13 Facts About Old Glory You May Have Missed or Forgotten

Let’s face it, we could all use a little brush up on our American flag facts we probably learned in third grade

In recent years, the American flag as a symbol of the United States and accompanying patriotism has become somewhat fraught. While this is an unfortunate result of our continued, divisive political system, when we choose to look past all the childishness, we see that our flag carries deep history, meaning, and significance. Instead of focusing on all the things “wrong” with American symbolism, we prefer to shed light on some positive aspects and little-known facts about Old Glory. 

Speaking of…

Fact #1: Did you know the original "Old Glory" was a flag owned by the 19th-century American sea captain William Driver. He flew the flag during his career at sea and later brought it to Nashville, Tennessee, where he settled. Driver greatly prized the flag and ensured its safety from the Confederates, who attempted to seize the flag during the American Civil War.

Fact #2: The original flag, known as the "Stars and Stripes", had 13 stars to represent the original 13 colonies. The number of stars and stripes on the flag has changed as new states joined the union. The flag currently has 50 stars (representing the 50 states) and 13 stripes (representing the original 13 colonies).

Fact #3: The current flag, with 50 stars and 13 stripes, was adopted on July 4, 1960 after Hawaii became the 50th state. The flag's design has been modified 27 times since the original was created in 1777.

Fact #4: Although the modern American flag is famously red, white, and blue, the colors weren't officially defined until the 1880s. Before that, flags used a variety of colors and shades. The colors red, white, and blue were said to represent valor (red), purity (white), and justice or vigilance (blue).

Fact #5: The Pledge of Allegiance was written in 1892 by Francis Bellamy. While the flag had been in use for more than a century before the Pledge was written, the Pledge itself has helped instill respect for the flag.

Fact #6: Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin, the first humans to land on the Moon during Apollo 11 in 1969, planted an American flag on the lunar surface. The flag, however, was not as vibrant due to the harsh conditions on the Moon.

Fact #7: The U.S. Flag Code outlines proper etiquette when it comes to displaying, handling, and disposing of the flag. For example, the flag should never touch the ground, it should be raised briskly, and it should be taken down at night unless it is properly illuminated. The flag should also be burned when it is no longer fit for use, rather than discarded.

Fact #8: Betsy Ross is often credited with designing the first American flag in 1776, but there is no historical proof that she actually did. The story was popularized in the 19th century, but no direct evidence links Ross to the original design. Francis Hopkinson, a member of the Continental Congress, is more likely the true designer.

Fact #9: While the flag is an essential part of military and patriotic events today, it wasn't commonly used in military ceremonies until the late 19th century. The flag became more prominent during the Spanish-American War and in the subsequent military efforts.

Fact #10: In parades, the American flag is supposed to be placed at the front and center, always leading the procession. This signifies the flag’s importance as a symbol of unity and patriotism. It should never be carried upside down, except as a signal of distress.

Fact #11: During the 19th century, U.S. military officers often wore a flag pin on their uniforms as a way to show patriotism and solidarity. The flag pin became a very popular symbol, especially during the Vietnam War.

Bonus Fact: While Flag Day isn’t an official federal holiday, don’t forget to celebrate Old Glory and all its past, present, and future glory on June 14th!