Download This Sample
This sample is exclusively for KidsKonnect members!
To download this worksheet, click the button below to signup for free (it only takes a minute) and you'll be brought right back to this page to start the download!
Sign Me Up
Table of Contents
The American Flag has been the national flag of the United States since June 14, 1777, with the original thirteen-star version. Since 1777, it has been modified 26 times up to the current 50-star version that was adopted on July 4, 1960. It is also called the Stars and Stripes, Star-Spangled Banner, and Old Glory.
See the fact file below for more information on the American Flag or alternatively, you can download our 24-page American Flag worksheet pack to utilise within the classroom or home environment.
Key Facts & Information
Historical Background
- Even after the Declaration of Independence in July 1776, the Continental Congress did not immediately adopt an official flag. The Continental Cross flag was historically referred to as the first national flag under British rule.
- The Continental Cross, also referred to as the Grand Union, closely resembles the British East India Company flag.
- The Second Continental Congress passed the Flag Resolution on June 14, 1777, which stated:
”… That the thirteen United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white on a blue field, representing a new constellation.” - On August 3, 1777, the first official flag of the United States was flown at Fort Schuyler during the Siege at Fort Stanwix. But despite the resolution, Americans featured many flags in the early years of independence.
Controversial Designer
- The story of Betsy Ross being the sewer of the first American flag was said to be publicly disseminated by her descendants in 1870. It was believed that General Washington handed Ross a pencil sketch design of the flag but no records have been found to support the claim.
- On the other hand, early claims of designing the flag were made by Francis Hopkinson, a naval flag designer and a signatory of the Declaration of Independence document.
- His claims for designing the naval flag were documented in the Journals of the Continental Congress.
Modifications Over Time
- By 1795, two stars and stripes were added to the flag after the entry of Kentucky and Vermont as states of the Union. For some time, the flag was not changed after subsequent admission of states to the Union. It was only in 1818 that Congress passed a resolution to add five more stars and a new star to be added when a new state was admitted. It also specified that the number of stripes should be reduced from 15 to 13 to honor the original thirteen colonies.
- A short-lived 49-star flag was made after the admission of Alaska in January 1959. After a year, Hawaii gained its statehood and became the 50th star on the flag.
- On July 4, 2007, the 50-star flag design became the longest design in use, surpassing the 1912 to 1959 48-star version.
Symbol and Etiquette of the American Flag
- The American flag is one of the leading symbols of the United States. Aside from public buildings, most residential houses display the flag. Moreover, it’s become a common motif for badges, clothes, and cars. In retail stores, giant outdoor flags are flown to attract customers.
- The official colors of the flag are white, old glory red, and old glory blue. These colors represent liberty and purity (white), valor (red), and justice and loyalty (blue).
- There is a special flag code on how the American flag should be displayed, folded and disposed of. Here are some guidelines:
- The flag should never touch the ground.
- If flown at night, it should be illuminated, if not possible it should be taken down before sunset.
- If it becomes tattered and cannot be repaired, it should be destroyed through burning.
- It should never be used as apparel for wearing.
- In vehicles, it should be affixed on the right side.
- Flag patches on US military uniforms are worn on the right shoulder.
- Flags are displayed at half-staff or half-mast when the country is in mourning.
- It is also used at occasional funerals including military people, civil servants, enforcement officers, firefighters, and US presidents. Prior to the casket being lowered into the ground, the flag is ceremonially folded and given to the survivors of the deceased as a token of respect.
- Five out of six flags planted on the moon are still standing.
- Today, National Flag Day is celebrated in the United States every June 14th.
American Flag Worksheets
This is a fantastic bundle which includes everything you need to know about American Flag across 24 in-depth pages. These are ready-to-use American Flag worksheets that are perfect for teaching students about the American Flag which is the national flag of the United States since June 14, 1777, with the original thirteen-star version. Since 1777, it has been modified 26 times up to the current 50-star version that was adopted on July 4, 1960. It is also called the Stars and Stripes, Star-Spangled Banner, and Old Glory.
Complete List Of Included Worksheets
- American Flag Facts
- The Original Thirteen Stripes
- Who Made It Better?
- Through Time
- Stars and States
- The Star-Spangled Banner
- Colored Symbols
- Flag Codes
- Flag all Day
- Flag Folding
- Americanism
Link/cite this page
If you reference any of the content on this page on your own website, please use the code below to cite this page as the original source.
Link will appear as American Flag Facts & Worksheets: https://kidskonnect.com - KidsKonnect, February 7, 2019
Use With Any Curriculum
These worksheets have been specifically designed for use with any international curriculum. You can use these worksheets as-is, or edit them using Google Slides to make them more specific to your own student ability levels and curriculum standards.