Stars and Stripes JROTC

State when and where the first “Stars and Stripes” was created. Explain the parts and colors of the U.S. Flag. Describe the three basic types of U.S. Flags. Describe courtesies taken to show respect for the U.S. Flag. Explain the basic rules for displaying the U.S. Flag in different situations. Demonstrate the correct way to fold the U.S. Flag. 1 Unit Objectives

History of the Flag Before the United States became a country there were many different peoples on this ground Each of these peoples were represented in their own way, by their own insignia

JROTC The Norsemen explored our coastal waters sailing under the numerous banners.

JROTC Columbus carried the Spanish flag across the seas

JROTC The Pilgrims carried the flag of Great Britain

JROTC Each native American Indian tribe had its own totem and insignia.

JROTC What does this flag represent?

US Flag U.S. flag is the most notable symbol of our nation It is important that you know the respect the U.S. flag deserves This lesson is on the history of the U.S. flag, rules for displaying and folding the flag, and paying respect to it in and out of uniform.

The Grand Union Flag is also known as… The Continental Colors

JROTC In 1776, when George Washington took command of the Continental Army at Cambridge, Massachusetts, he stood under the Grand Union flag, which continued to show respect for Great Britain.

Flag Day To establish our independence and unity, the Continental Congress in Philadelphia created the first Stars and Stripes flag on June 14, 1777

Betsy Ross Betsy Ross is credited with sewing the first flag. George Washington asked her to sew the first flag. She attended church with the Washington's Seamstress

JROTC The US flag in 1777 had 13 alternating red and white stripes representing the original 13 colonies; and a union, an emblem standing for unity The union was a blue rectangle with white stars, representing a constellation

Flag Colors White- Hope, Purity, and Innocence Red- Hardiness and Valor Blue- (the color of heaven) Reverence to God, ……….Loyalty, Vigilance, Perseverance, and ……….Justice.

Size of the Flag STORM FLAG: 5 feet by 9-1/2 feet. Fly this flag only during stormy or windy weather. POST FLAG: 10 feet by 19 feet. General display on days when it is not appropriate for the garrison flag. GARRISON FLAG: 20 feet by 38 feet. Fly this flag on all national holidays and for special occasions, such as for special days or events proclaimed by the President. Flag Pole = Staff Ropes = Halyard

Dispose of a Flag When a flag is old or worn you should destroy it as a whole, privately, respectfully and traditionally by burning it. 1. The Flag should be folded in its customary manner. 2. Fire must be big enough completely burn the flag. 3. Place the Flag on the fire. 4. Come to attention and salute the Flag. 5. After the flag is completely consumed, the fire should then be safely extinguished. Fort Sumter 1861

JROTC DEMONSTRATING PROPER RESPECT FOR THE U.S. FLAG

DISPLAYING THE U.S. FLAG Sunrise to sunset At night if properly lit

Why is the Flag patch on U.S. Army Uniforms "backwards Army Regulation 670-1, Wear and Appearance of Army Uniforms and Insignia American flag patch is to be worn, right or left shoulder, so that the star field faces forward When worn in this manner gives the effect of the flag flying in the breeze as the wearer moves forward.

Gold Fringe What does the gold fringe on the Flag mean? The placing of a fringe on Our Flag is optional Fringe is used on indoor flags only The fringe on a Flag is considered and 'honorable enrichment only‘

Half Staff Displays By order of the President, the flag shall be flown at half-staff upon the death of principal figures of the United States Government and the Governor of a State as a mark of respect to their memory.

Properly Folding the U.S. Flag Funeral Detail OIC or NCOIC Firing Party (7 Rifles) Six to Eight Pallbearers Bugler

Flag Folding Special care should be taken that no part of the flag touches the ground The Flag is then folded into the shape of a tri-cornered hat, emblematic of the hats worn by colonial soldiers during the war for Independence In the folding, the red and white stripes are finally wrapped into the blue

Step 1 Begin by holding it waist-high with another person so that its surface is parallel to the ground.

Step 2 Fold the lower half of the stripe section lengthwise over the field of stars, holding the bottom and top edges securely.

Step 3 Fold the flag again lengthwise with the blue field on the outside.

Step 4 Make a triangular fold by bringing the striped corner of the folded edge to meet the open (top) edge of the flag.

Step 5 Turn the outer (end) point inward, parallel to the open edge, to form a second triangle.

Step 6 The triangular folding is continued until the entire length of the flag is folded in this manner.

Step 7 When the flag is completely folded, only a triangular blue field of stars should be visible. Note: the “tuck” technique

Practical Exercise

CONCLUSION The flag of the United States has a rich heritage and interesting history, from the original Stars and Stripes to the present day 50-star version. It represents an independent nation in its own right. The traditions that it symbolizes will continue to exist as long as citizens treat the national flag with the respect it deserves.