Question

name____ date__ flag day flag day is an american holiday celebrated on june 14th. the first flag day was started by a schoolteacher in 1885. he wanted his students to learn more about the importance and meaning of the american flag. he chose june 14th because this was the day in 1777 when the stars and stripes became the official flag of the united states. at that time, the flag had thirteen stars and stripes. many people will fly their american flag on this day. it is important to always show respect for the flag and know the proper way to handle it. for example, the flag should never touch the ground or be worn as clothing. when the american flag is flown with other flags, it should always be higher than the others. on some days, such as memorial day, you may see the flag flown at half - staff. this means the flag is flown lower on the pole when there has been a death or tragedy. finally, when a flag is too old and worn to fly anymore, it should be burned in a respectful and proper way. 1. how is the flag today different from the flag in 1777? __ __ 2. why do you think the flag is burned when it can no longer be used? __ __ 3. what does half - staff mean? ____

Explanation:

1. The text notes the 1777 flag had 13 stars and stripes. Today's US flag has 13 stripes (for original colonies) and 50 stars (for all current states).
2. Burning a worn flag is a way to show respect for the flag and what it represents, as outlined in proper flag etiquette.
3. The text directly defines this term in the passage.

Answer:

1. The 1777 American Flag had 13 stars and 13 stripes, while today's American Flag still has 13 stripes but has 50 stars (one for each U.S. state).
2. Burning a worn-out flag is a respectful, proper way to retire it, as a sign of honor for what the American Flag represents.
3. Half staff means the flag is flown lower on the pole, typically done after a death or tragedy.