A 50 Star Flag
The National Flag of the United States of America is known by many beloved titles:
- The Stars and Stripes
- The Red, White and Blue
- Old Glory
- The Star-Spangled Banner
- The American Flag
- Our Flag
American Flag Terminology
- Field – the entire flag excluding the canton
- Canton (Union) - the upper left quadrant next to the pole
- Fly – the end of the flag furthest from the pole
- Hoist Strip – the reinforced strip that attaches to the rope or pole
- Halyards – rope attached to the flag used to raise and lower it
- Obverse – the front side of the flag
- Reverse-the opposite side of the flag
The U.S. Code, Title 4, Chapter 1 contains information on the proper display and care of the Flag. While this law was enacted by Congress, it was never intended to be enforced with penalties.
The Flag Protection Act of 1968 prohibited mutilating, defacing, defiling or burning the American Flag. In 1990, the Supreme Court (United States vs Eichman) voted it not enforceable and unconstitutional.