ARTS AND CRAFTS

Stars And Stripes Collage- Submitted by Christi

Blue construction paper, Red and white construction paper cut into 1" strips, Silver star stickers, Glue

Set out all of the materials and let the kids create.

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Flags- Submitted by Christi

Construction paper, tissue paper, and glue

Start with white construction paper. Children glue on red strips, to make red and white stripes. Then glue a blue square in the top left corner. For the stars you can use white tissue paper, crumpled up, or star stickers.

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Bells- Submitted by Christi

Paper Cups, jingle bell, string, and markers

Use paper cups and let children decorate them. (have them add a "Crack", like the Liberty Bell) use string through the bottom of the cup, and tie on a small 'jingle bell'

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Rockets- Submitted by Christi

Construction paper, markers, string

Make a cone shape, out of construction paper. Decorate with markers. Cut a narrow (approx. 2" long) slits on opposite sides of the wide open end. Use 18" of string, and with the point up, put the string through the slits, and pull sharply on the ends of relaxed string (rocket will fly into air)

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Stars And Stripes Sponge Painting- Submitted by Cindy

Red and blue paint, Sponges cut into stars and long strips, White construction paper

Let the children make sponge prints on the white paper with the red and blue paint.

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Fireworks- Submitted by Christi

Net Scrubbie, Black Construction paper, Gold (or any color you want) tempera paint, Paper towel

Use black construction paper and make fireworks using net scrubbies that you use washing your pots and pans. Mix tempera paint in a tray and add paper towels to make more of a stamp pad. The paper towel should be wet not soaking. Touch the scrubbie to the paper towel and press on paper. Use white and red as well and add glitter to the paint. It is a great effect on the black paper.

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Fireworks- Submitted by Christi

Red and Blue paint, White Construction paper, Straws

Put a small amount of blue and red paint on white paper. Then have the children take a straw and blue the paint blobs around to look like fireworks. Just make sure you poke a little pin prick hole at the top of the straw so they do not inhale the paint.

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4th of July Wand- Submitted by Christi

newspaper, red, white and blue streamers, markers or paint, glue stick, star stickers

Take a large sheet of newspaper and fold in half. Start at one corner and roll into a long stick shape. Tape. Children can color newspaper with markers/paint, etc. Attach crepe paper streamers or strips of tissue paper at one end (or anywhere) with a glue stick. Decorate with foil star stickers. Can be used for a parade, dancing, etc.

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Star Crowns- Submitted by Christi

Glue, red paint, Red, White, and Blue Construction paper, Scissors, and star stickers.

Pre cut stars out of red, white and blue construction paper. Give each child a long white band (about 1 1/2 to 2 inches wide) of construction paper long enough to fit around a child's head. Let each child glue (I colored my white glue with some red paint) as many paper stars on the band as they want. I also put out some red, white and blue stickers for the to put on. When dry, fit to each child's head and staple.

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Torches- Submitted by Christi

Old Newspaper, paint, tissue paper

Use old newspapers and roll them in a large cone shape. Let children paint the cones. When dry, stuff with red and yellow tissue paper. To be the "flame" of the torch. Have the children make crowns, and then they can be the statue of Liberty.

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Star Cookie Cutters- Submitted by Cindy

Gather a few star-shaped cookie cutters and shallow bowls of red and blue tempera paint. Allow each child to have a turn pressing the cookie cutters into the paint, then onto a piece of construction paper to make star shaped prints.

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Patriotic Headbands- Submitted by Christi

Provide each child with a red or blue construction-paper headband and a few star shapes cut from white construction paper. Have each child glue the stars onto her headband; then staple the band to fit his/her head.

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United States Flag- Submitted by Christi

Red and blue paper, Scissors, Glue, Large white paper, Star stickers, Dowel, Tape,

Help your child tear or cut a large blue square and strips of red paper. Glue the strips and square onto white paper to make a flag. Stick stars on the blue square. Tape the flag to a dowel and fly the flag proudly!

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Flags- Submitted by Christi

construction paper, cardboard tube from paper towel roll, glue, scissors, tape

Cut the shape of a flag from construction paper. Cut designs from red, white and blue paper. Stars and stripes can be used for decoration, or anything else the child wants to create. Glue the designs onto the flag. Use tape to attach the outer edge of the flag to the cardboard tube. Put on some marching music and have the kids make a parade waving their flags.

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Tissue Fireworks- Submitted by Christi

Black construction paper, one sheet per child, White chalk, Glue, White and colored tissue paper, Scissors

Cut tissue into 1" squares. Draw fireworks patterns on the black construction paper with chalk (3 per paper). Give each child one piece of prepared black paper and a container of 1" tissue paper squares and a container of white glue with a squeeze top. Instruct the children to use their finger tips and ball up each square of tissue. Be sure they pick up only one piece at a time. Instruct the children to place glue dots along one line of a firework, and to place the balled-up tissue on the glue. Have them complete the task, using any color patterns they desire.

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Glitter Paint Fireworks- Submitted by Christi

matte board or cardboard, white glue( thinned with water in a cup), paintbrushes, shakers with large holes, powdered tempera paint, glitter

Paint the entire surface of the matte board or cardboard with thinned white glue. Fill shakers with powdered tempera and glitter. Shake the paint glitter mixture onto the glue to make "fireworks". Dry the project for a long time (a couple of days).

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Fireworks- Submitted by Christi

Black paper, glue, glitter

Make your own fireworks. We gave each of the children a piece of black construction paper and had them make designs using white glue (Elmer's). They then sprinkled glitter over the glue. We used a variety of colors to give it a firework effect!

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Togetherness Flag- Submitted by Christi

Red, white and blue paint, Paintbrush, Paint Trays, Sheet of paper 2'x3'

On the large sheet of paper, draw lines for stripes and paint a blue square in the upper left corner. Have the children fill in the bottom stripe by dipping their hands in the red paint and pressing them end to end within the lines of the stripe. Using the white paint, have them make a white stripe just above it the same way. Continue until you have all 13 stripes filled with hand prints. Have the children dip their fingertips in paint and make the "stars" in the blue square.

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Yankee-Doodle Dandy Windsocks- Submitted by Christi

Using a half-sheet of white posterboard, curve the ends back until they meet and slightly overlap. Staple the ends in place. Paint red vertical stripes around the top half. Glue a blue, star-studded paper strip around the middle of the posterboard, covering the ends of the painted stripes. From a blue paper circle, cut a centered concentric circle to match the diameter of the posterboard cylinder. Slide the blue circle onto the posterboard cylinder for a hat brim, and tape it in place if necessary. Draw a face on the bottom half of the posterboard. Glue red, white, and blue streamers alternately to the inside bottom of the cylinder. Punch holes at the top of the cylinder and thread them with yarn for hanging.

