|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The flag pictured above represents the Executive Branch of the U.S. Government. The two other branches, Legislative and Judicial, each have their own flags to represent them. In fact, all government departments have flags.
Because today is President’s Day, we will concentrate on its symbolism which is one of the primary reasons to have flag representation. It allows messages to be conveyed through specific graphics that have meaning.
We see the Great Seal of the United States, also known as America’s national Coat of Arms, almost daily on reverse side of our one dollar bill. The eagle is the front of The Great Seal and the unfinished pyramid is on the back of the seal. A slight variant of the front of the seal is depicted on the Executive Branch flag, also known as the President’s Flag.
The history of the seal and the flag date back to our founding fathers, many of whom contributed ideas, but the official design fell principally to two men William Barton, an expert in heraldry and Charles Thomson, secretary of the Continental Congress. Barton was primarily responsible for the front of the seal and Thomson the reverse. Their effort was adopted by the Continental Congress in 1782 and approved by Congress in September of 1789. Subsequently, the front of the seal with a few minor changes over the years became the main feature for the Presidential Flag.
Dr. Judd W. Patton did extensive research regarding the symbolism on the seal itself. That symbolism was carried over to the flag. According to Dr. Patton, our Founders were well read in a multitude of subjects not the least of which was the Bible. Franklin, Jefferson, and Adams considered their deliverance from England to be the equivalent to the Israelite’s escape from Egyptian slavery depicted in the Book of Exodus. Having realized this concluding consideration, Dr. Patton was able to delve deeper in the Biblical and Egyptian interpretations of the symbols themselves. Although he states that it cannot be definitive much can surmised.
So let us take a closer look at the flag and the unraveling of the symbolism.
Obviously, the main feature is the eagle with raised wings. In Exodus 19, God tells the Israelites that they were carried on eagle’s wings across the Red Sea. The wings of the eagle were considered a sign of protection and deliverance. Barton, of course, would use the American Bald Eagle as the centerpiece.
The eagle’s body symbolizes the three branches of government, the head is the executive branch, the breast just above the shield is the legislative branch; and the tail feathers symbolize the judicial branch with its nine feathers.
In its right talon, the eagle holds an olive branch with 13 olives, a universal symbol of peace. The eagle faces the olive branch in America’s constant wish for peace. However, if the United States is threatened, it will indeed defend itself with strength as symbolized by the 13 arrows in the left talon.
The eagle is holding a scroll imprinted with “ E PLURIUS UNUM”in its beak. The translation of the Latin phrase is “OUT OF MANY ONE”. This phrase represents that the thirteen individual colonies chose to unify as united states for the purpose of one country in 1776.
On the eagle’s breast is a shield with a blue chief (the top of the shield), and thirteen alternating white and red stripes. Again the number thirteen represents the original states. According to Thomson, one of the seal designers, the blue signifies vigilance; perseverance; and justice. The white signifies innocence and purity; and the red hardiness and valor. The number thirteen representation as well as the red, white, and blue colors are a continuous theme throughout.
Notice the rays of light above the eagle’s head with nine stars within the rays and four on the left side of the head totaling thirteen stars. The rays, called glory, are piercing through clouds. This again is a biblical reference. Exodus 13:21 tells about the protection of God with fire by night and clouds by day from the Pharaoh for the Israelites.
Fifty stars encompass The Great Seal. As with the original thirteen, these stars symbolize the individuality of each state and its unification as a nation. The symbols on the seal, thus the President’s flag, are a reminder of the ideas, beliefs, and ideals our forefathers envisioned for a new type of government in a brand new country.
I think it is important to remember that the President’s flag does not represent the person that holds the position but the office of the President of the United States of America – the Executive Branch.
The Great Seal image, with small variants, is used on several other flags, including the U.S. Vice President and both houses of the U.S. Congress- the House of Representatives and the Senate.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Maine Flag and Banner
824 Roosevelt Trail, Unit #4
Windham, ME 04062
(207) 893-0339
|
|
|
|
Store Hours
Mon-Fri 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Please give us a call if you
can't see us during regular
hours.
|
|
|
|
|
Maine Flag & Banner is a unique family owned store located in the beautiful Sebago Lakes Region of southern Maine. Our store is full of fun colorful things that blow in the wind. Windsocks, spinners and banners abound.
Looking for flags? Your pride of country, state and heritage can be displayed proudly with U.S., state, military, or foreign flags, all made in America.
If you have a business, the multitude of choices in colors and sizes of OPEN flags lets your customers know you are there and ready to serve. For home owners, a large variety of decorative, seasonal, sports and everyday banners make your home stand out and are in stock for your convenience.
Of course, we carry all the hardware and accessories to show off all the fun stuff. Maine Flag also sells flagpoles from 15' and up to 100'!
Come on in for a friendly, helpful and knowledgeable experience.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
