The flag of the United States of America is one of the most recognizable symbols in the world. With its iconic red, white and blue color scheme and 50 stars representing each of the states, the American flag is a bold representation of freedom, unity, and pride for the nation. But what are the exact colors that make up Old Glory and what do they symbolize? Here we will explore the specific Pantone colors that compose the American flag.
What Are the Official Colors of the American Flag?
According to the United States Code, Title 4, Chapter 1, Section 1, the flag of the United States consists of 13 equal horizontal stripes of red alternating with white, with a blue rectangle in the canton bearing 50 small, white, five-pointed stars. While the code specifies the number of stripes, arrangement of stars and elements that should appear on the flag, it does not define the exact shades of red, white or blue.
Over the years, various Pantone formulas have been designated as the official colors of the flag. Here are the most widely accepted specifications:
Red
The red stripes on the flag are Pantone 193 C, which is a vibrant cherry red. It has also been specified as the following formulas:
– CMYK: 0, 100, 63, 12
– RGB: 237, 41, 57
– Hex: #ED2939
This bold, warm shade of red is said to symbolize valor and bravery.
White
The white stripes on the flag are simply the absence of color and represent innocence and purity. There is no specific Pantone formula for the white, but it visually appears closest to the stark white of Pantone 11-0601 TPX.
Blue
The navy blue canton containing the stars is Pantone 282 C, also referred to as the following formulas:
– CMYK: 100, 69, 0, 12
– RGB: 0, 40, 104
– Hex: #002869
This rich, dark blue represents vigilance, perseverance and justice.
History of the Colors
The red, white and blue color scheme of the American flag has been in use since its first official flags in 1777. However, the exact shades and tones of these colors have evolved over time.
The Continental Congress did not originally specify any particular colors when they adopted the first American flag on June 14, 1777. The flag was defined as having 13 stripes alternating red and white and 13 white stars on a blue field. It is believed that red dye was readily available to early flag makers, so shades of red varied depending on what type of red dye was used.
By 1792, the Congress enacted the first federal law regarding the military use of the flag. It mandated that the flag have 13 stripes alternating red and white and one star for each state with a blue field. In 1818, another law dictated that there would continue to be 13 stripes and one star for each state added to the union.
Throughout the late 19th century, color variations persisted as synthetic dyes became available. In the early 20th century, color standards were sought to make flag production more consistent. In 1924, President Calvin Coolidge issued an executive order to standardize the colors to ensure all American-made flags used the same vibrant hues. It wasn’t until 2004 that specific Pantone colors were recommended for use in printing government documents and signage.
Today’s official Pantone colors create the bold, eye-catching flag that is proudly flown and honored as a symbol of America. The red, white and blue will likely remain the flag’s historic colors even as dye technologies continue advancing.
How the Colors Are Arranged and Oriented on the Flag
The American flag consists of a blue canton taking up the top quarter or “upper hoist” portion of the flag. This blue field contains 50 white five-pointed stars arranged in nine offset horizontal rows.
The remaining three quarters or “fly” of the flag is filled with 13 equal horizontal stripes alternating between red and white. The red stripes are at the top and bottom, with a white stripe appearing directly below the blue canton.
When displayed vertically on a flagpole or hanging banner:
– The blue union field is displayed in the top left quadrant.
– The constellation of stars faces towards the right in the direction the flag flies.
– The red stripes are at the top and bottom.
– The first visible stripe underneath the union is always white.
This orientation ensures the flag is displayed as if waving in the breeze as you look at it.
| Color | Pantone Formula | CMYK Values | RGB Values | Hex Code | Symbolism |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red | Pantone 193 C | 0, 100, 63, 12 | 237, 41, 57 | #ED2939 | Valor, Bravery |
| White | Pantone 11-0601 TPX | N/A | N/A | N/A | Innocence, Purity |
| Blue | Pantone 282 C | 100, 69, 0, 12 | 0, 40, 104 | #002869 | Vigilance, Perseverance, Justice |
Rules for Proper Display of the American Flag
Along with the codification of the flag’s colors and design, there are also rules and guidelines for properly handling and displaying the flag outlined in the U.S. Flag Code. Here are some of the key rules regarding orientation and etiquette:
– When displayed flat against a wall, the union blue field should be in the top left corner as viewed by the audience.
