06/14/2026
Every June 14th, we celebrate the Stars and Stripes on Flag Day. While many of us recognize the United States flag, we may not know the full history behind this powerful symbol. At Habitat for Humanity of the Mississippi Gulf Coast, we honor the values it represents as we work alongside our community to build strength, stability, and hope.
Here are a few fun facts about the history of the flag that might surprise you:
🔹 The current 50 star design was created by a 17 year old. Robert G. Heft of Lancaster, Ohio, submitted the design as a high school project in 1958. President Eisenhower selected it from more than 3,000 submissions in 1960.
🔹 There have been 27 official versions of the flag. Twenty five of these changes were made to update the number of stars each time a new state joined the Union. The additions were always admitted on July 4, giving us a visual history of the nation's growth.
🔹 The colors of the flag carry special meaning. Charles Thomson, secretary of the Continental Congress in 1774, suggested that red represents hardiness and valor, white symbolizes purity and innocence, and blue stands for vigilance, perseverance, and justice.
🔹 Six American flags have been placed on the moon. Neil Armstrong and Edwin E. Buzz Aldrin planted the first, followed by five additional Apollo missions.
🔹 The current design is the longest running version in history. No new states have been added since Hawaii joined in 1959, making this the most enduring flag layout ever used.
From all of us at Habitat for Humanity of the Mississippi Gulf Coast, we wish you a meaningful Flag Day filled with pride and appreciation for the history behind the flag we share.
