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July 03, 2025

Hey everyone, Jack here. With the 4th of July right around the corner, I thought it was the perfect time to share some weird, wild, and downright fascinating facts about the American flag.

We see it everywhere this time of year - flying high at parades, plastered on paper plates, and yes, worn as questionable swimwear - but how much do we actually know about it?

So, in the spirit of Independence Day (and trivia night bragging rights), here are a bunch of random facts about Old Glory that might surprise you.

USA Flag

1. The stars on the flag have changed over time.
The U.S. flag has gone through 27 versions since it was first adopted in 1777. That original one had just 13 stars for the colonies. We didn't hit the 50-star version until 1960 - after Hawaii joined. And fun fact: we haven't added a single star since, even though D.C. keeps trying to sneak one in.

2. The current design? Total high school project.
No joke... a 17 year old named Robert Heft came up with the modern flag as a class assignment in 1958. His teacher gave him a B. Then President Eisenhower picked it as the official design. The kid got a call from the White House and a better grade. Not bad for a teenager with a pair of scissors and too much free time.

3. There's a whole rulebook about it.
Yep - the U.S. Flag Code is a real thing. It says the flag shouldn't touch the ground, should be lit at night if flown in the dark, and when it's too worn out, it should be retired respectfully - usually by burning (in a ceremonial way, not like roasting marshmallows). Lotta folks don't know that.

4. The red, white, and blue actually mean stuff.
They weren't picked just because they looked sharp on a uniform.

Red = Valor and bravery

White = Purity and innocence

Blue = Vigilance, perseverance, and justice
It's basically America's own mood ring.


Burger Press


5. Folding it into a triangle? That's on purpose.
Ever wonder why the flag gets folded into that neat little triangle at military funerals? Each of the 13 folds has symbolic meaning, from 'life' and 'honor' to 'tribute to mothers.' It's a whole ritual - not just a fancy way to pack it away.

6. We planted one on the moon.
Literally. In 1969, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin stuck a U.S. flag in the lunar surface. It's still there, though it's probably been bleached white by now. Still, it was a pretty bold move - 'Hey aliens, just so you know, we were here first.”

7. You can burn it - but it's complicated.
It might feel like flag burning would be illegal, but in 1989 the Supreme Court ruled it's protected under free speech. You can do it - though fair warning, you might spark a few arguments at the family BBQ if you try.

8. D.C. doesn't have a permanent flag flying.
Weird one here... there's no U.S. flag permanently planted in the ground at the Capitol. They're flown, rotated, and replaced - but not fixed. Meanwhile, five flags are chillin' on the moon, so make of that what you will.

9. June 14th is Flag Day... and almost no one remembers.
The U.S. flag was adopted on June 14, 1777, and we've had Flag Day ever since. But let's be real - unless you're a history teacher or own a flagpole, it probably slips right by.

10. The biggest U.S. flag is bigger than a football field.
Meet "Superflag" - it's 505 feet wide and weighs over 3,000 pounds. It takes hundreds of people just to unfold it. Try fitting that in your front yard.

Anyway, that's your patriotic dose of flag facts. Whether you're grilling burgers, watching fireworks, or just soaking up the long weekend, take a second to appreciate the red, white, and blue. It's been through a lot - wars, protests, moon landings, bad fashion choices - and it's still flying.

Happy 4th,
- Jack
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