The American flag is one of the most recognizable symbols in the United States, but how much do you really know about the history of this symbol of our freedom? These four American flag facts are sure to wow you, and may even leave you wanting to share your newfound facts about the American flag with family and friends.
4 Fantastic American Flag Facts
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The red, white, and blue colors of the American flag are symbolic. (source) Each of the colors of the flag symbolize important qualities; red is meant to symbolize hardiness and valor, white is to symbolize purity and innocence, and blue is meant to symbolize vigilance, perseverance, and justice.
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The American flag is worn on both shoulders of a military uniform. (source) A flag patch is worn on each shoulder to remind the service member what they are fighting for. The flag on the right shoulder is reversed to look like it is blowing in the wind with the star field facing forward to adhere to military regulations.
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The current American flag was designed by a teenager. (source) High schooler, Bob Heft, designed the flag for a high school class project after being inspired by Alaska and Hawaii joining the union as states. His teacher challenged him to get the flag accepted into Washington to earn a better grade, and he did after making calls and writing letters for two years. President Eisenhower chose his design out of over a thousand designs.
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The American flag can be displayed for 24 hours, but must be lit up at night. (source) The Flag Codes states that the flag can only be displayed from sunrise to sunset, however it can be displayed at night as long as a light illuminates it so its still recognizable.
