The Typical American Can’t Answer These Simple Questions About the American Flag

Our national flag is one of the most important symbols to the people who call this country home. It has a long and storied history. As an American, it’s important to know about the flag, including what it represents, how to hang it, how to celebrate Flag Day, and more. Unfortunately, the typical American can’t answer these simple questions about the American flag. Can you?

When was the Flag Created?

Here is the first of the simple questions about the American flag. It’s important to know when the flag was first introduced.

Answer

The U.S. flag was created and first presented on June 14, 1777. That occurred when the Continental Congress passed an act asking for an official flag.

How Many Stripes Are on the American Flag?

Americans should know how many stripes are on the flag.

Answer

This is one of the simple questions about the American flag. There are 13 stripes on the flag.

What Do the 13 stripes on the American Flag Represent?

Each stripe has a meaning.

Answer

The 13 stripes on the American flag represent the original 13 original colonies that made up the nation.

How Many Stars are on the American Flag?

The number of stars could always change.

Answer

At this point, there are 50 stars on the flag. They represent the 50 states that make up the United States of America.

What Does the Red on the Flag Represent?

The flag is red, white, and blue. What does the red on the flag represent?

Answer

According to the forefathers, the red on the flag symbolizes the valor and hardiness of the people in our country.

What Does the White on the Flag Represent?

The color white also has an important part on the flag.

Answer

The color white on the American Flag stands for the innocence and purity of the country.

What Does the Blue on the Flag Represent?

Finally, blue has a presence on the flag for a certain reason. Do you know it?

Answer

According to the creators, the color blue on the American flag stands for the justice, perseverance, and vigilance of the country.

What is Flag Day?

Many people hear about flag day and think that it’s just a random day that doesn’t hold a lot of importance, but it does. Do you know what this day represents?

Answer

Flag Day was created to support the Union side during the Civil War. In 1916, president Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation that made it an annual holiday. It is still a day to celebrate our flag, our country, and our freedoms.

When is Flag Day?

Now that you know the true importance of Flag Day, it’s also good that you know when to celebrate it.

Answer

This is one of the simple questions about the American flag that many people get wrong. Flag Day occurs every year on June 14.

What Happens if the American Flag Touches the Ground?

Many people will remember that as kids, they were told that the flag must be burned or retired if it ever touches the ground. Is that true?

Answer

The American flag is an amazing symbol of our country, and it should be treated with respect. Whenever possible, it should never touch the ground. However, according to the American Legion, if it does, and it remains suitable for display, it can and should still be used.

What are the Rules About Cleaning the Flag?

If you own an American flag, and it gets dirty, you are allowed to clean it, but how?

Answer

If necessary, here is the best way to clean your flag: Flags are made out of different materials, so check that first. Typically, you can wash it with soap and water or at the dry cleaner.

What Can You Do if Your Flag is Damaged Beyond Repair?

If something happens to your flag where you can’t hang it properly or it’s destroyed for some reason, there are things you can do to retire it.

Answer

If you want to retire your flag, you can burn it in a dignified way. Often, during Flag Day, there are burnings you can participate in that are done the right way and for the right reasons. Before it’s burned, the flag must be properly folded.

Why are American Flags Flown at Half-Staff?

This is one of the simple questions about the American flag that everyone should know.

Answer

If you ever see the American flag flown at half-staff or halfway up the pole, it could typically mean a few things. It could be that there was the death of a notable figure, a national tragedy, or a national day of remembrance, like Memorial Day. 

Who Authorizes the Flag to Hang at Half-Staff?

If you ever see the flag hanging at half mast, it’s because one of a few people has authorized it. Who could that be?

Answer

There are only a few people with this authority. According to Flag Code section 7(m), only the President of the United States or a state governor can authorize this to happen.

Why Would the American Flag be Hanging Upside Down?

In recent years, you may have seen American flags hanging upside down. Why would this be?

Answer

If you see an American flag hanging upside down, it is typically because someone doesn’t believe that justice was served. Recently, it happened after President Trump was found guilty in court. With that said, many people may also hang the flag upside down if they’re having an emergency and they’re trying to signify that they need help.

How Many Different Versions of the Flag Have There Been?

As time has gone on and our country has changed, there have been numerous updates to the flag.

Answer

Since the flag was first introduced in 1777, there have been 27 versions. Every time a new state was added to our country, the flag was revised with more stars.

What is the Name of a Flag Expert?

This is one of the not-so-simple questions about the American flag. Do you know the profession’s name for someone who is an expert on flags and their history?

Answer

An expert on flags is known as a vexillologist.

Who Made the First American Flag?

This is one of the simple questions about the American flag that everyone should know. Who created the very first flag?

Answer

Betsy Ross is the first one to sew together the American Flag.

How Many Times Is a Flag Folded When It’s Put Away?

If you’ve ever seen a flag ceremony of some type, you’ve likely seen it folded into a triangle. Do you know how many times it’s folded?

Answer

The American flag is folded 13 times. Each fold represents something different, such as life, a tribute to womanhood, a tribute to the country, and more. You can see the meaning behind each fold at this link.

When Should the Flag Be Presented Outside of Your Home?

Although your flag can hang outside 24 hours a day, there is a certain time frame that is customary for when you should have it up. Do you know it?

Answer

It’s customary to only hang the flag from sunrise to sundown. At sundown, bring it down and fold it. The idea is that it’s up when people can see it. If you want to hang your flag at night, put a light on it so it can be seen.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©lucky-photographer/iStock via Getty Images.