– When displayed in a window, the flag should be displayed in the same way with the union to the left of an observer in the street looking at the flag.
– The flag should never be flown upside down unless signaling dire distress.
– The flag should never touch the ground, floor or trail in the water.
– The flag should be illuminated if displayed at night.
– The flag should be folded neatly and ceremoniously when being stored or presented.
– The flag should never be used as apparel, bedding or drapery. It should not be embroidered, printed or otherwise impressed on such articles.
– No part of the flag should ever be used as a costume or athletic uniform. However, a flag patch may be affixed to the uniform of military personnel, firefighters, police officers, and members of patriotic organizations.
These guidelines help ensure proper respect is paid to the flag when displaying it as a proud emblem of the United States.
How the Colors Are Used on Other Flags and Symbols
The patriotic red, white and blue color scheme of the American flag is bold and eye-catching. So it’s no surprise that the colors are incorporated into other American flags, banners and symbols. Here are some examples:
State Flags
Nearly every U.S. state flag features some combination of red, white and blue derived from the American flag. For example:
– The New Jersey state flag has a pale yellow background, but retains the blue canton and horizontal red and white stripes.
– The proud state flag of Texas is dominated by the blue, white and red of the American flag, with a lone white star representing the Lone Star State.
– The state flag of Pennsylvania keeps the classic red, white and blue but arranges them vertically on either side of the state coat of arms.
Governmental and Patriotic Banners
The red, white and blue tri-color pattern appears on various governmental and patriotic banners such as:
– The Customs Ensign with vertical red and white stripes and union canton of blue with white stars.
– The circular blue, starred Service Flag honoring those serving in the U.S. military during times of war.
– The POW/MIA flag with black and white stripes and logo on a red background to honor those prisoners of war or missing in action.
Corporate and Brand Logos
Many American brands showcase patriotic red, white and blue highlights in their logos and packaging, such as:
– Coca-Cola’s iconic cursive logo against a red disc.
– Pepsi’s white, red and blue globe logo.
– White Castle’s blue and red castle logo.
– Budweiser’s red and white banner-style logo.
The strong patriotic symbolism of the American flag’s colors gives them widespread use and recognition across state, federal and commercial spheres.
How Other Countries Use Red, White and Blue on Flags
The strong, eye-catching symbolism of red, white and blue means flag colors using some combination of these hues are popular worldwide. Here are a few national flags that also incorporate red, white and blue:
United Kingdom
The British flag, commonly called the Union Jack, consists of overlapping red and white crosses on a blue background. The crosses represent England, Scotland and Ireland respectively.
France
The French flag, known as the tricolor, features three vertical stripes – blue, white and red. The blue and red are said to represent Saint Martin and the city of Paris respectively.
Russia
The Russian flag has horizontal stripes of white, blue and red. The white represents peace and honesty, the blue for faithfulness and the red for courage and generosity.
North Korea
The North Korean flag displays a red star outlined in white on a blue background. The colors represent sovereignty, peace and communism respectively.
Norway
The vivid Norwegian flag has a white Scandinavian cross fimbriated in red outlined against a bright blue background. The colors represent Christian virtues and spirit.
So while the star-spangled banner of the United States may be the most iconic, red, white and blue make a bold symbolic statement on flags across the globe.
Conclusion
The American flag’s red, white and blue are patriotic colors representing the nation’s values of bravery, purity, vigilance and justice. While official Pantone shades have been specified for optimal visual impact, the symbolic colors have been a defining feature of Old Glory since its creation and adoption. They are proudly displayed not just on the national flag, but on state flags, governmental banners and corporate logos. The eye-catching primary color scheme makes red, white and blue a popular flag choice worldwide as well. So next time you see those stripes and stars wave, remember the history and meaning behind the red, white and blue.
