July 4th is a little over a week away and it’s hard to believe June is almost over. Summer always flies by too quickly for me. Since I missed celebrating Flag Day on June 14th, I thought I’d share a bit of decorating with Old Glory before Independence Day arrives.
Photo by Nikki To Photography
Did you know that the original “Old Glory” was owned by William Driver, a 19th century sea captain. He passionately loved his flag and kept it safe from Confederates during the Civil War. It now resides in the Smithsonian Institute.
Photo by Violandi + Warner Interiors
The American flag has evolved over the years as more states joined the Union. So how did William Driver keep his beloved Old Glory safe during times of war?
Photo by Echelon Custom Homes
He had it hidden inside a quilt on his bed. As the story goes, after the capture of Nashville where William Driver lived, “… folks began asking Captain Driver if ‘Old Glory’ still existed. Happy to have soldiers with him … Captain Driver went home and began ripping at the seams of his bed cover. As the stitches holding the quilt-top to the batting unraveled, the onlookers peered inside and saw the 24-starred original Old Glory!”
Photo by Design Logic Limited, Inc.
The American flag has become a collectible for many people who love to display it proudly both inside and outside of their home.
Photo by Julia Chasman Design
The colors of Old Glory stand for different things. Red stands for hardiness and valor, white symbolizes purity and innocence, and blue represents vigilance, perseverance, and justice.
Photo by Sean Litchfield Photography
Although there are specific guidelines for displaying and caring for the American flag, desecration of the flag is protected as a First Amendment right – freedom of speech.
Photo by Adrienne Neff Design Services LLC
You’ll find flag decor used as pillows, rugs, and more.
Photo by Chip Webster Architecture
A large flag is a great solution when you have a large wall to decorate. I rather like the faded look of this one, although the flag is to be created with strict use of proper color.
Photo by Carly Boettcher
I hope you enjoyed today’s fun flag facts about Old Glory and found some inspirational decorating ideas, too!
More Patriotic Home Decor:
How to Make a Vintage Patriotic Banner
Decorating with Red, White, and Blue
Cathie says
June 25, 2019 at 9:38 amGreat post Jennifer, so interesting!
I am a Canadian but I do have flag envy! Yours is so beautiful , meaningful and iconic.
Happy Indepenence Day,
Cathie
Vancouver,BC
Julie says
June 25, 2019 at 11:39 amThanks for sharing, however, in the first picture the flag is hung wrong and is a peeve of mine as much as people putting too much mulch around trees!! Yes the rest of your pictures are correct, and yet that first one is not. 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 American flag should be displayed in the same way, with the union or blue field to the left of the observer in the street. I hope everyone who comments on this writeup, reads mine and will know going forward the proper way to hang our flag. Happy 4th to all!!
Marlene Stephenson says
June 25, 2019 at 2:36 pmThank you that was a fun read, i love our flag and our anthem, both mean so much to we Americans.
Beverley Leonie says
June 25, 2019 at 3:37 pmNice post. I don’t like though the flag imprinted as a rug. I would not step on it. Also one responder gave good instructions for proper display. I would like to add, that when we stick small flags in the ground e.g. around mailboxes, we must ensure that the flag does not touch the ground.
Carol says
June 26, 2019 at 6:34 pmThis would have been my comment, but I’ll simply second this post.
Deb G. says
June 26, 2019 at 1:33 pmFabulous post! Peruvian coffee to the gals who commented on proper display; and I have to agree with Beverley regarding the flag rug. Just struck me wrong also.