Stars & Stripes
The 13 horizontal stripes on the American flag represent these original historical groups.
What are the 13 original colonies?
This Philadelphia seamstress is widely credited in American folklore with sewing the very first Stars and Stripes.
Who is Betsy Ross?
According to the Flag Code, the American flag should never be allowed to touch this.
What is the ground (or floor/water)?
This is the official title of the United States national anthem, written about the flag during the War of 1812.
What is "The Star-Spangled Banner"?
The color blue on the American flag was chosen specifically to represent the sky.
FALSE. In official flag symbolism, the blue color represents vigilance, perseverance, and justice.
This is the current number of stars on the American flag, representing each state in the Union.
What is 50?
In July 1969, astronaut Neil Armstrong placed the first American flag on this celestial body.
What is the moon?
This is the traditional, specific geometric shape the flag is folded into when it is being properly stored.
What is a triangle? (Bonus fact: It takes exactly 13 folds).
He wrote the lyrics to the national anthem after witnessing the bombardment of Fort McHenry.
Who is Francis Scott Key?
The first official U.S. flag was adopted during a battle in the Revolutionary War.
FALSE. The Continental Congress officially adopted the flag design on June 14, 1777, during a meeting in Philadelphia, not during a battle. This is why we celebrate Flag Day on June 14th.
On the flag, the color white symbolizes purity and innocence, while this color symbolizes hardiness and valor.
What is Red?
This US President issued the official presidential proclamation establishing June 14th as National Flag Day back in 1916.
Who is Woodrow Wilson?
Flying the American flag upside down is officially permitted only as a signal for this dire situation.
What is extreme distress or danger?
During this traditional recitation, participants stand facing the flag with their right hand placed firmly over their heart.
What is the Pledge of Allegiance?
An 1818 law states that a new star must be added to the flag on the very day a new state joins the Union.
FALSE. New stars are added to the flag only on July 4th following the admission of a new state.
These were the final two states added to the flag, bringing the star count to its current total in 1959 and 1960.
What are Alaska and Hawaii?
Sea Captain William Driver gave the American flag this famous, enduring two-word nickname in 1831
What is "Old Glory"?
To fly the flag outdoors during the night, the Flag Code states that it must have this feature.
What is a light illuminating it?
This famous American composer, known as the "March King," wrote the iconic patriotic march "The Stars and Stripes Forever."
Who is John Philip Sousa?
Any past official American flag (like a 48-star flag) is considered "obsolete" and is no longer legal to fly.
FALSE. According to the U.S. Army Institute of Heraldry, any officially approved American flag, regardless of the number of stars, is still considered a "living flag" and may be displayed as long as it is in good condition.
For a brief period between 1795 and 1818, the flag actually featured this many stripes before Congress decided to stick to the original 13.
What is 15? (Bonus point: It was changed for the admission of Vermont and Kentucky)
This is the only US state that recognizes Flag Day as an official, legal state holiday.
What is Pennsylvania?
On this specific federal holiday, the flag is uniquely flown at half-staff only until noon, and then raised to full-staff until sunset.
What is Memorial Day?
Irving Berlin wrote this beloved patriotic song, famously performed by Kate Smith, which became an overnight sensation in 1938
What is "God Bless America"?
The American flag is the only national flag that has been placed on the surface of Mars.
FALSE. While the U.S. has placed flags on Mars via several rovers (like Curiosity and Perseverance), other nations and agencies (like the Soviet Union and China) have also landed craft featuring their national flags.