What is the symbolism and meaning of the flag?
“The colors of the pales (the vertical stripes) are those used in the flag of the United States of America; White signifies purity and innocence, Red, hardiness & valour, and Blue, the color of the Chief (the broad band above the stripes) signifies vigilance, perseverance & justice.”
Why is the flag an important symbol?
The flag has been used to display our nationalism, as well as our rebellion, and everything else in between. The flag is so important that its history tells the story of America itself. It represents the freedom, dignity, and true meaning of being an American.
What does the flag mean to the military?
The American flag represents the life of an individual who has given military service. To many, it is an honor to hold, fold and see it every day, including Flag Day. “In the military, we are all family.” For people who serve in military honor guards, the flag is the symbol of a living soul.
What does the blackout American flag stand for?
The black American flag first appeared during the American Civil War of 1861-1865. Confederate army soldiers flew the black flag to symbolize the opposite of the white flag of surrender. The black flag meant that the unit would not give in nor surrender and that enemy combatants would be killed.
What does a purple American flag mean?
The thin purple line, proposed for security officers. Police have the thin blue line, now placed as a stripe in the American flag. Firefighters/emergency services have the red line. Globally, there are an estimated 20 million private security workers.
What does a black and yellow American flag mean?
Also, in the lyrics, he mentions the following: “Black stripe, yellow paint…” which may be a reference to African Americans (represented by the black color) in the stripes, as well as the yellow which, in the song, represents gold, money and diamonds.
Is a backwards flag disrespectful?
While some may mistakenly think that a backward or reverse flag is show of disrespect, it is actually a sign of respect to display it this way on a military uniform. The only time you should see a backward or reverse flag is on the uniform of a military professional as an arm patch worn on their sleeve.
What does the thin purple line mean?
security professionals
What is the yellow stripe American flag?
The Thin Yellow Line honors all those who serve in public safety telecommunication, including police dispatchers, fire dispatchers, and ambulance dispatchers. The Thin Yellow Line can also represent Security Guards, Loss Prevention Associates, and Search and Rescue Personnel.
What does the yellow flag with red stripes mean?
A yellow flag with three horizontal red stripes. The flag of South Vietnam served as national flag of the former State of Vietnam, and its successor, the Republic of Vietnam from 1949 to 1975. The flag is popular amongst western-aligned overseas Vietnamese communities but is banned in the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.
What does the black and blue American flag mean?
While the meaning of a totally black or black and white American flag is not firm yet, the “Thin Blue Line” is used to signify support for law enforcement.
What does a black and white American flag with an orange stripe mean?
The Thin Orange Line is used by search and rescue personnel. In the U.S. the Thin Line flags exist in two versions: 1. Black flags with one narrow stripe of color. Modified black and white U.S. flags with one stripe of color: blue for police, red for firefighters, silver for corrections and detention officers, etc.
What does a black and orange American flag mean?
EMS Search and Rescue – Thin Orange Line Black and White 3×5 American Flag. Show your support and appreciation for the men and women who serve as EMTs, Paramedics and Search and Rescue personnel with this thin orange line, printed polyester, subdued, 3×5 American flag.
What does a black American flag with a green stripe mean?
The thin green line is a symbol that is used to show support for federal law enforcement agents such as border patrol, park rangers and conservation personnel. The thin green line is also used to show support for the men and women of our military.
What does a backwards black and white American flag mean?
The reverse flag dates back to the Army’s early history when both cavalry and infantry units would charge ahead as the Stars and Stripes streamed backwards. Today, the reverse flag is worn on the right sleeve of military uniforms and symbolizes the courage and respect of those who serve.
Is it disrespectful to wash an American flag?
Whether you fly a flag daily or bring it out to honor our country on special days, taking care of the flag is a sign of respect. If your flag is looking dingy or is soiled, washing it is quite appropriate. The U.S. Flag Code does not prohibit washing our national flag.
Why is the flag on army uniforms backwards?
Since the Stars and Stripes are mounted with the canton closest to the pole, that section of the flag stayed to the right, while the stripes flew to the left. Therefore, the flag is worn on the right shoulder, and wearing it backward gives the effect of the flag flying in the breeze as the wearer moves forward.
What is the significance of a black and white American flag?
The controversial version of the U.S. flag has been hailed as a sign of police solidarity and criticized as a symbol of white supremacy. As protests over policing continue to convulse cities throughout the U.S., one symbol keeps showing up: a black-and-white American flag with one blue stripe.
Can the American flag be flown at night without a light?
The Flag Code states it is the universal custom to display the flag only from sunrise to sunset on buildings and on stationary flag staffs in the open. However, when a patriotic effect is desired, the flag may be displayed 24 hours a day if properly illuminated during the hours of darkness.
Who gets a flag draped coffin?
1. Why Does VA Provide a Burial Flag? A United States flag is provided, at no cost, to drape the casket or accompany the urn of a deceased Veteran who served honorably in the U.S. Armed Forces. It is furnished to honor the memory of a Veteran’s military service to his or her country.
Can you unfold a military funeral flag?
Again, while the flag code does not mention the usage of funeral flags, it does not expressly forbid the unfolding and flying of the flag after the funeral service.
Who gets a 21 gun salute at their funeral?
As naval customs evolved, 21 guns came to be reserved for United States presidents and ex-presidents, the sovereign or chief of state of a foreign nation and members of a reigning royal family. The number of guns decrease with the rank of the recipient of the honor.
What are 3 things you should never do to the flag?
The flag should never touch anything beneath it, such as the ground, the floor, water, or merchandise. The flag should never be carried flat or horizontally, but always aloft and free. The flag should never be fastened, displayed, used, or stored so that it might be easily torn, soiled, or damaged in any way.
Why is the flag folded in a triangle?
In the U.S. Armed Forces, at the ceremony of retreat, the flag is lowered, folded in a triangle and kept under watch throughout the night as a tribute to our nation’s honored dead.
What is the meaning of a flag draped coffin?
A United States burial casket flag drapes the casket of deceased veterans to honor the memory of their service to the country. The ceremonial folding and presentation of the flag is a moving tribute of lasting importance to the veteran’s family.
When a veteran dies Who gets the flag?
At the funeral, the flag is presented to the deceased’s next of kin. The next of kin is the person who is most closely related to the veteran. After receiving the flag, it is tradition among the family members to preserve for display in the house, usually in a frame.
What do you do if a flag touches the ground?
However, you are not required to destroy the flag if it touches the ground. As long as the flag remains suitable for display, even if washing or dry-cleaning (which is an acceptable practice) is required, the flag may continue to be displayed.
Is it disrespectful to wear a flag as a cape?
The wearing of the flag is listed as unacceptable according to U.S. flag code section 176 (d) which states, “The flag should never be used as wearing apparel, bedding, or drapery.” While many people think the flag code states that you can’t wear any type of flag apparel, including a cape, the truth is that you can wear …
Is it illegal to burn the flag in the US?
No. The Court has recognized that the First Amendment protects certain forms of symbolic speech. Flag burning is such a form of symbolic speech. When a flag is privately owned, the owner should be able to burn it if the owner chooses, especially if this action is meant in the form of protest.
Is it illegal to fly a torn flag?
Federal law says, “The flag should never be fastened, displayed, used, or stored in such a manner as to permit it to be easily torn, soiled, or damaged in any way.” “The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.”