The American flag and its protocol - KTRE.com | Lufkin and Nacogdoches, Texas

The American flag and its protocol

Updated:
© Stockbyte / Thinkstock © Stockbyte / Thinkstock

Courtesy of answers.usa.gov

The Flag of the United States of America is a symbol of freedom and liberty to which Americans pledge their allegiance. It consists of thirteen alternating red and white stripes and fifty white stars on a blue field, with each star representing a state.

The colors on the flag represent:

  • Red: valor and bravery
  • White: purity and innocence
  • Blue: vigilance, perseverance, and justice


June 14 is Flag Day, and the week in which June 14 occurs is National Flag Week, which encourages Americans to display the flag outside their homes and businesses. Although Flag Day is not a federal holiday, Americans everywhere continue to honor the history and heritage (PDF document) it represents.

As a national symbol, there are certain guidelines for displaying the flag of the United States (PDF document). If you require additional information or direction on the federal level with regard to flag protocol, please call the Ceremonials Division of the Department of State's Office of Protocol at 1.202.647.1735.

Additional Resources:

*DISCLAIMER*: The information contained in or provided through this site section is intended for general consumer understanding and education only and is not intended to be and is not a substitute for professional advice. Use of this site section and any information contained on or provided through this site section is at your own risk and any information contained on or provided through this site section is provided on an "as is" basis without any representations or warranties.
  • KTRE.com RSS News Feeds RSS (Really Simple Syndication) is an easy way for you to keep up with all of your favorite news and information.
    KTRE.com RSS News Feeds RSS (Really Simple Syndication) is an easy way for you to keep up with all of your favorite news and information. An RSS feed contains headlines and links to full news stories
  • The StormTracker 9 Weather mobile app offers interactive radar, video and text forecasts, alerts and much more to help you plan your day and to be on alert for severe weather.
    The StormTracker 9 Weather mobile app offers interactive radar, video and text forecasts, alerts, and much more to help you plan your day and to be on alert for severe weather.
  • Curious about East Texas Weather? Want to get the latest weather stories? Check out the weather blog. You never know what a meteorologist is thinking!
    Curious about East Texas Weather? Want to get the latest weather stories? Check out the weather blog. You never know what a meteorologist is thinking!