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Fireworks- Submitted by Christi

Make dandelion prints with red and blue paint on white paper. Looks like fireworks exploding. Very patriotic.

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Uncle Sam Hats- Submitted by Cheryl

Cut top hat shape out of white, glue two red strips to the front, put small blue band of construction paper where a hat band would be, and decorate hat band with white stars. Attach hat to a construction paper strip & fasten around the child's head.

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Stars and Stripes Sandwich Bag Stars- Submitted by Christi

Gather several star shapes from red, white or blue construction paper. Also gather ribbons, glitter,sequins, aluminum foil or stickers in the same colors, along with one plastic sandwich bag for each child in the class. Allow the children to place items in the bags sparingly and evenly.(the bag should be flat on a table) Place the bag between two pieces of foil with a towel between the foil and the table and iron with a warm iron. Peel away the foil, and when the bags are cool, allow children to trim to star shapes.

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Torn Paper Flag- Submitted by Christi

red, white, and blue paper, glue

Give each child one whole piece of white paper. Then give them scraps of red, white and blue paper. Show them a flag and discuss the many parts of the flag. Now using their fingers to rip the paper instead of cutting, have them create a flag. Be sure to go over the sizes they will need for the blue box, stripes, and stars.

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Star Cookie Cutters- Submitted by Christi

Star shaped cookie cutters (all sizes), red and blue paint, paper

Gather a few star-shaped cookie cutters and shallow bowls of red and blue tempera paint. Allow each child to have a turn pressing the cookie cutters into the paint, then onto a piece of construction paper to make star shaped prints.

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Awesome Firework Designs- Submitted by Cheryl

To make awesome firework designs, put 5 - 6 different colors of tempra paint on a plate so that the colors are touching, but do not mix the colors. Have the children use a popsicle stick or tongue depressor to dip the long edge of the stick into the paint across the colors. Then, encourgae the children to print it onto black or navy blue construction paper. You may need to show them how to put it into an "X" then a "I" through the middle and lastly a "-" throught that. So that it makes a star design, and then you'll have beautiful, vibrant fireworks! (This may sound a bit complex or hard to visualize what it looks like, however it is very fun. Ages 2 and up may participate, obviously with more assistance given to the younger childen. Also, it looks just as great if they don't make it into a "star-shape" but to create thier own designs.)

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Patriotic Bead Patterning- Submitted by Christi

Pipe cleaners, red, white, and blue beads (the larger the better, remember bead can be a chocking hazard.)

Gather several packages of red, white, and blue beads and pipe cleaners. Make a few example patterns with the beads on the pipe cleaners. Set the remaining beads and pipe cleaners on a table and allow the children to copy any of the patterns on their own pipe cleaners. When they are all finish you can place the pipe cleaner around the child wrist and twist the ends together. Now you have a patriotic bracelet.

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Fireworks- Submitted by Christi

Put watered down tempara paint in a spray bottle. Use Red and Blue paint. Let the children spray it on a large piece of white paper. Can be done on an easel, or outside w/ the paper taped to the fence. It looks like fireworks, and glitter can be added too.

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Yankee Doodle Dandy Headbands- Submitted by Christi

Cut a band of red, white, or blue construction paper 4" wide. Cut length to fit around head; then fold over and staple together for a headband. Cut white paper into four 3" x 4" rectangles. Cut blue paper into four 1" x 2" rectangles; then glue onto upper left corner of the white paper for flags. Use a red marker to draw stripes on the flag, and white chalk to draw on the stars. Staple flags onto straws; then staple straws inside fold of headband.

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Wind Socks- Submitted by Christi

Paper, glue, (tape, or staples) string, streamers

Use red, white or blue construction paper and roll it length wise. Glue, tape or staple together. Add string as a handle to one end. Add red, white and blue streamers to the other end.

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Red, White, And Blue Paint Picture- Submitted by Christi

Flour, Salt, Water, Red and blue food coloring, Empty mustard squeeze bottles, Cardboard

Mix equal parts of flour, salt, and water to make the puffy paint. Divide mixture into three different bowls and color one bowl of mixture blue, one bowl red, and leave the last one white. Fill the mustard bottles with the mixture (one color per squeeze bottle). Let the children squeeze the different colors onto the cardboard. Allow the children's artwork to dry. When it is dry, the design will be raised and will sparkle!

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Uncle Sam Hats- Submitted by Christi

paper, glue, sentence strip

Cut top hat shape out of white, glue two red strips to the front, put small blue band of construction paper where a hat band would be, and decorate hat band with white stars. Attach hat to sentence strip and staple shut. Place on a child's head.

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Craft Stick American Flag- Submitted by Christi

Tongue depressors, paint, paper, glue, cotton

Have the children paint about 8 tongue depressors red. Cut a blue paper square about 1/4 the size of a sheet of white paper. Glue it in the left hand corner. When sticks are dry, glue them on the page making a red stripe, then the white paper, another red and continue on. Have the children glue cotton balls on the blue part to be stars.

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Stars and Stripes Sandwich Bag Stars- Submitted by Christi

Gather several star shapes from red, white or blue construction paper. Also gather ribbons, glitter,sequins, aluminum foil or stickers in the same colors,along with one plastic sandwich bag for each child in the class. Allow the children to place items in the bags sparingly and evenly.(the bag should be flat on a table) Place the bag between two pieces of foil with a towel between the foil and the table and iron with a warm iron. Peel away the foil, and when the bags are cool,allow children to trim to star shapes.

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Child's American Flag- Submitted by Christi

1 piece each of red, white and blue construction paper, gold star stickers, glue and brushes, or glue stick, Sample flag, or a picture of an American Flag

Show the sample flag so the children know what to expect. Have child tear or cut the red paper into strips and glue onto white paper. Then have child cut or tear the blue piece and place onto top corner. Then have the child place the stickers onto the blue piece.

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Personalized Flags- Submitted by Christi

Tell the children that each country has their own flags and that they are displayed on holidays to honor their countries. Set out self stick stars, dots etc. and let them desing their own flags to have a parade with.

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American Flags- Submitted by Christi

Have children make an American flag. Have them paint about 8 tongue depressors red. Cut a blue paper square about 1/4 the size of a sheet of white paper. Glue it in the left hand corner.When sticks are dry, glue them on the page making a red stripe, then the white paper, another red and continue on. Have the children glue cotton balls on the blue part to be stars.

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Safe Sparklers- Submitted by Cheryl

Children love to dance around with sparklers for the Forth of July, but it is dangerous, so make some safe sparklers! Materials: Plastic Straws, Curling ribbon in red, white, and blue, star garland or metallic pipe cleaners Take the pipe cleaners or garland and bend it in half (no sharp wire edges will be exposed). On the open side, tape various lengths of curling ribbon. Place the taped end into the straw. Turn down the lights and watch the sparks fly as the children wave their "sparklers"!! Put on some marching music and have a parade!

