Resources | Responsibility
Resources | Responsibility
Our Flag
Objectives
- History of the flag.
- Meaning of the flag.
- Proper etiquette for the flag. how to raise, lower, gather, and fold.
Preparation
- Display an American Flag.
- Ask the group what the flag means to them.
- Give a history of the flag and its symbolism today.
- Show or view a video of proper respect for the flag by raising, lowering, and folding.
Activity
View the flag folding video. Print the activity guide. Have individuals gather around the flagpole. Discuss the history of the American flag as well as the meaning of the colors, stripes, and stars.
Divide into three groups. Choose one person in each group read the directions from the flag folding instructions pdf. The first group will raise the flag, not letting it touch the ground. Group two will lower the flag slowly and ceremoniously. Group three will gather the flag and fold it.
Downloads
Additional activities
Invite a current military member or veteran to join the activity and discuss what the flag means to them.
History
The American flag was made by Betsy Ross and adopted on June 14, 1777, to represent the new union of the thirteen original states. It had thirteen stripes, alternating red and white, and thirteen white stars on a blue field. One of the first flags had the stars arranged in a circle, based on the idea that all colonies were equal.
While the reason behind the colors might be lost to history Charles Thompson, Secretary of the Continental Congress introduced the meanings on June 20, 1782, and the tradition of what they stand for was established.
Learn more about the history and meaning of our flag.
Flag symbolism
- Red symbolizes hardiness and valor.
- White symbolizes purity and innocence.
- Blue represents vigilance, perseverance, and justice.
- 13 stripes represent the 13 original colonies.
- 50 stars represent the 50 states.
