In 1814, after witnessing the destruction of Fort McHenry, a prisoner and poet named Francis Scott Key wrote the words that defined an entire nation: “And the Star-Spangled Banner, in triumph shall wave; o’er the Land of the Free, and the Home of the Brave.” Today, no symbol evokes more patriotic emotions and a love for America than the American flag. The red, white, and blue banner of the United States of America is a source of pride, deep reflection, and a belief in the greatness of a nation.

In times where it is challenging to be an American, every bit of patriotism helps. While a costume patterned after and inspired by the American flag will not make you any more or less of an American than your fellow citizens, it does help build and restore your pride and faith in America. Here are some ways and ideas to help you make an American flag costume.

The American Flag

The flag of the United States is one of the most recognizable flags in the world. It has thirteen stripes, alternating between red and white, symbolizing the Thirteen Colonies. A blue rectangle on the upper left portion of the flag contains 50 stars, each representing a state in the Union. The symbols on the flag, and the flag itself, is a very emotional experience for many people. Whether it’s the White House or the house down the block, the Star-Spangled Banner is the a recognizable and precious symbol of freedom, unity, and the American dream.

Reminders

When creating a costume based or inspired by the American flag, you should keep the laws that govern the proper use of the flag in mind. People consider the American flag as an important and sacred symbol of American independence and freedom. Here are some things you should remember before making an American flag costume:

• Do not use an American flag as a costume. The flag is not a piece of cloth that you can make into a costume.
• Wearing an American flag costume can draw many strong emotions for many Americans. Wearing a costume inspired by the Star-Spangled Banner can inspire pride, but it can also evoke strong sentiments. Be careful where you wear your flag costume.
• While you may consider it a patriotic statement, the flag is also a political statement. Do not wear an American flag costume just because you feel like it; if you wear your American flag costume with pride, you should be able to defend your reasons with pride.

Star-Spangling Apparel

Many American-themed shirts, pants, and jackets can be found on the market. To make the best out of a handmade costume, it’s best to make

What You Need

• A white cotton sweater and a pair of white jogging pants (you can also use a shirt and a skirt)
• A patch of blue cotton cloth
• Fifty white paper stars
• Seven very long strips of red cloth (you can also use ribbon or tape)
• Thread, stapler, or glue

Steps

1. Wear the sweater and pants first while making the costume; it makes things easier and more convenient.
2. Sew or attach the blue cotton cloth on the upper right side of the sweater.
3. Affix the paper stars on the blue cloth, following the arrangement on the flag.
4. Sew, staple, or glue the red stripes on sweater and pants. Make sure the strips are long enough to cover the length of the sweater collar to the hems of the pants. Four of the red strips should be cut to cover the length from the bottom of the blue rectangle to the hem of the pants.
5. Make sure you or your friend can walk around comfortably in the costume.

For many Americans, the flag is the ultimate symbol of being an American. It represents the American way of life, as well as the virtues and freedoms that America, as a nation, stands for. From the rockets’ red glare to the bombs bursting in air, the Star-Spangled Banner stands for freedom, liberty, and the dream of history. With your American flag costume, the red, white and blue can inspire your friends and guests to stand for and along America, from sea to shining sea. If you enjoy reading this article, you’ll surely be interested in learning how to fold a flag and as a bonus read USA - Your destination for the American dream.

Watch The Video

Robin Williams as the American Flag

Lowering the American Flag