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4th of July Flyers- Submitted by Christi

toilet tissue rolls, construction paper (red,white,blue), crepe paper (red,white,blue), star stickers (red,white,blue,gold), glue sticks

Cut a piece of construction paper to fit around tissue roll, have the children glue that on. Then have them put stars one the construction papered tube then cut crepe paper about the same length as the tube, maybe a little longer then cut in half, to make narrow strips, (length wise) and glue them at one end of the tube on the inside. (looks like a mini windsock). Then let the kids throw them up in the air and watch the crepe paper streamers flutter in the air.

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Windsocks- Submitted by Cheryl

Blue Construction Paper, Flat Sponges (the kind after you put them in water raise up to a regular sponge) , Paint, Cookie Cutter in the shape of a star, Red Crepe Streamers, White Crepe Streamers, Clear Contact Paper, String or Yarn

Cut out star shapes on the sponges. Then put them in water to make them regular size. Glue a 35 mm canister to one end of the sponge. This will keep the paint off the children's hands. Dip the star shaped sponge in white paint and then onto the construction paper. If you do not want to use the sponges you could use the star shaped cookie cutters instead. When dry you can add contact paper so that you can put it outside but I found the crepe paper runs in the rain and doesn't look good. (You can try it) Fold the blue construction paper into a cylinder and staple together Then add the red and white streamers.

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FOOD AND COOKING

Patrioitc Pizza- Submitted by Cheryl

1 tube (10 oz) of refridgerated pizza crust, 1 jar (14 oz) pizza sauce (1 1/2 cups), 3 square slices yellow American cheese, 1 package extra - long mozzarella string cheese

Heat oven to 425 degrees farenheit. Have ready a 1 1/2 inch star shaped cookie cuter. Lightly coat a 10 1/2 x 15 1/2 inch jelly roll pan with non stick cooking spray. Unroll crust. Press over bottom and about 1/2 inch up sides of pan. Bake 7 minutes or until crust starts to brown. Meanwhile stack slices of American cheese. Press cokie cutter through in 4 places (to get 12 stars). Cool crust in pan about 10 minutes. Spread pizza sauce evenly to edges. Arrange stars in left hand corner of flag (3 rows of 4). Cut 5 string cheese sticks in half lengthwise and put 9 pieces (10 if you can fit them) in rows to represent the stripes. The picture has 5 pieces on the right hand side and 3 pieces arranged under the stars. Bake pizza 6 to 10 minutes or until crust is well browned. Serves 6.

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Ice Cream Cone Cakes- Submitted by Christi

mix up a white cake mix and use blue food coloring to turn the cake mix from white to blue. Pour it in ice cream cones with the flat bottom.. place cones in a muffin pan to hold them up and cook as normal. Ice with white icing and sprinkle with red white and blue sprinkles.

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Fire Cracker Popcicles- Submitted by Christi

In small bathroom cups, pour in red fruit punch to fill cup to 1/3. Freeze. Pour lemonade to fill 1/3. Freeze. Pour the blue Gatorade to fill last part and partly freeze. Before totally frozen- insert a piece of licorice ( red); this will be the wick of the firecracker! Dip cups in warm water to release it from the cup. Keep cups- kids can keep it in there when eating it. Keeps them clean!

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Red, White, and Blue Pops- Submitted by Christi

1/4 cup blueberry yogurt, 1/4 cup vanilla yogurt, 1/4 cup strawberry yogurt.

Set out six small paper cups. Spoon a generous spoonful of blueberry yogurt into each. Repeat with vanailla yogurt....then strawberry. Put in freezer until partially frozen, about 20 minutes. Then insert a popsicle stick or plastic spoon into each cup. Freeze until solid. Frozen pop molds may also be used. Serves 6.

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Graham Cracker Flags- Submitted by Cindy

Gather a few packages of graham crackers, white frosting, ice cream sticks, small paper cups, and red white and blue food coloring.

Give each child 3 paper cups with a tablespoon of frosting inside each cup. Drop food coloring in each cup 1 red 1 blue 1 white. Give each child a ice cream stick and instruct them to mix the food coloring into each cup. Then allow to design flag using the frosting on the cracker.

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Red, White, and Blue Snack- Submitted by Cindy

Blueberries, strawberries, and whipped cream over short cakes or pound cake.

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Red, White, and Blue Kabobs- Submitted by Cheryl

Strawberries, Pineapple, Blueberries, Cocktail toothpicks or wooden skewers

Clean and slice the fruit. Have the children place a blueberry, strawberry, and a piece of pineapple on each toothpick. If using skewers, have children repeat pattern. Makes a delicious snack.

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Pretzel Sparklers- Submitted by Christi

8 squares (one ounce each) white baking chocolate, 1 package (10 ounces) pretzel rods, colored candy stars or sprinkles

Place chocolate in a microwave safe bowl; heat until melted. Dip each pretzel rod about halfway into chocolate; sprinkle with stars. Place on waxed paper to dry. Yeild: about 2 dozen.

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Fourth of July Jell-0- Submitted by Christi

1 package (3 ounce) berry blue gelatin, 2 cups boiling water, divided, 1/2 cup cold water, divided, 1 package (3 ounce) strawberry gelatin, 1 can (15 ounce) pear halves, drained and cubed

In a bowl, dissolve bue gelatin in 1 cup boiling water. Stir in 1/4 cup cold water. Pour into an ungreased 9x5x3in loaf pan. Refrigerate until firm. Repeat with strawberry gelatin and remaining boiling and cold water. When gelatin is set, cut into cubes. Just before serving, gently combine gelatin cubes and pears in a large glass bowl or individual dishes. Yield: 6-8 servings

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Flag Cake- Submitted by Cindy

Bake a cake (rectangle shape like 9x13). Frost with white frosting (or whip cream). Put sliced strawberries for the stripes, and use blueberries in the corner.

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Cookie Cutter Stars- Submitted by Christi

Make Jell-O stars by cutting them out with cookie cutters. Use red for the stars and add blueberries and vanilla flavored yogurt.

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Tri-Colored Treats- Submitted by Christi

Serve vanilla ice cream with strawberry topping and blue-tinted whipped cream, or a simple fruit salad of sliced strawberries, blueberries, and banana wheels. Be sure to put these treats in clear plastic cups to show off their colors.

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Patriotic Punch- Submitted by Christi

12 cherries or small strawberries, 12 blueberries, 2 12-ounce cans frozen lemonade, reconstituted, thawed, 1 32-ounce bottle sugar-free lemon-lime soda, Ice cube tray, Large punch bowl, Ladle, 12 tall clear glasses

Put a cherry or strawberry and a blueberry into each ice cube compartment. Pour one can lemonade into the ice cube tray over the fruit. Freeze until firm. Combine second can of lemonade with soda in punch bowl. Serve lemonade ice cube with each drink in glasses.

