Thursday Salute to Originals – The Red, White, and 70075?

Wednesday, July 3, 2013

Emerald Green might be the Pantone Color of 2013, but today, America’s birthday, its all about the red, white, and blue – or more specifically, the 70180, 70001, and 70075.

Yep, that’s right. Like many things in the design world, the American flag has its own specific set of designated colors. The Color Association of the United States, from which the American Government references and specifies colors of the flag, has designated the colors of Old Glory as:

• Cable No. 70180 – Old Glory Red
• Cable No. 70001 – White
• Cable No. 70075 – Old Glory Blue

While these colors are deemed the “official” hues of the flag by the Government, they aren’t the only tones used. The U.S. Government designates 193 and 282 as the Pantone equivalents for the red and blue of the flag. However, other sources, including many printing organizations, specify Pantone 186 and 288 as the patriotic red and blue. Pantone 281 is also frequently used.

So however you celebrate the Fourth of July this year (and whatever color you choose!) enjoy your freedoms and keep your eye on that Grand Old Flag!

Image created/compiled by GPI Design using flag image source