Flag of Liberia

Liberia Flag: You can definitely notice a similarity between the American flag and the Liberian flag with it’s red and white stripes as well as a blue corner featuring a star in the canton. Unlike the American flag, the Liberia flag only has 11 stripes, which represent those who signed the Liberian Declaration of Independence. The red and white color of the 11 stripes symbolize courage and moral excellence in Liberia while the white star in the canton stands for the freedom ex-slaves were given in history.

Flag of Malaysia

Malaysia Flag: There’s also a similar look to the American flag with the Malaysia flag. This flag features 14 alternating red and white stripes as well as a blue canton in the upper left corner. The stripes of the Malaysia flag symbolize the equality of the 13 member states that make up the country plus the federal government. This flag doesn’t have a standard 5 point star, but instead features a crescent which represents Islam, the country’s official religion, as well as a 14 point star. The 14 points on the star stand for the unity of the 13 states and federal government or Malaysia.

Flag of Togo

Togo Flag: The flag of Togo features the same stripes and star as the Liberia flag, however the horizontal stripes and hoist end are different colors. The Togo flag features 5 horizontal stripes alternating in green and yellow which are derived from the Pan-African colors of Ethiopa, as well as the red upper left corner displaying a 5-point white star. The Togo flag is still fairly new in the flag world, being adopted only 50 years ago on April 27, 1960.

Flag of Uruguay

Uruguay flag: Taking a different approach but still showing a similar design is the national flag of Uruguay. This flag features nine horizontal stripes in blue and white that represent the nine original departments of Uruguay. Instead of displaying a star in the corner of the Uruguay flag, the Sun of May is shown in bright yellow, which is a national symbol of both Uruguay as well as Argentina. The original Uruguay flag actually displayed 17 blue and white stripes but in 1830, a new law required the number of stripes be reduced to nine.

I’m going to do a little more research and see if I can’t find some smaller International territories that also show a similarity to the American flag, as well as taking a look at our own US State flags right here in America!  I’ll be writing another blog on that soon so check back soon!

Nicki Snyder – Creative Director

That is right it has been 50 years since the current American flag designed by then high school student Bob Heft first flew as the official flag of the United States of America. President Dwight D. Eisenhower, incidentally the inspiration for Carrot-Top’s own President’s name Dwight Morris, selected the young Heft’s design to be the next American flag. The then new design was unveiled promptly at 12:01am July 4, 1960 at Fort McHenry, site that formed the back drop for Francis Scot Key’s writing of the Star Spangled Banner.

The 50 star US flag has flown over 12 Summer Olympic sites (remember the US boycotted 1980), 11 US Presidents (Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, Ford, Carter, Reagan, Bush, Clinton, Bush and Obama) and along side “one giant leap for mankind” on the moon. This flag has also seen the fields of conflict in Vietnam, Granada, Panama, Persian Gulf, Somalia, Afghanistan, and Iraq as well as on the thousands of caskets that draped over men and women’s resting bodies and now lie folded in their honor. The current flag has been able to bear witness to countless celebrity serenades, pledges from American citizens new and old, endless standing ovations and an occasional Military fly by.

Let us celebrate the 50 star American flag everyday for its past, present and future.

Steve A. Cates

The historical origin of flags dates back to around 1000 BC, when the Egyptians used primitive versions of flags – some were even made out of wood or metal. Flags were originally used for the purpose of identification or to signal to others. Although flags are still used for many of those reasons today, flags have also come to be used for much more.

Flags have also been important symbols on land as well as on sea. Ships started using flags at sea to signal to each other and to harbors, often to let them know they had an infectious or diseased crew aboard. Flags are still used today to let sailors know what weather conditions await at sea. The military also made use of flags to rally its troops. In military times, capturing an enemy’s flag was considered an honorable seizure.

Although the most popular use of flags today is to identify the world’s countries, the use of national flags didn’t become commonplace until the 18th century. National flags are now used to identify each country and their symbolism.

When Mount Everest and the moon were conquered, and when new found lands were discovered, explorers would raise flags as signs of their being the first to tread these unchartered lands. Flags have also been used historically, many with negative consequences. For example, ancient pirates used flags decorated with the feared skull and crossbones emblem, and the Nazis used a flag decorated with a swastika.

Today, flags are still used to signify crucial events. For example, if you are offside in a soccer game, the linesman raises his flag, or when an auto race begins a flag is traditionally waved to start the race.