Variation: Instead of putting fruit into ice cubes, tint ice cubes red and blue using food coloring.

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SONGS AND FINGERPLAYS

The Star-Spangled Banner- Submitted by Christi

Oh, say can you see by the dawn's early light
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming?
Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight,
O'er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming?
And the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there
Oh, say does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

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America (My Country 'tis of Thee)- Submitted by Christi

My county 'tis of thee,
Sweet land of liberty,
Of thee I sing
Land where by fathers died!
Land of the pilgrims' pride!
From every mountainside
Let freedom ring!
Our fathers' God, to Thee,
Author of liberty,
To Thee we sing
Long may our land be bright
With freedom's holy light,
Protect us by Thy might,
Great God, our King

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America The Beautiful- Submitted by Christi

O beautiful for spacious skies,
For amber waves of grain
For purple mountain majesty
Above the fruited plain
America! America!
God shed His grace on thee,
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea.
O beautiful for pilgrim feet
Whose stern impassiond stress
A thoroughfare for freedom beat
Across the wilderness
America! America!
God mend thine every flaw,
Confirm thy soul in self control
Thy liberty in law

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You're A Grand Old Flag- Submitted by Christi

You're a grand old flag,
You're a high flying flag,
And forever in peace may you wave,
You're the emblem of the land I love,
The home of the free and the brave
Ev'ry heart beats true 'neath the Red, White and Blue
Where there's never a boast or brag,
But should old acquintance be forgot,
Keep your eye on the grand old flag!

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God Bless America- Submitted by Christi

God bless America,
Land that I love,
Stand beside her and guide her
Through the night with a light from above.
From the mountains, to the prairies,
To the oceans white with foam
God bless America,
My home sweet home.

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Battle Of The Republic- Submitted by Christi

Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord,
He is trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored,
He has loosed the fateful lightning of his terrible swift sword,
His truth is marching on
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
His truth is marching on

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Down by the Flagpole- Submited by Cindy
"Down By the Station"

Down at the flagpole,
Early in the morning,
We will raise our flag,
The red, white, and blue.
We stand at attention,
It's something that we do.
We salute the colors,
The red, white, and blue.

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At The Fireworks Show- Submitted by Christi
(Sung to "London Bridge")

All together here we go
here we go,here we go,
All together here we go,
to the fireworks show.
I like fireworks, don't you know,
don't you know,don't you know,
I like fireworks don't you know,
at the fireworks show.
They make such a pretty sight,
pretty sight,pretty sight,
they make such a pretty sight.
WOW! The fireworks show.

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On Independence Day- Submitted by Christi
(Sung to "Mary had a little Lamb")

Fireworks go snap,snap,snap!
Crack,crack,crack! Zap,zap,zap!
Fireworks make me clap,clap,clap
On Independence Day!

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Fireworks in the Sky- Submitted by Christi
(tune: "Row, Row, Row Your Boat)

Boom, crack, whistle, pop!
Fireworks in the sky.
See them lighting up the night,
On the Fourth of July.
Red, blue, gold, and green,
With fireworks we say,
"Happy Birthday, America,
It's Independence Day!"

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I'm Proud Of Our Flag- Submitted by Christi
(tune: Hickory, Dickory, Dock)

Our flag is red, white and blue,
There are stars and stripes on it, too.
I'm proud of our flag, the United States flag,
And you can be proud of it, too!

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See Our Flag- Submitted by Christi
(tune: mary had a little lamb)

See our flag, it's waving high,
waving high, waving high,
See our flag, it's waving high.
It's red and white and blue.

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We Honor You- Submitted by Christi
(tune: Happy Birthday)

Oh, red, white and blue,
We honor you.
You have red and white stripes,
And fifty stars, too.

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Our Flag- Submitted by Christi
(tune: Twinkle, twinkle, little star)

Stripes and stripes and little stars,
Oh, how beautiful you are.
Red and whiite and blue, that's true,
Waving proud for me and you.
Stripes and stripes and little stars,
Oh, how beautiful you are!

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Stars and Stripes- Submitted by Christi
(tune: Row, row, row, your boat)

Wave, wave, wave the flag,
As we march around.
Hold it high to show our pride,
It must not touch the ground.
Wave, wave, wave the flag,
Dear red, white and blue.
Stars and stripes forever bright,
America to you!

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Wave a Flag- Submitted by Christi
sung to "Did You Ever See A Lassie?"
by Barbara Paxton

Did you ever wave a flag,
A flag, a flag?
Did you ever wave a flag,
For your country?
Wave this way and that way,
And this way and that way.
Did you ever wave a flag,
For your country?

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Colors of Our Flag- Submitted by Christi
by Barbara B. Fleisher

Red, white, and blue. Red, white, and blue.
Colors of our flag. Colors of our flag.
Soon it will be the Fourth of July,
And that, you know, is the reason why
We sing about our country's flag,
Red, white, and blue.

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Happy Birthday to America- Submitted by Christi
Sung to "Oh, Christmas Tree"

America
America
Happy Birthday to You
America
America
It's your birthday too
We celebrate
Your birthday
By fireworks
And picnics too
Ameirca
America
How we love you true.
We-e love you, yes we do.

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Our Flag- Submitted by Christi
sung to "Mary Had a Little Lamb"

Our flag is red, white, & blue
red, white & blue
red, white & blue
Our flag is red, white, & blue
in the USA
Our flag has 50 stars,
50 stars, 50 stars,
Our flag has 50 stars,
in the USA
Our flag has 13 stripes,
13 stripes, 13 stripes,
Our flag has 13 stripes,
in the USA

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Fireworks in the Sky- Submitted by Christi
sung to "Row, Row, Row Your Boat"

Boom, crack, whistle, pop,
Fireworks in the sky.
See them lighting up the night
On the Fourth of July.
Red, blue, gold, and green,
With fireworks we say,
"Happy Birthday, America,
It's Independence Day!"

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A Flag For Me And You- Submitted by Christi
sung to "Three Blind Mice" Red

white and blue,
Red, white and blue,
A flag for me. A flag for you.
It is the flag of our great nation,
It's honored by each generation.
Join me now in a celebration,
Red, white and blue.

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Our Country's Flag Fingerplay- Submitted by Christi

Please sit down, everyone,
I'm going to tell a story
(point to mouth)
About our country's famous flag-
Its nickname is Old Glory.
(point to flag)
Stars and stripes are on our flag,
They're red and white and blue.
(point to flag colors)
It tells the world that we are free
And proud to be here too!
(Nod Head)

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Stars and Stripes- Submitted by Christi

Wave the flag, wave the flag,
(wave arm like a flag)
As we march around.
Hold it high to show our pride,
Don't let it touch the ground.
Wave the flag, wave the flag,
Dear red, white, and blue.
Stars and stripes forever bright,
America-here's to you!

