The U.S. flag is one of our nation’s most revered symbols. Somewhere among its primary colors and basic geometrical shapes lies enough power to arouse the patriot in almost anybody, and the government knows it – they have nursed it for centuries.

The U.S. encourages flag loyalty in citizens by implementing a national Pledge of Allegiance, a national anthem (“The Star Spangled Banner”) and a national march ( “The Stars and Stripes Forever”) that honor the flag. There is also a lengthy federal law to enforce respect to the flag: the U.S. Flag Code.

The United States is the only country with these formalities. However, the value of the flag predates those things, said Leonard Sadosky, assistant professor of history.

The Second Continental Congress passed the Flag Resolution on June 14, 1777. This resolution stated the new flag had to contain 13 white stars in a blue field and 13 alternating red and white stripes.

No longer relying on Britain’s trademark Union Jack, the U.S. had a symbol of its own freedom and unity. Colonies came together under one flag after years under separate ones.

“Really, the flag was very functional,” Sadosky said.

On the sea, however, the flag wasn’t as respected by other countries, he said.

“Everyone relied on ships. People were trading all over the world, and the only protection to merchant ships was the [British] flag,” Sadosky said.

He said U.S. ships were frequently attacked, and “everyone felt the American sovereignty was being violated.”

That disrespect only fueled Americans’ patriotism and loyalty to their flag.

“The American flag is an embodiment of the American Revolution and American independence,” Sadosky said.