The Flag of the United States - often called the Stars and Stripes - is one of the most enduring symbols of the nation. It represents the country’s beginnings, the unity of the states, and the values Americans have defended for generations. Below you’ll find a clear overview of the flag’s history, how burial flags are used, the basics of proper display, and how to salute the flag with respect.

Flag History

After the Declaration of Independence in 1776, the colonies had declared themselves free from Great Britain, but the flag used by the new nation still carried British imagery for nearly a year. That changed on June 14, 1777, when the Marine Committee of the Second Continental Congress approved a new design. The resolution established a flag with thirteen red and white stripes and a blue field containing thirteen white stars, representing a “new constellation.”

Interestingly, the early resolutions creating the flag did not spell out what the colors meant. The best-known explanation comes from Charles Thomson, Secretary of the Continental Congress, writing about the Great Seal. In his description, white represents purity and innocence, red represents hardiness and valor, and blue stands for vigilance, perseverance, and justice.

The stars were meant to represent the original colonies united as one, like a constellation made up of separate stars forming a single image. Congress did not define how the stars should be arranged or even how many points they should have, so early versions of the Flag of the United States varied widely. Some used five-pointed stars, others six-pointed, and the patterns ranged from neat rows to circles and scattered layouts.

Many historians credit Francis Hopkinson of New Jersey with influencing early American flag designs, including the star field. One early Navy example arranged the stars in alternating rows of three and two.

The “Betsy Ross Flag,” with thirteen stars in a circle, is one of the most recognized early designs. Betsy Ross did make flags during the Revolutionary period, but there is no solid evidence that she created the first Stars and Stripes. The circle pattern most associated with her is generally dated to the early 1790s. We do know that a flag featuring twelve stars in a circle with one in the center existed by January 17, 1781, at the Battle of Cowpens, and the surviving historic flag is preserved at the Maryland State House.

Another famous early design is the Bennington Flag, which many believe was made for the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 1826, though evidence suggests a similar flag may have been present at the Battle of Bennington on August 16, 1777. This version is sometimes connected to the Fillmore family and is displayed today at the Bennington Museum in Vermont.

From its earliest forms to the modern fifty-star flag, the Flag of the United States has always been more than cloth and color—it has stood as a national symbol through war, loss, and progress.

Burial Flags

For many families, the burial flag is one of the most meaningful tributes a nation can offer. A well-known story from September 5, 1912 illustrates that symbolism. Retired Major General Arthur MacArthur Jr. collapsed and died during a reunion of his Civil War unit. As his comrades gathered around him, a battle-worn unit flag he once carried was taken from the wall and wrapped around him—an instinctive and powerful final salute.

Today, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides burial flags to honor deceased veterans. The flag is used to drape the casket and is later folded and presented to the family as a keepsake. In most cases, the funeral director can help with the process, but families can also request a burial flag directly by completing VA Form 27-2008 and providing proof of service, such as a DD-214. Only one burial flag is issued per veteran.

Eligibility generally includes veterans who served during qualifying periods and were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable. Burial flags may also be provided in certain active-duty deaths and other qualifying service situations.

When placed on a closed casket, the blue field of stars is positioned at the head, over the left shoulder. At graveside services, the burial flag should never touch the ground and is not lowered into the grave. After “Taps,” it is folded into a triangle and presented to the next of kin as a lasting token of honor.

Displaying the American Flag

The flag is flown at half-staff on specific occasions, including Memorial Day, Peace Officers Memorial Day, and whenever the President or a governor directs it. When raising the flag to half-staff, it should first be raised briskly to the top of the pole, then lowered to the halfway point. When lowering it at the end of the day, it should be raised back to the top first, then lowered all the way down.

Memorial Day has a special rule: the flag is flown at half-staff only until noon, then raised to full staff for the remainder of the day. Peace Officers Memorial Day (May 15) is generally observed at half-staff for the full day, unless it falls on Armed Forces Day.

Indoors, the flag is typically displayed on the right side of the room from the perspective of the flag itself—often described as the speaker or teacher’s right. If the flag is displayed flat against a wall, the blue field of stars should be in the upper left from the viewer’s perspective. When hanging the flag vertically in a hallway or window, the same principle applies: the stars should appear to the viewer’s left when facing the flag.

Saluting the American Flag