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Our Flag- Submitted by Christi

Stripes and strips and little stars,
(wave arm like a flag)
Oh, how beautiful you are!
Red and white and blue, it's true,
Proudly waving for me and you.

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Who's Birthday Is It?- Submitted by Christi

Some birthdays come in winter,
Some birthdays come in spring.
On birthdays there are games to play,
And lots of songs to sing.
My favorite birthday is in July,
And it doesn't belong to me!
It's the birthday that lights up the sky,
For all the world to see!
Rockets glare, trumpets blare,
And bands begins to play.
Happy Birthday America,
It's Independence Day!

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GAMES, MATH, AND SCIENCE

Patriotic Bead Patterning- Submitted by Cheryl

Have several packages of red, white, and blue beads, and white pipe cleaners. Make a few example patterns with the beads on the pipe cleaners. Set the remaining beads and pipe cleaners on a table and allow the children to copy any of the patterns on their own pipe cleaners or create their own.

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Music and Movement- Submitted by Cheryl

During music and movement, play a variety of patriotic songs such as Yankee Doodle, Stars and Stripes Forever, You're a Grand Old Flag, etc. and let the children march and dance to the music.

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Sensory Table- Submitted by Christi

Place red, white or blue colored water in the sensory table with pitchers, measuring cups and other containers to allow the children to experience measurement.

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Flag Match- Submitted by Becce

Purchase an assortment of flag stickers. Divide the stickers into matching pairs. Attache each of the flags to an index card. Match up the cards and let your children take turns matching pairs of flags.

Variation: Use the cards to play Concentration.

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CIRCLE TIME

BOOKS- Submitted by Christi

Crash! Bang! Boom! by Peter Spier
Fourth of July by Barbara Joosse
Henry's Fourth of July by Holly Keller
Matches, Lighters, and Firecrackers are not Toys by Dorothy Chlad
Hurray for the Fourth of July by Wendy Watson
Fireworks, Picnics and Flags by James Cross Giblin, Ursula Arndt
Celebration! by Jane Resh Thomas
Fourth of July by Janet McDonnell, Helen Endres
A Fourth of July on the Plains - Jean Van Leeuwen
Celebration - Jane Thomas
Fourth of July Bear - Kathryn Lasky
Fourth of July Story - Alice Dalgliesh
Henry's Fourth of July - Holly Keller
Higgledy Piggledy Hobbledy Hoy - Dorothy Butler
My First Fourth of July Book - Harriet Hodgson
Parade - Donald Crews
Star-Spangled Banner - Peter Spier
The Fourth of July - Janet McDonnell
Thump, Thump, Rat-A-Tat-Tat - Gene Baer

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MISC ACTIVITIES

Flag Folding- Submitted by Becce

Invite children from a Scout group or the students who take care of your outdoor school flag to demonstrate the proper way to fold the flag. Then provide time so that your kids can practice folding the flag correctly.

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Flag Table Cloth- Submitted by Becce

Have your students work together to make a festive flag tablecloth out of a long sheet of white butcher paper. Then ask each child to bring a food from home that is either red, white, or blue. You might want to brainstorm a list with your class, putting the items into the correct color categories. For example: red (strawberries, apples, tomatoes), white (milk, Cool whip, white chocolate), blue (blueberries, blue corn chips). Arrange the food on the tablecloth, play patriotic music, and eat!

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Flying the Flag- Submitted by Becce

Discuss how people show pride in our nation by flying the flag and about the children's feelings when they see it. Then ask them to make a special note of all the different places they see our flag flying. Start a class list that you add to as the children report other places they have seen the flag.

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A Family Flag- Submitted by Becce

Ask children to look at the American flag and name the colors it contains. Explain that each color used in a flag has a special meaning. In the American flag, for instance, the blue stands for justice, the white stands for purity, and the red stands for courage.

Not only the colors but also the symbols on the flag are significant. The original flag bore thirteen stars and thirteen stripes--one for each of the colonies. Today the American flag proudly displays fifty stars, one for each state in the union. The thirteen stripes remain unchanged, reminding America of its beginning as thirteen colonies.

Ask children to think of items that have special significance to them or their family. Direct them to create a family flag, using only the most important of these symbols. You might also share the meanings of the following colors commonly used on flags so that children can choose appropriate colors for their designs.

blue --- justice; piety; sincerity
black --- grief; sorrow
green --- hope
orange --- strength; endurance
purple --- high rank
red --- courage; valor
red/purple --- sacrifice
silver or white --- faith; purity
yellow or gold --- honor; loyalty

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Reward Flag- Submitted by Cindy

June and July is the perfect time to use this motivating flag display. To make a flag poster, laminate a sheet of blue construction paper, and then mount it and seven red construction paper stripes on a large sheet of white poster board. Cut out and laminate 50 white stars. Store the stars in an easily accessible place. Display the flag in your room. When you'd like to positively recognize a student, offer him a star and a small piece of Sticky-Tac or tape. Have him affix the star to the blue star field on the poster. When you have 50 stars on the flag, reward the whole class. Then take the stars off and begin anew.

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MISC INFORMATION

Celebrating the 4th of July- Submitted by Christi

Independence Day is celebrated on the fourth of July each year. It marks the day many years ago that the United States became independent, or when we decided that we would be our own country.

Have the class set up a birthday party for America. Talk about what games children play at their own birthday parties and play some of those games. If possible play "Stars and Stripes Forever" and encourage children to play imaginary instruments along with the music.

Set out red, white and blue playdoh and let the children's imaginations run wild. Using a black piece of construction paper, straws, and various colored paint allow the children to drop a small amount of paint onto paper and gently blow through the straw for fireworks in the sky effects.

Place red, white or blue colored water in the sensory table with pitchers, measuring cups and other containers to allow the children to experience measurement.

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Pledge of Allegiance- Submitted by Christi

I pledge allegiance to the flag
of the United States of America
and to the Republic for which it stands,
one Nation under God,
Indivisible, with liberty and
Justice for all.

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History of Our Flag- Submitted by Christi

The flag of the United States of America today has 13 stripes - 7 red and 6 white - and 50 white stars on a blue field - five rows of 6 and four rows of 5. The stripes remind us of the 13 original colonies that gained us our liberty. The stars represent the states that are bound together into one country.

The flag of today grew out of many earlier flags raised in days gone by over American soil. From the time that America was discovered, different flags flew over different parts of the country; the flags of Spain, France, Holland, Sweden, and England.

An English flag, known as the Red Ensign, waved over the 13 colonies from 1707 to the Revolution. The Red Ensign was the merchant flag of England. It was red with a union in the upper corner combining the cross of St. George (red on white), patron of England, with the diagonal cross (white on blue) of St. Andrew, patron of Scotland.

