I hope everyone has a safe and fun weekend with loved ones!
For this occasion, I decided to make a simple flag cake, because I know that for me when I think of the symbols that represent our country it’s one of the first images that come to mind. I decided to do some digging and although I was aware of some of these things, I learned a lot of new information about our flag. Here are a few quick facts:
- As most people know, our flag has 13 red and white stripes representing the original 13 colonies and 50 stars representing the current 50 states.
- It is NOT illegal to burn the American flag. This act is protected under the 1st amendment as an expression of free speech.
- In fact, burning the flag is the preferred and respectful way of disposing of it once it’s no longer in good condition and able to be displayed. Though burning it can be dangerous so other options are using community disposal boxes, burying it, or recycling it.
- Although it is not enforceable, there is a Flag Code that dictates how the flag should be treated. Again, these are not laws, they’re just guidelines.
- Technically, according to the Flag Code, we are not supposed to use the flag on merchandise, and the flag should never touch the ground or water, meaning all items with images of the flag, especially bathing suits and towels, shouldn’t exist.
- There is no concrete proof that Betsy Ross made the first American flag. That story didn’t come out until 1870 when her grandson made the claim. The first flag was believed to have been made in 1777.
- There is no official explanation as to why the colors of the flag are red, white, and blue, however, it is believed that the red represents hardiness and valor, the blue represents vigilance, perseverance, and justice, and the white represents purity and innocence.
- The Pledge of Allegiance was created on September 8, 1892, as a marketing gimmick to sell more flags to public schools in order to boost subscriptions to a magazine called The Youth’s Companion.
- Our current flag was designed in 1958 by a 17-year-old named Bob Heft. Although at the time there were only 48 states he created a flag with 50 states because he believed Hawaii and Alaska would be added soon.
- Macy Gray recently argued that we should update our flag to be more representative of our current country. She suggested 52 stars that include D.C. and Puerto Rico and represent different skin tones and the diversity of our country, stripes that are off-white in recognition of the fact our country is not innocent or pure, and keeping our blue and red colors since valor, vigilance, and perseverance are American traits.
Although that last point may be a bit jarring to some, it’s important to recognize that our flag has evolved throughout history with our country. A lot of things have changed in the 62 years since the flag was last updated so maybe she does have a point. What do you think? How do you feel when you see the American flag? Do you think it accurately represents our country now? I’d love to know your thoughts.
