The American flag is one of the most iconic symbols of the United States. The classic red, white and blue design is instantly recognizable around the world as the banner of America. However, some American flags use an alternative color scheme of white and blue instead. So why are some American flags blue and white rather than the traditional red, white and blue?
The History Behind Blue and White American Flags
While red, white and blue are the official colors of the American flag, the blue and white version has its origins in the early days of the American Revolution. In 1775, the fledgling Continental Army under George Washington needed flags for military use. Many units carried flags from their state militias which used a variety of color schemes. Since standardized flags had not yet been adopted, female patriots in areas like Connecticut and New York took it upon themselves to sew flags for the Continental Army regiments in their regions. These locally produced flags often substituted blue for red since blue dye was more readily available at the time. So the first American flags flown by Washington’s Continental Army were often blue and white rather than red, white and blue.
One famous example was the Grand Union Flag designed in 1775 by Washington himself. This flag combined the British King’s Colors of solid red with the 13 white and blue stripes representing the American colonies. The Grand Union Flag was the first American flag to be flown by Washington’s forces and served as the national flag until 1777 when the Stars and Strips design was adopted. Even after that, many citizens and military units continued using blue and white flags through the Revolutionary War years.
Uses of Blue and White American Flags Today
The blue and white American flag tradition did not disappear after the standard red, white and blue flag was officially adopted. Here are some of the ways blue and white American flags are still used today:
- As a display of patriotism – Some citizens and organizations choose to display blue and white flags instead of the red, white and blue version as a matter of personal preference.
- On US Navy vessels – The Navy uses a series of blue and white striped flags called commissioning pennants to designate the commanding officer of a ship. The number of blue and white stripes indicates the rank of the officer in command.
- Police solidarity flags – A black and white version of the American flag with a blue stripe is sometimes used to show support for law enforcement.
- 9/11 memorial flags – Some 9/11 memorial flags substitute dark blue for red to commemorate the losses on that tragic day.
- Historical recreation – Blue and white American Revolution flags are often used in historical reenactments and displays to recreate the appearance of flags during that era.
Blue American Flag Variations
There are a few common variations of blue American flags seen today:
- Blue canton – The canton is the blue square in the top left corner that contains the stars. Some flags change this area to blue instead of keeping it red.
- Blue and white stripes – The red stripes are changed to blue, leaving the white stripes unchanged.
- Blue and black stripes – This version keeps white stripes but switches red to dark blue and blue to black.
- Thin blue line – A black and white flag with one blue stripe to show police support.
Symbolic Meaning Behind the Colors
The well-known red, white and blue color scheme of the American flag each have symbolic meaning reflecting America’s values:
| Red | Hardiness and valor |
| White | Purity and innocence |
| Blue | Vigilance, perseverance and justice |
So blue can represent characteristics like vigilance, perseverance and justice. This helps explain why blue is sometimes used as a substitution for red in American flags. Other meanings associated with the color blue are:
- Trustworthiness
- Intelligence
- Stability
- Unity
So blue and white American flags also embody positive traits connected with the color blue. Displaying the flag in those colors allows people to highlight different symbolic meanings.
Is the Blue American Flag Officially Recognized?
No, the red, white and blue American flag is the only official flag recognized by the United States government. The flag code which provides guidelines for proper display and respect for the flag only recognizes the red, white and blue banner as the American flag. Blue and white American flags are considered types of ceremonial or civic flags which are sometimes used by citizens and organizations, but have no official recognition.
Are Blue American Flags Legal?
Yes, blue and white American flags are completely legal to own and display. The First Amendment of the Constitution protects the freedom of speech, expression and protest. So American citizens have the right to display a blue and white flag as an expression of personal views or solidarity. However, some guidelines still apply to any American flag variants:
- The blue and white flag should still be treated with appropriate respect.
- It should not ever be flown above the official American flag.
- No disrespectful variants like wearing the flag design as clothing are allowed.
Within those limits, displaying a blue and white version of the American flag is entirely legal as a form of free speech.
Should the Blue Flag Be Flown Above Ground?
Opinions differ on whether blue and white American flags are appropriate to fly on flagpoles. Some view any American flag variant as disrespectful when flown on poles or hung vertically above ground. Others believe it is acceptable if treated respectfully. There are a few guidelines to consider:
- The red, white and blue flag should always be higher if flying multiple flags.
- Blue flags should be taken down before dark each day like the standard flag.
- Flying a blue flag above the US flag would be inappropriate.
As long as the blue and white flag is treated properly and not displayed above the official flag, many would argue it is acceptable to fly it from a flagpole. But some strict traditionalists disapprove of the practice. The most universally agreed upon uses are for horizontal display from homes, on apparel, vehicles or carried in parades.
Conclusion
Blue and white American flags have a long history dating back to the Revolutionary War. They continue being used today for reasons ranging from simple personal preference to expressing solidarity and symbolic meaning. This meaningful tradition endures as an alternative patriotic display to the standard red, white and blue flag.