The flag that became known as the Grand Union flag was raised over George Washington's headquarters outside Boston on January 1, 1776. The Revolutionary War had started the year before and the colonies needed a flag of their own. The Grand Union flag retained the union of the English flag. Six white stripes broke the red field into seven red stripes - a total of 13 stripes.

The first official flag of the new nation was created by a resolution of the Continental Congress meeting in Philadelphia. The resolution was passed on June 14, 1777. That is the date we celebrate each year as Flag Day. The resolution specified "that the flag be 13 stripes alternate red and white; that the union be 13 stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation." Since the resolution did not state how the stars were to be arranged, flag makers arranged them in different ways, among them; rows, in a half circle, and in a full circle. The one adopted was made by Besty Ross and had the stars in a full circle.

The flag that waved over Fort McHenry when it was bombarded, September 13-14, 1814, was a 15 star and 15 stripe flag. Two stripes and stars had been added to the orginal 13 on May 1, 1795. It became famous as the Star Spangled Banner. It was the flag that inspired Francis Scott Key to write our national athem.

The Flag of 1818 had the stripes reduced to 13. Five more stars had been added, for a total of 20. When still more states joined the United States, it became evident that the flag would get to be an awkward shape if more and still more stripes were added. Therefore, on April 4, 1818, Congress passed a law that restored the design back to the orginal 13 stripes. It also provided that a star be added to the blue field for each new state.

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National Anthem; Star Spangled Banner- Submitted by Lisa in VA

The composition consisting of the words and music known as The Star-Spangled Banner is designated the national anthem of the United States of America. During rendition of the national anthem when the flag is displayed, all present except those in uniform should stand at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart. Men not in uniform should remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart. Persons in uniform should render the military salute at the first note of the anthem and retain this position until the last note. When the flag is not displayed, those present should face toward the music and act in the same manner they would if the flag were displayed there.

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Betsy Ross And The First Flag- Submitted by Christi

George Washington and two other members of a secret committee of the Continental Congress asked Betsy Ross to sew the first American flag in late May or early June 1776. Betsy was about 24-years old when she completed the first flag with thirteen stars arranged in a circle (Betsy Ross flag). Visit Betsy Ross House and Betsy Ross Homepage to learn more.

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The Story of the Pledge of Allegiance- Submitted by Christi
By Frances Barrett Lucas

The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States, according to James A. Moss, an authority on the flag and its history, was first given national publicity through the official program of the National Public School Celebration of Columbus Day in October 1892. The Pledge had been published in the Youth's Companion for September 8,1892, and at the same time sent out in leaflet form throughout the country. During the Celebration it was repeated by more than 12,000,000 public school pupils in every state in the Union.

Mr. Francis Bellamy of Rome, New York, and Mr. James Upham of Malden, Massachusetts, were both members of the staff of the Youth's Companion when the Pledge was published. The family of each man has contended that his was the authorship and both hold evidence to substantiate their claims.

To determine, in the interest of historical accuracy, the actual authorship, the United States Flag Association (formerly in Washington, D.C., but now disbanded), in 1939, appointed a committee consisting of Charles C. Tansill, Professor of American History; W. Reed West, Professor of Political Science; and Bernard Mayo, Professor of American History, to carefully weigh the evidence of the two contending families. Unanimously, the committee decided in favor of Francis Bellamy, and on May 18, 1939, the decision was accepted by the American Flag Committee. Mr. Bellamy had been chairman of the executive committee which formulated the program for the National Public School Celebration and furnished the publicity when he was on the staff of the Youth's Companion.

As first published, the Pledge contained the words "my flag" and did not contain "the Flag of the United States." On June 14, 1923, at the First National Flag Conference held in Washington, D.C., the latter words were added on the ground that some foreign-born children and adults when giving the Pledge might have in mind the flag of their native land.

When the Pledge is being given, all should stand with the right hand over the heart, fingers together and horizontal with the arm at as near a right angle as possible. After the words "justice to all," the arm should drop to the side. While giving the Pledge of Allegiance all should face the flag.

According to Colonel Moss, no disrespect is displayed by giving the Pledge with a gloved hand over the heart, but he calls our attention to the fact that an Army Officer or an enlisted man always removes his right glove upon taking his oath as a witness. The Daughters of the American Revolution follow the custom of having the right hand ungloved.

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The Pledge of Allegiance and What It Means- Submitted by Christi

"I pledge allegiance" ...I promise to be true

"to the flag" ...to the symbol of our country

"of the United States of America" ...each state that has joined to make our country

"and to the Republic" ...a republic is a country where the people choose others to make laws for them. The government is for the people

"for which it stands," ...the flag means the country

"one Nation" ...a single country

"under God," ...the people believe in a supreme being

"indivisible," ...the country cannot be split into parts

"with liberty and justice" ...with freedom and fairness

"for all." ...for each person in the country...you and me!

The pledge says you are promising to be true to the United States of America! The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag should be rendered by standing at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart. When not in uniform men should remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart. Persons in uniform should remain silent, face the flag, and render the military salute.

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Salute to the Flag- Submitted by Becce

When the flag is passing in a parade or review or is being hoisted or lowered, all persons should face the flag, stand at attention, and salute. Those in uniform should render the military salute. Men not in uniform should remove the hat with the right hand and hold the hat at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart. Men without hats and women should place the right hand over the heart. Aliens should stand at attention. A viewer should salute the flag in a parade at the moment it passes him.

When the national anthem is played and the flag is not displayed, all present should stand and face toward the music. Those in uniform should salute at the first note and retain this position until the last note. All others should stand at attention, the men removing their hats. When the flag is displayed, all should face it and give the appropriate salute.

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Pledge to the Flag- Submitted by Becce

The pledge of allegiance to the flag was first published in 1892 to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Christopher Columbus's voyage to North America, in Boston, Massachusetts. James Bailey Upham, the editor of The Youth's Companion, and his associate, Francis Bellamy, created the original words of the flag tribute and school children from around the country were asked to join in a special salute to the flag. In 1939 the United States Flag Association ruled that Bellamy was the author of the original pledge.

In pledging allegiance to the flag, stand with the right hand over the heart or at attention. Men remove their hats. Persons in uniform give the military salute. All pledge together:

I pledge allegiance to the flag
of the United States of America
and to the Republic for which
it stands, one Nation under God,
indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

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Evolution and History of The Stars and Stripes- Submitted by Becce

July 4, 1776: The Continental Colors become the first national flag of the U.S. John Paul Jones probably hoists this flag in 1775 as the Navy ensign when Commodore Esek Hopkins assumes command of the new Navy. An English spy reports that one of Commodore Hopkins' ships is flying "English colours, but more striped." This flag is also hoisted on Prospect Hill, near Cambridge, Massachusetts, on January 1, 1776, as the flag of the Continental Army. The basis of the design is uncertain. Never officially adopted, the flag is replaced by the emblem described in the Continental Congress resolution of June 14, 1777.

