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.

Make Homemade Ice Cream

I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream! But why pick up a pre-made tub of it at the store when you can have the fun of making it with your kids? It’s easier than you might think, too — no special skills required. All you need is an ice cream maker, rock salt, and six simple ingredients. This recipe doesn’t even use eggs, so it’s safe for pregnant mommies, too. Once you have the ice cream maker, you can tweak the same recipe by adding other flavors.

Watermelon Seed-Spitting Contest

Few other fruits say “Fourth of July” like watermelon. It’s present at almost every July 4th picnic, and it’s a cool sweet treat on a hot summer’s day. Kids and adults alike love this fresh, juicy fruit (and any time you can get kids to voluntarily eat fruit is a win!) But there’s the matter of those pesky seeds to contend with. You can spit them out on a plate, which gets the job done but is a little boring. Why not have a game with the kids to see who can spit their seeds the furthest? 

Chalk Art

The Fourth of July is a great time for being outdoors. Keep kids entertained by having them express their creativity with chalk art, like this set. All you need is a driveway, patio, or sidewalk, and kids can have fun for hours drawing pictures or boards for tic-tac-toe or hopscotch.

The best part about the chalk drawings is that unlike paint, it doesn’t make a big mess! It rinses off their clothes easily and washes off completely in the rain. 

Sprinklers

If you’re not lucky enough to have access to a swimming pool during the summer, there’s still a way to beat the heat on the Fourth of July. Set up sprinklers and have the kids run through them to cool off. Or grab an old-school Slip N Slide for slipper good fun!

Fruit Pizza

Celebrate all the fresh summer bounty by making a patriotic fruit pizza. Use delicious seasonal fruits like strawberries and blueberries to make this easy and patriotic-themed dessert pizza. Get the kids involved, too — there’s nothing that tastes as good as something you helped to make.

Scavenger Hunt

Let your kids put on their sleuthing caps and start searching for treasure in the backyard. Hide a random assortment of things in your yard and send them on their way! 

The dollar store is a great place to get inexpensive items to hide that the kids can keep once they find them. Good items to get include bubbles, coloring books, puzzles, action figures, and toy race cars.

Backyard Campout

There’s no need to go out of town to go camping. Let your kids have all the fun of camping, right in your backyard. Set up a tent and get ready for the excitement of sleeping under the stars.

Make it just like any other camping experience: bring hot dogs to roast over a fire, along with marshmallows to toast and the ingredients to make s’mores. Just like camping!

Red, White and Blue Slime

What’s more fun to kids than playing with slime? But you don’t have to buy an expensive tub of premade slime; you can make it yourself with just a couple of ingredients in a few minutes.

Try this recipe or this one to make some fast and easy slime in your very own kitchen. Spending just a few minutes of your time will let your kids have a blast for hours.

Build a Fort

A backyard fort is like a secret hideaway that most kids love. You can build your own in your backyard. Your kids will love the place to play and have adventures, but they can have even more fun by being involved in building it.

Whether you choose to build a basic wooden-framed fort or an easier one with cardboard, the kids will have fun helping to build it. Then they’ll have even more fun playing inside of it.

Have a Parade

What’s the Fourth of July without a parade? Have your kids gather all their friends or visiting cousins and let them march in their own parade through your neighborhood. Get some noisemakers and flags to wave. Have the kids dress in adorable patriotic red, white, and blue clothing. Give them their marching orders and follow them out the door for their very own parade.

Red, White and Blue Cookies

You didn’t think the Fourth of July was just about hot dogs and watermelon, did you? Cookies are always welcome at any occasion. You can make patriotic red, white and blue cookies or festive American flag cookies. These recipes are fun and easy enough that you’ll want to get the kids into the kitchen to help!

Fourth of July Wreath

Why spend $20 (or more!) on a premade wreath at a craft store when you can make your own? It’s fast, easy and inexpensive. You’ll be surprised at how cheaply you can make your own Fourth of July wreath. The whole project can come together pretty quickly, especially if you already have red, white, and blue fabric sitting on hand. Get out your glue gun and make something with your own personal touch.

Make an American Flag

The American flag is one of the symbols of freedom we celebrate most on the Fourth of July. You can pick one up at your local big-box home store or get crafty and make your own. Either way, celebrate your American pride with the ultimate symbol.

And happy Fourth of July!