The American Flag

I am learning very quickly that teaching my kids at home is going to be quite a knowledge-gaining experience for myself as well!!!

Exhibit A: In honor of the 4th of July this Saturday, we are learning about the American Flag, our nation's birthday, and the "Star Spangled Banner" this week. I'm sure (I hope) you know a lot of these facts, but I want to share the fun and interesting ones we are exploring over the next few days. Today, the American Flag (Again, some of these are old news to us, but nice to be reminded of)...

1) The 50 stars represent the 50 United States
2) The thirteen stripes represent the original thirteen colonies that rebelled against the British Crown and became our first 50 states in the Union
3) Nicknames for the flag: Star-Spangled Banner, Old Glory, and Stars and Stripes
4) The exact dimensions and colors are very specifically regulated in order for the flag to be considered "G-Spec" (government specification) flags
5) When Alaska and Hawaii were being considered for statehood in the 1950s, more than 1,500 designs were spontaneously submitted to President Dwight D. Eisenhower. Of these proposals, one created by 18-year old Robert G. Heft in 1958 as a school project has received the most publicity. Heft's flag design was chosen and adopted by presidential proclamation after Alaska and before Hawaii was admitted into the union in 1959. Heft originally received a "B" grade, but his teacher ended up changing it to an "A" after this occurred.
6) If ever flown at night, the American Flag must be illuminated.
7) When the flag is affixed to the side of a vehicle or uniform, it should be oriented so that the union is towards the front. This is done to give the impression that the flag is blowing backwards from its hoist as the vehicle or wearer moves forward.

*Information here is from good ol' Wikipedia.