June 14, 1777: This is the first official Stars and Stripes. Although the design of the Stars and Stripes may have been used before its adoption by Congress on June 14, 1777, there is no official record to indicate its earlier use. Congress does not direct a specific arrangement of the 13 stars. The sponsor of this first national flag law is unknown, though the resolution is believed to have originated in the Marine Committee. The flag serves until May 1, 1795.

August 16, 1777: The flag is first flown in ground combat at the battle of Bennington--about 1,600 Green Mountain Boys under General John Stark wipe out the British forces, contributing to the later defeat of General John Burgoyne at Saratoga, New York.

November 1, 1777: The Ranger, commanded by John Paul Jones, sails from Portsmouth, New Hampshire, first displays the flag at sea. En route to Nantes, the ship captures 2 brigantines and sends them into French ports as prizes--it's the first time the flag is flown in combat at sea.

February 14, 1778: The French fleet gives a salute of 9 guns in answer to a salute of 13 guns given by John Paul Jones as he enters Quiberon Bay near Brest, France. It is the first foreign recognition of the flag.

April 24, 1778: John Paul Jones compels a British man-of-war to strike its flag to the American flag.

January 17, 1781: At the battle of Cowpens, South Carolina, the Third Maryland Regiment carries a flag which has 13 stars and stripes as prescribed by Congress in 1777. The Marylanders, however, choose to arrange the stars in a circle of 12 with one in the center. This is probably one of the few Stars and Stripes used by ground troops until the Mexican War.

September 30, 1787 - August 10, 1790: The flag is first carried around the world by the Columbia, sailing from Boston.

1795: The flag is given 15 stars and 15 stripes to honor the admission of Vermont and Kentucky to the Union.

May 1812: The flag is first flown over a schoolhouse at Colrain, Massachusetts.

1814: The flag that flies over Fort McHenry inspires Francis Scott Key to write The Star-Spangled Banner. Authorized by Congress in 1795, it is still in use despite the fact that there are 18 states in the Union. It remains unchanged until 1818.

July 4, 1818: With the adoption of this flag by a law passed April 4, 1818, the flag begins to assume its later appearance. Some favor adding a stripe for each new state, but Congress restores the 13 stripes and orders the addition of one star for each new state, to take effect the 4th day of July succeeding the admission of the state.

1824: The name "Old Glory" is given the flag by Captain William Driver, commanding the brig Charles Doggett.

1859 - 1861: At the beginning of the Civil War the 33-star flag represents the U.S. The 34-star flag becomes official July 4, 1861, signifying the admission of Kansas into the Union. 2 more states (West Virginia and Nevada) are added before the war's end bringing the total to 36 states. At no time during the Civil War is the American flag changed to reflect the secession of states from the Union. From 1867 to 1896, 9 more states are admitted into the Union and 9 more stars added to the flag.

June 14, 1861: Flag Day is first observed at Hartford, Connecticut.

1877: Flag Day is first officially observed to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the selection of the flag.

June 14, 1893: Flag Day is first celebrated in public schools, in Philadelphia.

1897: The governor of New York proclaims a Flag Day celebration for the first time as an annual event in the state.

1908 - 1912: The 46-star flag becomes official July 4, 1908, reflecting Oklahoma's admission in 1907.

1912: President William H. Taft, in an executive order, prescribes the proper legal dimensions of the flag.

1912 - 1959: When New Mexico and Arizona are admitted into the Union in 1912, the American flag is designed to include 48 stars. This flag represents the nation for the longest period of time--47 years.

May 30, 1916: President Woodrow Wilson establishes Flag Day as an annual national celebration in a May 30th proclamation.

August 3, 1949: President Truman approves the National Flag Day Bill, designating June 14 annually as national Flag Day.

1959 - 1960: The 49-star flag reflects the admission of Alaska into the Union. It is the official U.S. flag for only one year, July 4, 1959, to July 4, 1960. On August 21, 1959, Hawaii becomes the 50th state. On this same date, an executive order authorizes the new 50-star American flag. It becomes official July 4, 1960.

July 20, 1969: The flag is planted in the Mare Tranquillitatis by Apollo 11 astronauts.

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The Colors of the Flag- Submitted by Becce and Cindy

The colors of the flag have meaning: red is for hardiness and courage; white is for purity and innocence; blue is for vigilance, perseverance, and justice. Use this concept for some creative writing. What things colored red, white or blue are also good symbols for hardiness and courage, purity and innocence, or vigilance, perseverance, and justice?

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Flag Etiquette- Submitted by Lisa in VA

The United States Flag Code adopted by Congress provides the rules for honoring and displaying the flag. The code itself states: "The flag represents a living country and is itself considered a living thing." For this reason you should give it your full respect.

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Display Your Flag Proudly- Submitted by Lisa in VA

The flag of the United States should be flown every day when weather permits. If made of weather resistant material it can be flown around the clock in any weather if properly illuminated.

It should be flown especially on the following days:

New Years Day, January 1
Inauguration Day, January 20
Lincolns Birthday, February 12
Washingtons Birthday, February 22
Presidents Day, third Monday in February
Easter Sunday, (variable)
Mothers Day, second Sunday in May
Armed Forces Day, third Sunday in May
Memorial Day, May 30
Observed Memorial Day, last Monday in May
Flag Day, June 14
Fathers Day, third Sunday in June
Independence Day, July 4
Labor Day, first Monday in September
Constitution Day, September 17
Columbus Day, October 12
Discoverers Day, second Monday in October
Navy Day, October 27
Marine Corps Birthday, November 10
Veterans Day, November 11
Thanksgiving Day, fourth Thursday in November
Christmas Day, December 25

And such other days as may be proclaimed by the President of the United States and on State holidays.

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Display and Use of Flag by Civilians- Submitted by Lisa in VA

Display on or near administration building of public institutions. The flag should be displayed daily on or near the main administration building of every public institution. Display in or near polling places The flag should be displayed in or near every polling place on election days. Display in or near schoolhouses The flag should be displayed during school days in or near every schoolhouse.

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Position and Manner of Display- Submitted by Lisa in VA

The flag, when carried in a procession with another flag or flags, should be either on the marching right; that is, the flag's own right, or, if there is a line of other flags, in front of the center of that line.

1. The flag should not be displayed on a float in a parade except from a staff, or as provided in subsection (9) of this section.

2. The flag should not be draped over the hood, top, sides, or back of a vehicle or of a railroad train or a boat. When the flag is displayed on a motorcar, the staff shall be fixed firmly to the chassis or clamped to the right fender.

