by Reverend Sir Knight Donald C. Kerr
The Flag!
We salute it at all festive functions and ceremonies. How well do we really know this symbol of our country? In the spirit of the fourth of July, here are a few questions about Old Glory.
1. The flag has thirteen stripes. Are there six white and seven red, or are there six red and seven white?
2. In the upper left there is a blue area with stars; what is this called?
3. Some stripes are shorter than others because of the blue area. How many are shorter?
4. The fifty stars form a rectangular pattern. How are they arranged?
5. How many spangled stars did Francis Scott Key see through the dawn's early light at Fort McHenry?
6. The stars have five points. How many points did Betsy Ross plan for the stars originally?
7. When should the flag on a public building be flown at half-mast?
Answers:
1. There are seven red stripes and six white. Stripes at top and bottom are both red.
2. The blue area is called the field, union, or canton.
3. There are seven short stripes and six long ones.
4. The fifty stars are arranged in five rows of six stars alternated with five rows of five stars.
5. 15 stars adorned the flag that inspired our national anthem.
6. Six points. Betsy only knew a pattern for six-pointed stars.
7. Never! On occasion of official mourning or certain holidays the flag is flown half-staff, not half-mast!
So Happy Fourth of July!