Stars and Stripes
...gement of the stars or the direction of the stripes, a confusing array of local, state and homemade Stars and Stripes were flown in the United States for many years (Betsy 2). It wasn’t until 1912 that the flag was assured a uniform appearance, when President Taft signed an executive order prescribing the size, shape and positioning of the flag’s components (Betsy 4). No one knows for sure who first designed or made the first US flag. Congressman Francis Hopkinson claimed that he designed it. In 1870, William J. Canby claimed that his grandmother, a Philadelphia seamstress by the name of Betsy Ross, made the first US flag. Historians disagree with both claims (Flag 1). But then after the flag was created, how should it be folded in order to keep it’s significance clear and it’s reputation dignified? A neatly folded flag shows diligence, pride, respect and admiration for Americans as the reflect on the importance and symbolism the flag holds. Whether you see the flag precisely folded into a small triangle, or in a triangular souvenir box so as to pay tribute to a lost soldier. The process of folding the flag is not a hard one, neither is it complicated. Two people are generally needed for a full size flag. The flag should be stretched between the two people at waist height, the surface should be parallel to the ground. Fold the lower half of the stripe section lengthwise over the field of stars, holding the bottom and top edges securely. Fold the flag again lengthwise with the blue field on the outside. Make a triangular fold by bringing the striped corner of the folded edge to meet the open (top) edge of the flag. Turn the outer (end) point inward, parallel to the open edge, to form a second triangle. The triangular folding is continued until the entire length of the flag is folded in this manner. When the flag is completely folded, only a triangular blue field of stars should be visible. As said before, the folding of the flag shows great diligence and respect for the flag (Tharrett, Thomson). But there are a few more rules that should be known and followed concerning the flag RESPECT is a verb...an action. It is important to always show proper respect for the United States Flag. PROTOCOL defines HOW we demonstrate our respect for the flag. These are a select few rules and guidelines. The flag should never be displayed with the union down, except as a signal of dire distress in instances of extreme danger to life or property. 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 used as wearing apparel, bedding, or drapery. 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 should never be used as a covering for a ceiling. The flag should never have placed upon it, nor on any part of it, nor attached to it any mark, insignia, letter, word, figure, design, picture, or drawing of any nature. The flag should never be used as a receptacle for receiving, holding, or carrying, or delivering anything. T...