20 Fascinating Facts About the American Flag Every Family Should Know

By Katy M Clark

The American flag is one of the most recognizable symbols in the world, proudly displayed throughout the country. As the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary in 2026, that symbol feels especially meaningful for families today.

Everyone knows (or should know!) that there are 50 stars and 13 stripes on the flag. The stars represent the 50 states and the stripes represent the 13 original colonies. But did your family know these other interesting facts about this iconic emblem of our nation?

Check out these twenty fun and fascinating facts about the American flag:

The History Behind the American Flag

1. The colors of the flag mean something. Red represents valor, white means liberty and purity, and blue stands for justice and loyalty.
2. There are a variety of nicknames for the flag. These include Old Glory, the Stars and Stripes, the Star-Spangled Banner, and the Red, White and Blue.
3. The first person to sew the flag was Betsy Ross in Philadelphia in 1776. She was George Washington’s seamstress.
4. In the beginning, the U.S. added both a star and stripe when new states joined the Union. However, lawmakers quickly realized the flag would become too crowded. In 1818, they decided to leave the stripes at 13 and honor each new state with a star.
5. There have been 27 versions of the American Flag. The current version, which added the last star for the state of Hawaii, was adopted in 1960. It is the only version to last more than 50 years.
6. The current version of the flag was designed for a class history project by a high school student in Ohio.

Surprising American Flag Facts

7. Did you know that someone who likes flags is called a vexillologist? Say that five times fast!
8. Francis Scott Key wrote the “Star-Spangled Banner” in 1814 after seeing the American flag flying over Baltimore’s Fort McHenry. It officially became our national anthem in 1931.
9. There are six American flags on the moon, placed there by Apollo astronauts.
10. Flag Day was officially set as June 14 by President Woodrow Wilson in 1916. Flag Day honors the American flag and its traditions.

American Flag Etiquette Every Family Should Know

11. The U.S. Flag Code is a federal law with guidelines about how the American flag should be used, displayed, folded, and retired or disposed of in a dignified manner.
12. According to the special flag code, flags are meant to be displayed from sunrise to sunset.
13. Although the American flag can be flown at night, but only if it is properly illuminated.
14. Never let the flag touch the ground, floor or anything that may be beneath it like tables, chairs, or bushes.
15. It’s a myth that if a flag does touch the ground that it needs to be destroyed. As long as it’s in suitable condition, the flag can still be displayed.
16. It’s against the Flag Code to hang a tattered flag. Owners can sew, mend or wash their flags to repair them.
17. Flags that can’t be mended or repaired should be retired. You can drop them off at a local American Legion or Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) office for disposal with dignity.
18. If you hang the flag vertically, the blue square must be in the top left as seen by the viewer.
19. Speaking of the blue square, it is called either the canton or the Union.
20. The American flag inspired other flags around the world. Several countries and territories have incorporated stars, stripes, or similar designs into their own flags after the United States adopted its iconic design. 

So the next time you see an American flag, think about all it represents and these twenty fun and fascinating facts. May these facts encourage your appreciation of the Red, White, and Blue even more!

Katy M. Clark is a writer and mom of two who celebrates her imperfections on her blog Experienced Bad Mom.