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American flag is a beloved symbol of freedom and democracy, and there are many surprising facts about it that most people do not know

The American flag is a symbol of pride and patriotism for millions of Americans. It is flown on buildings, homes, and vehicles, and is an integral part of many important events and ceremonies. However, there are many surprising facts about the American flag that most people are not aware of. In this article, we’ll explore ten of these little-known facts.

1. The original American flag was designed by a high school student. The first American flag was designed by 17-year-old Robert G. Heft, as part of a school project. He received a B- for his effort, but his design was eventually chosen by Congress as the official flag.

2. The colors of the American flag have specific meanings. The red represents valor and bravery, the white represents purity and innocence, and the blue represents vigilance, perseverance, and justice.

3. The American flag is not supposed to touch the ground. It is considered disrespectful to let the flag touch the ground, and it should always be handled with care and respect.

4. The American flag has been modified 27 times. The current design of the American flag, with 50 stars and 13 stripes, has been in use since 1960. However, the flag has been modified 27 times since it was first created in 1777.

5. The American flag was not always flown at half-staff to honor fallen soldiers. The tradition of flying the American flag at half-staff to honor fallen soldiers did not become common until the 20th century.

6. The American flag has traveled to the moon. During the Apollo 11 mission in 1969, astronaut Buzz Aldrin planted the American flag on the surface of the moon.

7. The American flag has been burned in protest. Burning the American flag as a form of protest is a controversial act, but it is protected by the First Amendment as a form of free speech.

8. The American flag is sometimes called the “Stars and Stripes” or the “Old Glory.” These nicknames have been used for the American flag for many years.

9. The American flag is not always made in America. Many American flags are manufactured overseas, although there are some companies that still produce flags in the United States.

10. The American flag is always supposed to be displayed to the right of other flags. When multiple flags are displayed together, the American flag should always be on the right-hand side.

In conclusion, the American flag is a beloved symbol of freedom and democracy, and there are many surprising facts about it that most people do not know. By learning more about the history and symbolism of the American flag, we can deepen our appreciation for this important national symbol.