American flag with blue and red stripe meaning

The flag of the United States, sometimes referred to as the American Flag, or lovingly as “Old Glory,” the “Stars and Stripes,” and the “Star Spangled Banner,” has stood as a symbol of freedom since 1777, and its design encompasses both our nation’s history and patriotic ideals.

It is, of course, widely known that the 50 stars represent the 50 states of the Union and the 13 alternating red and white stripes represent the 13 original colonies, however, the colors of the flag also hold important meaning.

Why is the American Flag Red, White & Blue?

The red, white and blue of the USA flag are symbolic on a few levels and were chosen strategically to represent the United States of American. Interestingly, the significance behind the colors was not acknowledged when the American flag was adopted in 1777. Instead, the meaning was later explained by Charles Thomson, Secretary of the Continental Congress, when he presented the U.S. Seal of the same colors to Congress in the early 1780s.

While the colors of the American Flag were likely inspired by our mother country’s flag, the Union Jack of England, they were also deliberately chosen to reflect the beliefs and values that our Founding Fathers deemed essential to building our nation.

The color red represents hardiness and valor, as well as courage and readiness to sacrifice. It is also sometimes said to represent the blood shed by those who have fought to protect our freedom and our country.

The color blue signifies justice for all, as well as vigilance and perseverance. A reminder that we must remain watchful and strong.

The color white stands for purity and innocence. Pure, because we are independent from other countries and hold true to our ideals.

Official American Flag Colors

According to the U.S. Department of State, the flag’s official colors are “Old Glory Red,” “Old Glory Blue,” and basic “White.” The exact colors of the American flag are specified in the 10th edition of the Standard Color Reference of America – a textile color swatch book produced by the Color Association of the United States.

As these are cloth color standards, there is no perfect way to convert them to RGB or CMYK for digital viewing and printing, however, the Department of State does specify the Pantone Matching System (PMS) colors, as well as the corresponding RGB and CMYK values, in its style guide.

Additional American Flag Resources

Looking for additional information about the origins of the American Flag? Check out the History of the Betsy Ross Flag to learn more about the evolution of the American flag as we know it.

Have questions about flag etiquette? We know a lot about it! Check out these additional resources for the answers to all your flag etiquette questions, from how to display your American flag to when and how to retire it.

Have additional questions? Give us a call at 1-888-697-3524 or contact us online and we'd be more than happy to assist.

The flag, pictured as a billboard along US Route 10 in Dilworth, Minn., has been used in association with the Blue Lives Matter movement, a pro-police group formed in response to Black Lives Matter and its protests against police violence toward black people. Tony Webster/Flickr hide caption

Dispute is growing over the display of a "thin blue line" flag in Montgomery County this week after county officials said the flag would not be placed in any public space at the police department.

The controversy comes after a local man and his son donated a handmade wooden American flag to a Germantown police station last week to recognize National First Responders Day. The flag, which shows a thin blue stripe in place of one of the flag's standard 13 red stripes, is meant to show support for law enforcement — but the "thin blue line" flag also has been associated, at times, with white nationalists.

Montgomery County police said on Twitter last week that the flag, donated by James Shelton, would be displayed in the 5th District station.

Thank you to resident James Shelton, who presented Montgomery County 5th District officers with a wooden American Flag that he had made in recognition of National First Responders Day. The flag will be displayed in the 5th District Station. pic.twitter.com/kbAI32xHkY

— Montgomery County Department of Police (@mcpnews) October 30, 2019

The announcement prompted immediate pushback from residents who said the flag excuses police violence against black residents, and who pointed out that the flag was seen alongside Confederate flags at the deadly white supremacist rally in Charlottesville in 2017.

The flag has been used in association with the Blue Lives Matter movement, a pro-police group formed in response to Black Lives Matter and its protests against police violence toward black people.

Two days after police announced the flag would be displayed on station property, Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich said the flag would not be on view to the public.

"The flag provides a symbol of support to some but it is a symbol of dismissiveness to others," he said in a statement. "Under my administration, we are committed to improving police relations with the community and will immediately address any action that stands against our mission."

Elrich's decision drew decidedly mixed responses from the public.

Maryland Del. Gabriel Acevero (D-Montgomery) backed Elrich's move, writing on Twitter: "This is not the American flag. It's a violation of the flag code that prohibits altering of the flag in this manner & an affront to the #BlackLivesMatter protests that I & others were a part of. Stop pandering & focus on police reform!"

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But the county executive's move raised alarm bells from Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan (R), who called the decision "outrageous and unconscionable." Hogan tweeted a photo of himself in front of two thin blue line flags, writing, "We are proud to hang these Thin Blue Line flags in Government House to honor our brave law enforcement officers."

We are proud to hang these Thin Blue Line flags in Government House to honor our brave law enforcement officers. A local elected official prohibiting police from displaying a flag given to them by a grateful child is disgraceful. pic.twitter.com/PmPGzfSSF1

— Governor Larry Hogan (@GovLarryHogan) November 3, 2019

Hogan's remarks echoed those by the police union, Montgomery County FOP Lodge 35, which said county police officers were "highly offended" by Elrich's decision.

"The working police officers of Montgomery County are highly offended by this act of outright disrespect for them and that flag which represents the sacrifices and dedication of police officers who daily risk their lives, health, limbs and own well-being in service to their community," the union said in a statement.

Vexillologist Jack Lowe, who studies the history and symbolism of flags, said the controversy over the flag comes down to a question of whether the thin blue line flag is the American flag — or whether it simply resembles it.

Lowe said there are two schools of thought: "If it looks like [the American flag] and you change elements of it, then that is defacing. Others say 'No, because it's not the American flag, it resembles it.' This is not defacing, this is modification."

But Lowe acknowledged that the meaning of flags can shift over centuries. So while the flag may be intended to memorialize fallen law enforcement officers, "people use symbols for their own purposes," he said. "There's nothing inherently bad about the black and white flag with the thin blue line, it's just a symbol, and the interpretation of the symbol may change over time."

Elrich's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

This story was updated at 3:09 p.m. to include reporting from Dominique Maria Bonessi.

© 2022 WAMU 88.5

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What does blue and white American flag mean?

The “Thin Blue Line” American flag represents law enforcement and is flown to show support for the men and women who put their lives on the line every day to protect us. This flag is a sign for promoting compassion and support for our nation's police officers.

What flag has red and blue stripes?

. . Red and Blue Horizontal Stripes . ..

What does American flag with black and blue stripes mean?

Those who fly the flag have said it stands for solidarity and professional pride within a dangerous, difficult profession and a solemn tribute to fallen police officers.