In fact, the numerous uses for flags and their examination have become so popular that the practice of ‘vexillology’, which means the academic study of flags, has been developed.
Tagged: first flags, history of flags, origin of flags, where did flags come from ]]> http://blog.carrot-top.com/2009/05/17/the-origin-of-flags/feed/ 0 Lexi the Vexillologist http://blog.carrot-top.com/2009/05/16/history-of-flag-flying-holidays/ http://blog.carrot-top.com/2009/05/16/history-of-flag-flying-holidays/#comments Sat, 16 May 2009 14:44:01 +0000 Lexi the Vexillologist http://flaginfo.wordpress.com/?p=329 ]]> January

January 1 (New Year’s Day) – New Year’s Day celebrates the beginning of a new year according to the Gregorian calendar which is generally accepted in the USA. It is normally accompanied by fireworks and kisses at the turn of 12 AM. New York holds the largest celebration in New York where the “ball” drops at the turn of midnight

January 20th (Inauguration day) – Inauguration Day occurs every 4 years and coincides with the inauguration of new presidents. The last Inauguration Day to take place was on January 20th, 2009 with President Barack Obama. The Holiday was first established to take place on March 4th of the Inauguration year and was celebrated on that date from 1978 through 1933. Following the ratification of the 20th Amendment; however, the date was changed to January 20th. When the 20th occurs on a Sunday, the day is then pushed to the 21st (Monday). The next Inauguration day will take place on January 20th, 2013.

Martin Luther King Jr. (3rd Monday in January) – Martin Luther King Jr. Day is celebrated on the 3rd Monday of each January despite his true birthday being January 15th, 1929. It commemorates Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a leader and chief spokesperson for non-violent activism during the Civil Rights movement. Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in 1968 and the Holiday was first signed into law by Ronald Reagan in 1983 but was not observed until 1986.

February

President’s Day (3rd Monday in February) – President’s Day was first established by Congress in 1880 to honor George Washington and was originally celebrated on February 22nd, the actual birth date of George Washington (1732). It was later changed to President’s Day to honor the Presidency position in general.

April

Easter Sunday (April 4th, 2010) – Easter is celebrated on the 1st Sunday of April following the first full moon of the vernal equinox. It is considered by many to be one of the most important Holidays in the Christian religion marking the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The next celebration will take place on April 4th, 2010.

May

Mothers Day (Second Sunday in May) – Mother’s Day was first established by Anna Jarvis on May 12, 1907 following the passing of her mother. After campaigning, she succeeded in making Mother’s Day recognized nationally in 1914. Remember to give thanks to all the Mothers on May 9th, which marks the next time it will be recognized.

Peace Officers Memorial Day (May 15th, 2010) – Peace Officers Memorial Day pays tribute to all of the Federal, State, and local peace officers who protect us from crime, harm, and terrorism. It is recognized on May 15th and gives thanks to the many of officers have paid the ultimate price for the protection of our freedoms. The flag is to be flown at half-staff on this day.

Memorial Day (Last Monday in May) – Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday of May each year. It honors those who have served and died while serving in the US Military. It was first enacted in 1868 following the Civil War and flags are asked to be served at half-staff until noon local time. Then, the flag is raised to its normal height. It will be next recognized on May 31, 2010.

June

Flag Day (June 14th) – The United State Flag Day celebrates the adoption of the flag of the United States of America which occurred on June 14, 1777. Flag Day was proclaimed a Holiday by Woodrow Wilson in August of 1949 yet is not recognized as a Federal holiday.

July

Independence Day (July 4th) – Independence Day is celebrated every July 4th in the United States and represents the independence of the 13 original colonies from the British. It was originally adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4th, 1776 and the Declaration was mainly written by Thomas Jefferson. July 4th has become one of the largest Holidays in the US and is often characterized by fireworks and the red, white, and blue as well as flying the American Flag.

September

Labor Day (1st Monday in September) – Labor Day is celebrated on the 1st Monday of September every year. Labor Day was originally created when Peter J McGuire witnessed a Canadian celebration of the “Nine Hour Movement”, a movement to establish labor laws in Canada…then returned to New York to organize the first Labor Day on September 5th, 1882. It was originally marked by parades and was established to honor the many achievements and inventions of the American workers. It will next be observed on September 6th, 2010.

Patriot Day (September 11th) – Patriot Day occurs on September 11 of each year. It honors the many lives lost in the Sept. 11 attack of 2001 and was originally signed into law on December 18, 2001 by President George W. Bush. It is marked by flying flags at half-staff throughout the day at homes, government offices, and the White House. Also, we are asked to observe a moment of silence at 8:46 AM which marks the time when the first plane hit the World Trade Center.

Constitution Day (September 17th) – Constitution Day is recognized on September 17th of each year and is in observance of the ratification of the Constitution of the United States. September 17th marks the date when Constitution was signed by Constitutional Convention in 1787. The law establishing Constitution Day was not created until 2004 though. When the 17th falls on a weekend, schools and other institutions will recognize the Holiday on an adjacent weekday, either the Friday before or Monday following.

POW/MIA Recognition Day (3rd Friday in September) – National POW/MIA Recognition Day is celebrated on the 3rd Friday of each September. Designed to honor all of the prisoners of war and those missing in action, it is one of the only Holidays where the black and white POW/MIA flag “federal facilities and cemeteries, post offices, and military installations”. The next POW/MIA Recognition Day will be on Sept. 18th, 2009.

