In the United States, the Fourth of July holiday is upon us. This holiday is special in many ways. On a surface level, it marks a day without work; a time reserved for family and friends to come together and partake in traditions like parades, barbeques and fireworks displays.

Beyond the celebration lies the true reason why people gather. The Fourth of July is a time to remember the sacrifices that were made to ensure America’s independence and honor the men and women who keep the country free. To symbolize this reality, the vast majority of Americans fly the American flag for all to see. But what exactly does the American flag mean?

The Fourth of July is a holiday most people understand, but when it comes to the American flag, a larger number of people misinterpret its meaning.

How much do you know about the American flag? Test your knowledge with these trivia questions.

1. How many colors are on the American flag?

a. 2 b. 3 c. 4 d. trick question

2. How many stripes are on the American flag?

a. 13 b. 26 d. 50 d. trick question

3. The colors of the American flag were originally taken from England’s flag, the Union Jack.

a. True b. False c. trick question

4. In what year was a committee formed to develop the country’s Great Seal?

a. 1782 b. 1777 c. 1776 d. trick question

5. In what year was the Great Seal adopted?

a. 1782 b. 1777 c. 1776 d. trick question

6. What national figurehead claimed the color red in the American flag signified courage?

a. Charles Thomson b. Ronald Reagan c. Mike Buss d. trick question

7. The flag can be flown in any kind of weather.

a. True b. False c. trick question

8. Wearing a t-shirt with the American flag printed on it is okay.

a. True b. False c. trick question

Answer Key:

1. c | 2. a | 3. a | 4. c | 5. a | 6. b |7. a (if the flag is designed for stormy weather) | 8. b (“The flag should not be used as part of a costume or athletic uniform, except that a flag patch may be used on the uniform of military personnel, fireman, policeman and members of patriotic organizations.”)

How did you fair in Segmation’s American flag trivia?

Learn more about America’s flag, the Fourth of July, and good ol’ fashion patriotism.

Also, take time to enjoy fun activities like Segmation’s digital paint-by-number Fourth of July pattern set: http://www.segmation.com/products_online_choosepattern.asp?order=alph&cat=fju.

And here are some additional red, white and blue craft ideas: https://segmation.wordpress.com/2013/06/26/color-the-fourth-of-july-with-red-white-and-blue-crafts/.

Happy Fourth of July from Segmation!

Read more Segmation blog posts about the Fourth of July:

Happy President’s Day!

United States Presidents Were Skilled Musicians

Do you have a Memorial Day Quote?

Be an Artist in 2 minutes with Segmation SegPlay® PC (see more details here)

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America’s founding fathers faced the tough task of establishing a country and creating a symbol to represent its beliefs. Since start, the American flag has been positioned to embody the nation’s mission and relay its values to others. In its course of existence, the flag has been adopted by new generations and become a beacon of hope to many.

More so, the American flag is a point of pride for the United States. If you are an American, how much do you know about the symbol that represents your country’s patriotism? And for all readers, have you ever wondered why the American flag is red, white, and blue? Or how the concept evolved into this organized design?

A Brief History of the American Flag

The American flag came into being after the Continental Congress authorized a committee to create an official seal for the developing nation. The design needed to reflect the beliefs and values that the founding fathers laid out in the Declaration of Independence.

The colors and symbols used in the seal were chosen to serve a purpose. Eventually these colors were transferred to the flag, which has gone through many variations to become the symbol of freedom that is recognized and cherished today.

The Symbolism of the American Flag’s Colors and Design

Vertical stripes (white)- purity and innocence
Red stripes- hardiness and valor
Blue- vigilance, perseverance, and justice
Stars- heavenly/divine goals
Stripes- rays of light

Celebrate the Fourth of July with Arts and Craft

If you want to celebrate the festiveness of Independence Day and carry on the historic symbolism seen in the American flag, learn more about these arts and craft ideas:

1) Help your kids decorate their rooms or the backyard with “Cascading Stars” – http://www.enchantedlearning.com/crafts/stars/cascadeofstars/

2) Line your yard with “Patriotic Pinwheels,” or bring them along to a parade – http://crafts.kaboose.com/patriotic-pinwheel.html

3) If you are up for a challenge, try making your own “Festive Window Swag” – http://www.marthastewart.com/909615/festive-window-swag

The American Flag is a symbol of patriotism, hope, and respect throughout the United States. It is also a representation of history that calls citizens to remember the nation’s founding fathers.

When you see American flags, what positive thoughts come to mind? Do you think of purity and innocence, valor and vigilance, perseverance, justice, divine goals, and rays of light? If not, what can you do to participate in America’s original mission and represent these characteristics to all people?

Also, Segmation is interested to know, if you could make a flag to describe yourself, what colors would you use and why?

Read more Segmation blog posts about the Fourth of July:

Happy President’s Day!

United States Presidents Were Skilled Musicians

Do you have a Memorial Day Quote?

Be an Artist in 2 minutes with Segmation SegPlay® PC (see more details here)

Segmation

FREE Newsletter

Join us on FacebookSegPlay® Mobile iTunes now available for iPhone and iPad