Next week, we observe another special red, white and blue day, even though it’s not recognized as an official federal holiday.
Next Tuesday, June 14, is Flag Day.
This annual holiday celebrates the history and symbolism of the American flag. It is celebrated annually on the anniversary of our flag’s official adoption, which is June 14.
No big deal you say?
Well, our flag is a big deal and should be recognized as such. It is to be treated with respect and given its proper honor as our national symbol.
What we refer to fondly as the “Stars and Stripes” was adopted by the Continental Congress as the official American flag on June 14, 1777, during the Revolutionary War. Previously, research shows colonial troops fought under many different flags with various symbols – rattlesnakes, pine trees and eagles – as well as slogans – “Don’t Tread on Me,” “Liberty or Death” and “Conquer or Die.”
The Declaration of Independence made the adoption of an American flag necessary. Previously, each colony or special interest had its own flag.
So, on June 14, 1777, Congress made the following resolution: “The flag of the United States shall be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white, with a union of thirteen stars of white on a blue field …” Legend has it that Betsy Ross designed and sewed the original American flag, but the Old Farmer’s Almanac, one of my favorite sources for things like this, states there is no real proof. It did say, however, records do indicate she made ensigns and pennants for the Philadelphia navy during the war.
But actually, various towns in colonial America have claimed to be the birthplace of the Stars and Stripes.
Based on colonial folklore, it also has been stated that the American flag first was flown in battle during the Revolutionary War at the Battle of Cooch’s Bridge in 1777. This also may not be true.
However, the Almanac does confer what we all know, or at least should know. The first American flag was designed to represent the 13 original colonies with 13 white stars on a blue field and 13 alternating red and white stripes. One of the first flag designs had the stars arranged in a circle, based on the idea that all colonies were equal.
In 1818, after a few design changes, Congress decided to retain the flag’s original 13 stripes and add new stars to reflect each new state that entered the union.
And what were the original 13 colonies? Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, South Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Virginia.
Vermont was No. 14, added in 1791, followed by Kentucky and Tennessee before the turn of the 19th century.
There were 34 states before the Civil War began in 1861 with Kansas being the last added on January 29 of that year. Texas became the 28th state on December 29, 1845.
On July 4, 1960, the new 50-star flag was flown for the first time after Alaska and Hawaii were added as our country’s final states in 1959. That flag still flies today.
The Continental Congress left no record as to why it chose red, white and blue. However, in 1782, the Congress of the Articles of Confederation chose the colors for the Great Seal of the United States with these meanings: white for purity and innocence, red for valor and hardiness and blue for vigilance, perseverance and justice.
Returning to Flag Day, the holiday was observed nationally for the first time on June 14, 1877, on the 100th anniversary of the Stars and Stripes. Sixty years later, Pennsylvania became the first state to celebrate Flag Day as an official state holiday.
We all know we’re supposed to place our right hand over our heart when addressing the flag. Military personnel are to give a proper salute. And, of course, we all know we are to recite the Pledge of Allegiance properly while standing and addressing it, taking its words seriously.
“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.”
One final note. In the pledge, notice there is no comma between “one nation” and “under God.” That’s very important. We are, after all, one nation under God.
So, fly your American flag properly and proudly next Tuesday. And remain proud to be an American.
As always, thanks for reading.
Comment
Comments