Five hidden messages in the American flag
Aptly – given its national anthem is about the flag – the Stars and Stripes is a key part of America’s identity. It hangs in classrooms and in courtrooms, on state buildings and suburban porches.
It has been the national flag since 1777. And the flag that inspired the anthem was enormous. Measuring 30 by 42 feet (9 x 12.8m), it was raised over Baltimore’s Fort McHenry during the War of 1812. Its 15 broad stripes and 15 bright stars inspired Francis Scott Key to write The Star-Spangled Banner, the song that became the national anthem.