3. No other flag or pennant should be placed above or, if on the same level, to the right of the flag of the United States of America, except during church services conducted by naval chaplains at sea, when the church pennant may be flown above the flag during church services for the personnel of the Navy. No person shall display the flag of the United Nations or any other national or international flag equal, above, or in a position of superior prominence or honor to, or in place of, the flag of the United States at any place within the United States or any Territory or possession thereof: Provided, That nothing in this section shall make unlawful the continuance of the practice heretofore followed of displaying the flag of the United Nations in a position of superior prominence or honor, and other national flags in positions of equal prominence or honor, with that of the flag of the United States at the headquarters of the United Nations.

4. The flag of the United States of America, when it is displayed with another flag against a wall from crossed staffs, should be on the right, the flag's own right, and its staff should be in front of the staff of the other flag.

5. The flag of the United States of America should be at the center and at the highest point of the group when a number of flags of States or localities or pennants of societies are grouped and displayed from the staffs.

6. When flags of States, cities, or localities, or pennants of societies are flown on the same halyard with the flag of the United States, the latter should always be at the peak. When the flags are flown from adjacent staffs, the flag of the United States should be hoisted first and lowered last. No such flag or pennant may be placed above the flag of the United States or to the United States flag's right.

7. When flags of two or more nations are displayed, they are to be flown from separate staffs of the same height. The flags should be approximately equal size. International usage forbids the display of the flag of one nation above that of another nation in time of peace.

8. When the flag of the United States is displayed from a staff projecting horizontally or at an angle from the window sill, balcony, or front of a building, the union of the flag should be placed at the peak of the staff unless the flag is at half staff. When the flag is suspended over a sidewalk from a rope extending from a house to a pole at the edge of the sidewalk, the flag should be hoisted out, union first, from the building.

9. When displayed either horizontally or vertically against a wall, the union should be uppermost and to the flag's own right, that is, to the observer's left. When displayed in a window, the flag should be displayed in the same way, with the union or blue field to the left of the observer in the street.

10. When the flag is displayed over the middle of the street, it should be suspended vertically with the union to the north in an east and west street or to the east in a north and south street.

11. When used on a speaker's platform, the flag, if displayed flat, should be displayed above and behind the speaker. When displayed from a staff in a church or public auditorium, the flag of the United States of America should hold the position of superior prominence, in advance of the audience, and in the position of honor at the clergyman's or speaker's right as he faces the audience. Any other flag so displayed should be placed on the left of the clergyman or speaker or to the right of the audience.

12. The flag should form a distinctive feature of the ceremony of unveiling a statue or monument, but it should never be used as the covering for the statue or monument.

13. When the flag is used to cover a casket, it should be so placed that the union is at the head and over the left shoulder. The flag should not be lowered into the grave or allowed to touch the ground.

14. When the flag is suspended across a corridor or lobby in a building with only one main entrance, it should be suspended vertically with the union of the flag to the observer's left upon entering. If the building has more than one main entrance, the flag should be suspended vertically near the center of the corridor or lobby with the union to the north, when entrances are to the east and west or to the east when entrances are to the north and south. If there are entrances in more than two directions, the union should be to the east.

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Raising and Lowering the Flag- Submitted by Lisa in VA

Joy is indicated by flying the flag at full staff. You hoist it briskly in the morning, but not earlier than sunrise. You lower it slowly in the evening, but not later than sunset.

Mourning is indicated by flying the flag at half-staff. You hoist it to the peak first, hold it there for an instant, then lower it to half-staff. One-half the distance between the top and the bottom of the staff. When ready to take it down, you frist raise it to the peak and then lower slowly.

On Memorial Day the flag should be displayed at half-staff until noon only, then raised to the top of the staff.

By order of the President, the flag shall be flown at half-staff upon the death of principal figures of the United States Government and the Governor of a State, territory, or possession, as a mark of respect to their memory. In the event of the death of other officials or foreign dignitaries, the flag is to be displayed at half-staff according to Presidential instructions or orders, or in accordance with recognized customs or practices not inconsistent with law.

In the event of the death of a present or former official of the government of any State, territory, or possession of the United States, the Governor of that State, territory, or possession may proclaim that the National flag shall be flown at half-staff. The flag shall be flown at half-staff thirty days from the death of the President or a former President; ten days from the day of death of the Vice President, the Chief Justice or a retired Chief Justice of the United States, or the Speaker of the House of Representatives; from the day of death until interment, a former Vice President, or the Governor of a State, territory, or possession; and on the day of death and the following day for a Member of Congress.

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Conduct During Hoisting, Lowering or Passing of Flag- Submitted by Lisa in VA

During the ceremony of hoisting or lowering the flag or when the flag is passing in a parade of in review, all persons present except for those in uniform should face the flag and stand at attention with the right hand over the heart. Those present in uniform should render the military salute. When not in uniform, men should remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart. Aliens should stand at attention. The salute to the flag in a moving column should be rendered at the moment the flag passes.

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Respect for Flag- Submitted by Lisa in VA

No disrespect should be shown to the flag of the United States of America; the flag should not be dipped to any person or thing. Regimental colors, State flags, and organization or institutional flags are to be dipped as a mark of honor.

1. The flag should never be displayed with the union down, except as a signal of dire distress in instances of extreme danger to life or property.

2. The flag should never touch anything beneath it, such as the ground, the floor, water, or merchandise.

3. The flag should never be carried flat or horizontally, but always aloft and free.

4. The flag should never be used as wearing apparel, bedding, or drapery. It should never be festooned, drawn back, nor up, in folds, but always allowed to fall free. Bunting of blue, white and red, always arranged with the blue above, the white in the middle, and the red below, should be used for covering a speaker's desk, draping the front of the platform, and for decoration in general.

5. The flag should never be fastened, displayed, used, or stored in such a manner as to permit it to be easily torn, soiled, or damaged in any way.

6. The flag should never be used as a covering for a ceiling.

7. The flag should never have placed upon it, nor on any part of it, nor attached to it any mark, insignia, letter, word, figure, design, picture, or drawing of any nature.

8. The flag should never be used as a receptacle for receiving, holding, carrying, or delivering anything.

9. The flag should never be used for advertising purposes in any manner whatsoever. It should should not be embroidered on such articles as cushions or handkerchiefs and the like, printed or otherwise impressed on paper napkins or boxes or anything that is designed for temporary use and discard. Advertising signs should not be fastened to a staff of halyard from which the flag is flown.

10. No part of the flag should ever be used as a costume or athletic uniform. However, a flag patch may be affixed to the uniform of military personnel, firemen, policemen, and members of patriotic organizations. The flag represents a living country and is itself considered a living thing. Therefore, the lapel flag pin being a replica, should be worn on the left lapel near the heart.

11.The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.

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