Historical Timeline of the American Flag

1. Historical Timeline of the American Flag Debra Nanney Cliffside Elementary Third Grade Flag image: Dave’s American Flag (http://www.delusionresistance.org/flags/national/USA_flags.html)

2. Historical Background of the American Flag January 1, 1776 • The first flag was raised in Massachusetts. • The flag had 13 stripes to illustrate the original thirteen colonies. • The flag resembled the British flag as a sign of loyalty to the King of England. Flag image: Dave’s American Flag (http://www.delusionresistance.org/flags/national/USA_flags.html)

3. Can you predict? United States Flag Source: Library of Congress – American Memory • Do you know why the flag was created with the colors of red, white, and blue? • Do you know who commissioned the first flag? • Do you know who created the first flag?

4. Red, White, and Blue! • Red signifies hardiness and valor. • White signifies purity and innocence. • Blue signifies vigilance, perseverance, and justice.

5. Betsy Ross Created the First FlagThe flag was commissioned by the Continental Congress. Do you think events happened the way they are shown in this picture? Betsy Ross Making the Flag Source: Library of Congress – American Memory

6. Times are Changing Can You Predict why there were differences between these two flags? 1777 1795 Flag images: Dave’s American Flag (http://www.delusionresistance.org/flags/national/USA_flags.html)

7. Changes in the U.S. Flag 1777 The flag showed 13 stars and 13 stripes. The flag was made to fly as a symbol of peace. 1795 The flag showed a 15 star, 15 stripe design. The stars represented two new states added, Kentucky and Vermont.

8. Can You Predict? Why would this man be admiring the flag in the distance? Francis Scott Key standing on boat, with right arm stretched out toward the United States flag flying over Fort McHenry, Baltimore, Maryland. Source: Library of Congress – American Memory

9. Francis Scott Key The Star Spangled Banner During the war of 1812, the song known as the “Star Spangled Banner” was written by Francis Scott Key. He wrote the song as he witnessed the battle of Fort McHenry by the British navy on September 13. Sheet music for “The Star Spangled Banner” Source: Library of Congress – American Memory

10. Stars and Stripes Forever Source: Library of Congress – American Memory Click on the picture or the link below to hear “Stars and Stripes Forever - http://memory.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/r?ammem/papr:@field(NUMBER+@band(edrs+50466l))

11. Can You Predict? What have past flags been utilized for? War Warmth One of two Revolutionary War flags in existence. This one was carried at the Battle of Stoney Point, General Posey commanding. Source: Library of Congress – American Memory Bedroom of tenant farmer living near Warner, Oklahoma Source: Library of Congress – American Memory

12. To Honor the Wounded... Taking a Patients Pulse Source: Library of Congress – American Memory

13. To Honor Fallen Heroes… Graves of Marines killed in Battle of Guantanomo Source: Library of Congress – American Memory

14. Patriotic Parades Ford workers carrying American flag and union banners in the Labor Day Parade Source: Library of Congress – American Memory

15. And to teach school children about the flag and patriotism! At an early age school children learn about the meaning of the American Flag Source: Library of Congress – American Memory

16. Today, as in the past, our flag still blows in the breeze… A symbol of pride just as our forefathers had created it. Woman holding the Americanflag and waving a handkerchief. White envelope with colored ink. Source: Library of Congress – American Memory