The American flag is one of the most recognizable symbols in the world. With its iconic red, white and blue design, the American flag represents freedom, liberty and patriotism to people both in the United States and around the world. While the classic red, white and blue design is known by all, some variations of the American flag use different colors that also carry meaning. Understanding what the colors on the American flag symbolize provides deeper insight into the nation’s history and values.
History of the Colors on the Flag
The classic red, white and blue color scheme of the American flag first appeared in 1777, when the Second Continental Congress passed the Flag Resolution. This resolution stated that the flag should have 13 stripes alternating red and white to represent the original 13 colonies. It also designated that the flag should feature 13 white stars in a blue field to represent a new constellation. While the overall design and number of stars have changed over time as new states entered the Union, the red, white and blue colors have remained constant.
The reasoning behind the choice of colors is commonly attributed to the following:
Red
Red was selected to represent hardiness and valor. It signifies the bloodshed and sacrifice of those who fought for American independence and liberty.
White
White was chosen to symbolize purity and innocence. It represents the goal of maintaining high ideals and integrity in the pursuit of freedom.
Blue
The blue field and stars represent vigilance, perseverance and justice. The blue color also mimics the blue of the sky over the American landscape.
Non-Traditional Color Schemes
While red, white and blue are the standard colors of the American flag, some alternative color schemes do exist and are used to represent different causes or viewpoints. Here are some examples of American flags displayed in other color combinations:
Rainbow Flag
The rainbow flag takes the traditional striped design of the American flag but uses colors of the rainbow – red, orange, yellow, green, blue and violet. This style is used as a symbol of LGBTQ pride and advocacy for diversity. The rainbow stripes represent the diversity of the LGBTQ community and spectrum of human sexuality and gender.
Black and White Flag
Some flags use black and white stripes in place of the red and white. This modification can have different meanings. For some, replacing the red stripes with black ones is a signal of distress and used to represent rights being violated or justice not being served. For others, the black and white design is meant as a simple alternative when a typical flag is not available.
Blue Lives Matter Flag
The Blue Lives Matter flag was created in 2014 in support of law enforcement. It uses black and white stripes along with a single blue stripe in the middle. The thin blue line represents police officers while the black and white symbolizes the public they serve and protect. This flag is used to show solidarity with police amid tensions between law enforcement and communities.
Green, Yellow and Black Flag
This flag variation uses green, yellow and black horizontal stripes. It is used by some libertarian groups like the Green Libertarian Party to represent their political ideology. The green stripe symbolizes nature and the environment. Yellow represents economic freedom and black stands for anarchy.
| Flag Color Scheme | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Red, White & Blue | Hardiness, valor, purity, innocence, vigilance, perseverance, justice |
| Rainbow | LGBTQ pride and diversity |
| Black & White | Distress, rights violations, simple alternative to standard colors |
| Blue Lives Matter | Solidarity with law enforcement |
| Green, Yellow, Black | Nature, economic freedom, anarchy (libertarian ideals) |
Legal Protection of the American Flag
Because the American flag is such an important national symbol, there are both federal and state laws that provide regulations and protections regarding its proper handling and display. Here are some key laws regarding the American flag:
U.S. Flag Code
The U.S. Flag Code establishes advised standards for displaying and respecting the flag. It also defines unacceptable usage, like allowing the flag to touch the ground or using it for advertising purposes. Though these regulations are not legally enforceable, they are considered etiquette that should be followed.
Flag Desecration Laws
While the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that burning or desecrating the American flag is a protected form of free speech, some states still have laws against flag desecration on the books. However, these state laws may not be constitutional if challenged in court.
Flag Preservation Acts
Federal and state laws protect flags from being destroyed or mutilated. These generally prohibit people from publicly destroying or damaging American flags with reasonable intent. Like desecration laws, preservation laws must be carefully crafted to avoid infringing on constitutional rights.
By having official policies about proper flag etiquette and use, the American flag can maintain its integrity as a respected symbol of freedom. However, reasonable laws also need to preserve the right to free speech which sometimes involves using the flag for protest purposes.
Variations and Meanings Abroad
As a well-recognized global symbol, the stars and stripes of the American flag are incorporated into the flags of other nations to show connection or solidarity with the United States. Here are some examples of how the colors are used in flags abroad:
Liberia
The Liberian flag features red and white stripes like the American flag along with a blue square containing a white star. This design demonstrates Liberia’s origins as a colony founded by freed American slaves.
Malaysia
Malaysia’s flag includes red and white stripes on the side panels to symbolize past British influence. Given the U.S. origins as a former British colony, the colors mirror the American flag in acknowledging shared history.
Cuba
Some Cuban protest flags have incorporated elements of the American flag, such as blue and white stars within the red and white stripes. This shows opposition to the Cuban government and support for the United States.
Berlin, Germany
During the Berlin Airlift after WWII, some Berliners flew American flags with black stripes to show solidarity with the U.S. and gratitude for its support.
So even beyond U.S. borders, the colors of the American flag can carry meaning, often representing liberty and closer ties with America in general.
Conclusion
The red, white and blue of the Star Spangled Banner represent courage, purity and justice. While this classic American flag is one of the most iconic symbols worldwide, alternative color schemes have been created to convey other social and political causes. The use of flag colors abroad also demonstrates international connections to the United States. So whether displayed traditionally or creatively adapted, the colors of the American flag reflect the nation’s complex history and ideals. Through careful laws and proper etiquette, the flag can uphold these values for both Americans and global society.
