NorthStar Flags

The Star Spangled Banner is the other term named after the American flag. With its iconic stars and stripes, the flag which symbolizes one of the greatest nations may just be relatively new as opposed to other nations’ flags, but nonetheless have as much rich cultural background.For a span of barely two centuries, the US was able to in still a continuously progressive evolution in its flag design.

While Betsy Ross may be the first person to sew the first official US flag, it was former president George Washington who during that time was still a general had orders to his men to hoist the first flag during the American Revolution. At that time the make shift design for the US flag was a British Union Jack in the upper left corner, with the horizontal red and white stripes. The American flag at that time

was symbolized by the first 13 colonies which rose up to the revolution, and has constantly been redesigned by approval from the congress. Whereas a new state joined the union, so did the number of stars in the upper left corner.

Currently numbering 50 stars, the American flag has retained its red,white, and blue colors, maintaining its motto of its red, white, and blue signifying valor, purity, and justice respectively. From the humble yet valiant beginnings during New Year’s Day in 1776, to the present modern US, the flag stands tall in advocating the meaning behind the three colors everyone has learned to recognize and acknowledge.

The American flag has been a relatively new flag to fly the skies to signify a sovereign nation, barely a couple of centuries old, yet it has seen a great deal of rich historical account worthy to be known about. The very first flag attributed to have been locally sewn and flown may be attributed to Betsy Ross, but the very first flag that may have been the official precursor for the present day US flag may have been flown by General George Washington.

During New Year’s Day of 1776, he ordered the Grand Union to be hoisted on prospect hill as laid siege to the British. At this time,there were just the thirteen red and white stripes which signified the thirteen original colonies to rise up against the British colonial power. This plus the British Union Jack on the upper left corner of the flag is seen as the piece flown by the famed General.

During the course of the new nation’s existence, the original thirteen stripes and stars saw constant redesigning, especially as the UnitedStates became more distinct, settled, and defined. Each new star in the upper left corner signified a new state added to the country. From its humble beginnings in 1777 to the current year, the congress has proposed, passed, and approved changes to the design and layout,especially of the arrangement of the stars. Nevertheless, the official colors of red, white, and blue remained the same.

Red meant Valor, White becoming purity, and Blue signified Justice.This is where the star spangled banner got its familiar unofficial motto of bringing liberty and justice for all. This is the American flag, with all 50 stars under its sovereign.

You may have recently witnessed the latest UFC fighting championship match wherein USA and Brazil were matched, to which the American fighter emerged victorious due to an unfortunate injury for the side of the Brazilian. The injury was a mind numbing sight for onlookers,while other s have pondered on the issue regarding a more nationalistic concern: the wearing of the American flag by the defending champion.

We all know that the American flag, just like any other flag should be given honor and respect. Basic etiquette such as proper handling, olding, storage, and flying the American colors are instilled to us in different means. There is even the American constitution’s flag code which enumerates the rules and provisions required by the state to be followed by the citizens.

In one of the sections written about the flag, it is stated that theAmerican flag should not be worn disrespectfully like a costume or the like. However, this is technically violated by some people, especially the athletes themselves when representing their beloved nation. EvenOlympic athletes drape the flag over their shoulders pre and post match.

While many would say that it is downright illegal and unlawful, most have not touched this issue even with a 20 foot pole on the grounds that the intent to which the flag was worn was due to patriotism inform of other nations. Athletes competing on a global scale are representing their beloved America, and wearing the flag over their shoulders during events signifies their allegiance and submission to the American sovereignty.

So the big dilemma remains for those who would weigh the justification of intent to the technical and literal word written in the very constitution that was made to protect the laws written within,including the wearing of the American flag.