October

Columbus Day (2nd Monday in October; October 12th at Foreign Service posts) – Columbus Day celebrates the anniversary of Christopher Columbus’ arrival into the Americas on October 12, 1492. It is not only recognized by the US, but also by many countries in the “New World”. In the US, It was first officially celebrated by Colorado in 1905 and became a Federal holiday in 1970.

November

Veterans Day (November 11th) – Give thanks to all of the brave men and women who have served in the US Military on Veterans Day this November 11th. It was first proclaimed as Armistice Day on November 12, 1919 by Woodrow Wilson. It was officially changed to Veterans Day on November 8th, 1954 replacing Armistice with Veterans to honor all veterans throughout each war of the United States. When November 11th falls on a Sunday, the Holiday day off is pushed to the following Monday.

Thanksgiving (4th Thursday in November) – Thanksgiving Day is celebrated on the 4th Thursday of each November and was originally designed to give thanks for the reaped harvest of the autumn. Thanksgiving dinner is common and is generally eaten with friends and family.

December

Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day (December 7th) – Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day takes place each year on December 7th, the date of the Pearl Harbor attacks in 1941. It is designed to give thanks and remembrance for the many service men and women who lost their lives on that day. Pearl Harbor marks the second worst foreign attack on American soil behind 9/11/01. Flags are asked to be flown at half-staff on this day.

Christmas Day (December 25th) – Christmas is generally regarded as the largest Holiday in the USA and is characterized by presents and gifts given between people. This holiday is designed to celebrate the birth of Jesus of Nazareth. It occurs on December 25th of each year. The holiday is characterized with presents, Christmas trees, and food.

U.S. Flag

Today’s flag consists of thirteen horizontal stripes – seven red stripes alternating with 6 white. The stripes represent the original 13 colonies. The stars represent the 50 states of the Union. The colors of the flag are symbolic as well:

• red symbolizes hardiness and valor
• white symbolizes purity and innocence
• blue represents vigilance, perseverance and justice.

The U.S. Government generally expects a nylon or cotton bunting flag to last approximately 90 days, based on daily usage from sunrise to sunset. Periods of inclement weather will shorten this lifespan. In some cases a flag flown 24 hours a day will last only 1/4 as long as one flown during the daylight hours only.

Good care can greatly prolong a flag’s lifespan, so be sure to regularly clean your flag.

To learn more about flag longevity, please click here.

The Flag House

The Flag House is located on the northwest corner of Albemarle and Pratt Streets in Baltimore, Maryland.

It was the home of Mary Pickersgill from 1807 to 1857, and it was where she made the original “Star-Spangled Banner,” which measured 30 by 42 feet. The stripes were two feet wide and the stars were two feet from point to point. Mrs. Pickersgill was paid $405.90 for her services. The flag was delivered to Fort McHenry on August 19, 1813, a full year before the Battle of Baltimore.

The flag bears the autograph of Lt. Col. George Armistead as well as the date of the British bombardment. It remained in the Armistead family for many years and then loaned to the Smithsonian for an official display in 1907. On December 19, 1912, it was donated to the Smithsonian where it is now on permanent exhibit. Although the flag was reduced in size in order to repair and preserve it in 1914, the reinforcement technique used has preserved its existence.

The Flag House is a National Historic Landmark, and is operated by an independent non-profit association.

U.S. Capitol Building

Did you know that you can purchase a flag that has been flown over the Capitol? You can even specify that you want one that was flown on a certain day.

You can purchase one of these flags by getting in touch with your Senator. Click here to find your Senators’ websites and this is where you will find the order information.

You will also receive a certificate signed by the Architect of the Capitol with each flag. Flags are available for purchase in sizes of 3′ x 5′ or 5′ x 8′ in fabrics of cotton and nylon.

Flag Folding Ceremony

Have you ever noticed how the color guard pays meticulous attention to correctly folding the American flag 13 times? Did you think it symbolized the original 13 colonies? It actually represents something different.

The 1st fold of our flag is a symbol of life.

The 2nd fold is a symbol of our belief in eternal life.

The 3rd fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veterans departing our ranks who gave a portion of their lives for the defense of our country to attain peace throughout the world.

The 4th fold represents our weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in time of war for His divine guidance.

The 5th fold is a tribute to our country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, “Our Country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right; but it is still our country, right or wrong.”

The 6th fold is for where our hearts lie. It is with our heart that We pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all.

The 7th fold is a tribute to our Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed Forces that we protect our country and our flag against all her enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of our republic.

The 8th fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day.

The 9th fold is a tribute to womanhood, and Mothers. For it has been through their faith, their love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great, have been molded.

The 10th fold is a tribute to the father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of our country since they were first born.

The 11th fold represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon and glorifies in the Hebrews’ eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

The 12th fold represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in the Christians’ eyes, God the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit.

The 13th fold, or when the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost reminding us of our nation’s motto, “In God We Trust”.

After the flag is completely folded and tucked in, it takes on the appearance of a cocked hat.

From the US Air Force Academy