Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The
American Flag and Other Symbols
46
Lesson review (cont’d)
• The flag is usually displayed only from
sunrise to sunset on buildings and on
stationary flagstaffs in the open.
• A law signed in 1976 permits display of
an all-weather American flag all day and
night with proper lighting.
Foundations of United
States Citizenship
Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The
American Flag and Other Symbols
47
Lesson review (cont’d)
• In general, the American flag should be
displayed flat or hanging free.
• The flag is flown at half-staff on Memorial Day
morning and by order of the president or a
governor.
• When the American flag and United Nations
flag are on display together, the American flag
is on the right and uppermost.
Foundations of United
States Citizenship
Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The
American Flag and Other Symbols
48
Lesson review (cont’d)
• AF personnel should follow specific
procedures to show respect to the flag.
• During flag ceremonies
• When the National Anthem or “To the
Colors” is played during these ceremonies
• Francis Scott Key wrote “The StarSpangled Banner” in 1814. This poem
later became the National Anthem.
Foundations of United
States Citizenship
Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The
American Flag and Other Symbols
49
Lesson review (cont’d)
• The Pledge of Allegiance expresses
patriotism and loyalty, a free nation, and
the need to preserve liberty and justice.
• Every June 14, we celebrate Flag Day.
• Commemorates birthday of Stars and Stripes
• 1877: First national Flag Day observed
• 1949: Flag Day made permanent observance
Foundations of United
States Citizenship
Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The
American Flag and Other Symbols
50
Lesson review (cont’d)
• The Great Seal of the United States was
adopted on June 20, 1782.
• Reflects Founding Fathers’ beliefs, their
values, and the sovereignty of a new nation
• Obverse used to authenticate president’s
signature (establish as real or true
• Obverse and reverse appear on the dollar bill
Foundations of United
States Citizenship
Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The
American Flag and Other Symbols
51
Lesson review (cont’d)
• The design of the Air Force seal is based on
historic tradition and symbolism.
• The American’s Creed is a statement about
the type of government in the United States
and the principles on which it is based.
• The American’s Creed was written by William
Tyler Page in 1918.
Foundations of United
States Citizenship
Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The
American Flag and Other Symbols
52
Summary
•
•
•
•
What is the history of the American flag?
What laws and regulations govern the flag?
When should the flag be displayed?
How should the flag be positioned and
displayed?
• What is the proper way to show respect for
the flag?
Foundations of United
States Citizenship
Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The
American Flag and Other Symbols
53
Summary (cont’d)
• What courtesies should be rendered to the
flag and the National Anthem?
• What is the significance of the Pledge of
Allegiance?
• What is the history of Flag Day?
• What is the significance of the Great Seal of
the United States?
• What is the significance of the Air Force Seal?
• What is the American’s Creed?
Foundations of United
States Citizenship
Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The
American Flag and Other Symbols
54
Next
Done—
Next—
Foundations of United
States Citizenship
The American flag and other
symbols
Civics
Lesson 1, Chapter 6, The
American Flag and Other Symbols
55