Flag Day

U.S. Holiday, June 14th, annually.

Flag Facts
• The thirteen strips represent the original 13 states.
• The bottom stripe is red, instead of white, to avoid soiling.
• Each star in the blue field represents one of the 50 current
  states.
• The official proportions of the flag are at a ration of 1:1.9.
• White signifies Purity and Innocence; Red, Hardiness and Valor; and Blue, Vigilance, Perseverance and Justice.

Pledge of Allegiance
President Benjamin Harrison proclaimed the first usage of the Pledge of Allegiance on October 12, 1892.

The pledge was amended and officially adopted on Flag Day, June 14th, 1924. In 1954, the words "under God" were added and the current pledge reads:

"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."

When reciting the pledge, civilians should stand at attention with their right hand over their heart, hats should be removed, and military personnel in uniform face the flag and salute.

Myth
There is no proof that Betsy Ross actually designed or sewed the first American flag, although she did sew flags for the Pennsylvania Navy. However, Betsy Ross is the only real, historical person ever represented as a PEZ dispenser.