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Five American Flag Myths

You can burn it, but you shouldn't wear it

By Evann Gastaldo,  Newser Staff

Posted Jun 14, 2011 9:45 AM CDT

(Newser) – In honor of Flag Day today, the Washington Post lists five of the most common myths about the national symbol:

  • Betsy Ross made the first one: You’re probably sitting there shaking your head and saying, “Yes, she did!” but there’s no credible historical evidence. The story, which didn’t spring into being until 1870—a century after the first flag was made—is almost certainly a myth. Ross did, however, make American flags.

  • You can’t burn it: Flag-burning was illegal until 1989, when the Supreme Court found that burning the flag is actually protected as a form of symbolic speech. Though Congress later passed the Flag Protection Act in response, that law was also overturned in 1990.
  • You can wear it: Sure, you can burn the flag, but the US Flag Code doesn't want you using Old Glory "for advertising purposes." But, though it is part of the law of the land, the Flag Code is not actually enforceable.
Click for the full list.

Contrary to popular belief, Betsy Ross probably didn't design these.
Contrary to popular belief, Betsy Ross probably didn't design these.   (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 6 comments
Rational.-Anarchist
Jun 14, 2011 2:35 PM CDT
If I understand correctly, you cannot wear the flag. Well, what about all of the police and military who have it as a shoulder patch on their uniforms? Just wondering about that.
Mad
Jun 14, 2011 12:58 PM CDT
Liberals will burn the flag, while wrapping themselves in the Constitution - yet conservatives will burn the constitution while wrapped in the flag.
finkster
Jun 14, 2011 12:00 PM CDT
'Shoot, if you must, this old gray head But spare your country's flag,' she said. A shade of sadness, a blush of shame Over the face of the leader came The nobler nature within him stirred To life at that woman's deed and word Who touches a hair of yon gray head Dies like a dog! March on! he said.

 
Betsy Ross • American flag • flag burning

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