Flag Etiquette How-To

What’s the proper way to fold, raise, lower and retire an American flag? Local Eagle Scouts have partnered with the library to teach just that.

High-schooler Daniel McCoy has filmed a series of four videos instructing viewers on proper flag etiquette as part of an Eagle Scout project. As part of the project, he also renovated the flag area at the Newport Branch.

But first, let’s take a quick look at the history of Old Glory.

American Flag History

According to PBS, while the first American flag’s origins are unknown, some historians believe it was designed by New Jersey Congressman Francis Hopkinson and sewn by Betsy Ross.

It was on June 14, 1777, that the Continental Congress passed the first Flag Act, which resolved that “the flag of the United States be made of thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new Constellation.”

Today’s flag has seven red alternating stripes with six white and 50 stars. Red symbolizes hardiness and valor, white represents purity and innocence and blue means perseverance and justice.

Raising the Flag

Lowering the Flag

Folding the Flag

Retiring the Flag

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