Assemblyman Jake Ashby Dear Friend, The American flag has stood as a symbol of freedom and justice for more than 240 years. Through war and peace, the sight of the American flag has shown friend and foe alike that the spirit of democracy lives on. No other symbol captures the power and glory of the land of opportunity like the American flag. It has flown as our national emblem in some form without interruption since courtesy of 1777. Assemblyman The American flag is a living piece of history and a source of pride and unity for all Americans. The Stars and Stripes embodies the very qualities that Jake Ashby make our nation great: liberty, justice, freedom, patriotism and national purpose. I have prepared this brochure to help you better understand the significance of the American flag and its customs. As always, if you have any questions or comments about this or any other community issue, please contact my district office. Sincerely, Jake Ashby Member of Assembly District Office: 258 Hoosick Street, Suite 109 • Troy, NY 12180 • 518-272-6149 Albany Office: www.nyassembly.gov Room 720, LOB • Albany, NY 12248 • 518-455-5777 Email: [email protected] Updated 4/18 Customs for display Our American flag Display the flag from sunrise to The origins of the Stars and Stripes are nal states: It would have 13 stripes, sunset on buildings or flagstaffs and deeply ingrained in American folklore. alternating red and white, and 13 stars, at night, only if properly lighted. It is widely believed that Betsy Ross white on a blue field. The flag should be raised and lowered made the first American flag. However, One of the first flags had the stars -ar by hand and never raised furled. various towns in colonial America have ranged in a circle, based on the idea that Always hoist the flag briskly and claimed to be its birthplace. all colonies were equal. The 13 stripes, The “Betsy Ross” Flag The 15-Star, 15-Stripe lower it ceremoniously. We know that on June 14, 1777, the resting side by side, symbolized the In use June 14, 1777 – May 1, 1795 “Star Spangled Banner” Flag The flag may be displayed on any Continental Congress adopted the Stars struggle for independence. The flag’s In use May 1, 1795 – July 3, 1818 day, but especially on national and Stripes as the official flag of the color scheme also has symbolic mean- holidays. United States of America. ing: red stands for valor, white signifies purity and blue represents loyalty. On Memorial Day, display the flag at The Declaration of Independence made half-mast until noon only; then hoist this resolution necessary. Previously, In 1818, after a few design changes, it to the top of the staff. each colony had its own flag, which Congress decided to retain the flag’s they flew on colonial vessels. England original 13 stripes and add new stars When carried, the flag should be held considered these armed vessels pirate to reflect each new state that entered aloft, never flat or horizontal. ships and hanged their crews if they the union. Salute a flag when it passes by in were captured. Since then, Americans have fought for a parade, during the Pledge of The American flag was designed to and died to preserve the ideals of de- The 48-Star Flag The 50-Star Flag Allegiance or National Anthem and represent the new union of the 13 origi- mocracy represented by the flag. In use July 4, 1912 – July 3, 1959 In use July 4, 1960 – present in a ceremony raising or lowering it. The flag should never be allowed to touch the ground or floor, nor brush against any objects, nor be used as drapery of any sort. Sept. 13-14, 1814 August 1892 Feb. 23, 1945 Francis Scott Key writes the Francis Bellamy writes the The flag should never be displayed Greatest The American flag rises over Iwo July 4, 1960 “Star-Spangled Banner” as he original “Pledge of Allegiance,” th with the union down except as a Jima after the United States cap- The 50 star is added a year after sees the flag flying over Fort which first appeared in the th moments in tures the island during WWII. Hawaii becomes the 50 state. signal of distress in instances of McHenry in Baltimore Harbor Youth’s Companion magazine in extreme danger. after a British bombardment. September 1892. flag history When a flag is no longer in a condition to be displayed, it should 1777 1960 be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning. Jan. 13, 1794 April 4, 1818 June 14, 1777 June 22, 1942 Aug. 3, 1949 Congress increases the flag to Congress returns the 13 original The Continental Congress Congress establishes a code of President Truman signs an Act 15 stars and 15 stripes after stripes to the flag and decides to adopts a 13-star, 13-stripe how the American flag should of Congress designating June 14 Vermont and Kentucky join add a new star for each new state national flag. be handled and displayed. as National Flag Day. the union. accepted into the union..