“American Ways”
Newsletter for South Asian refugees at Fort Chaffee, Arkansas, August 22, 1975
Excerpt
American Ways
The flag of the United States originated with a resolution adopted June 14, 1777, by the Second Continental Congress in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This called for a flag with 13 alternating red and white stripes representing the 13 original colonies, and 13 white stars on a blue background representing a new constellation. The present flag of the United States holds to this resolution with the 13 red and white stripes, but has 50 white stars, rather than 13, representing the 50 states. The flag, often called “Old Glory” or “The Stars and Stripes,” should be displayed on all days, especially on legal holidays and other special occasions. All U.S. military installations and ships display it as do schools when they are in session. In many ceremonies, Americans pledge allegiance to the flag by saying, “I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”
Questions
How does this source look like a newspaper? How is it different?
Who do you think this was written for? What clues in the source help you know this?
Why do you think the American flag and the Pledge of Allegiance are important things to know for people who are new to the United States?