1. Historical Timeline of the American Flag
Flag image: Dave’s American Flag (
Debra Nanney
Cliffside Elementary, Third Grade Class,
North Carolina, USA
Updated: Clarence Hamilton Washington MS Library, 2009

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 (

3. United States Flag Source: Library of Congress – American Memory
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. Do you think events happened the way they are shown in this picture?
Betsy Ross Created the First Flag The 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 (

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. Why would this man be admiring the flag in the distance?
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. The Star Spangled Banner
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
Picture source: Library of Congress – American Memory
Click on the picture or the link below to hear “Stars and Stripes Forever. Music clip from Library of Congress at -

11. What have past flags been utilized for?
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. Taking a Patients Pulse Source: Library of Congress – American Memory
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. Source: Library of Congress – American Memory
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. From: http://www.ushistory.org/documents/pledge.htm
I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all
From:

17. 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 American flag and waving a handkerchief. White envelope with colored ink. Source: Library of Congress – American Memory

18. References
Home of Heroes:
The Pledge of Allegiance from Wikipedia:
The Pledge from the Red Skelton cir, 1961:
The Pledge of Allegiance A Short History:
The Timeline Results for the Pledge of Allegiance from Google: