The Flag of the United States of America

Today's History Lesson

On June 14, 1777, the Second Continental Congress passed the Flag Resolution which stated: "Resolved, That the flag of the thirteen United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation." Flag Day is now observed on June 14 of each year.

This Day in History: June 14, 1777

Beginning as the "Grand Union" flag, through the years that followed the American flag became known as "Red, White and Blue," the "Star-Spangled Banner," the "Stars and Stripes," and "Old Glory," each carrying with it significant meaning. After declaring independence, a new star and a stripe were added to the flag as each territory became a state in the union. However, Congress enacted a law in 1818 restoring the 13 original stripes with only stars to be added as representatives of new states.

 

The Continental Colors
(Grand Union flag)

15-star, 15-stripe "Star-Spangled Banner" flag

Stars and Stripes: The Betsy Ross Flag

First American flag to be named “Old Glory”

The making of the first flag is shrouded in myth and legend, the most famous being Betsy Ross. Many historians do not accept the legend for anything other than myth. Regardless, we have a beautiful flag representative of a great nation!

The first Flag Day was held in observance of the 100th anniversary of the official adoption of the American Flag. In the years that followed, many states continued with the celebration on an annual basis. In 1949, Congress officially designated June 14 as Flag Day, a national day of observance. Flag Day 2014 had additional special meaning since it coincided with the 200th anniversary year of the "Star-Spangled Banner" poem, flag-inspired song, which became our national anthem.

Today, as with any day, wave the American flag proudly. KNOW Our Flag!  KNOW the colors - red, white, & blue - the sacrifices made, the heart of America: America's Civil War, WWI, Pearl Harbor, D-Day, Iwo Jima, Vietnam War, Operation: Desert Storm, War in Afghanistan and 9/11 just to name a few. Cherish the memorable days, the day the first American flag was placed on the moon, Whitney Houston singing the national anthem, one of the most patriotic men who ever lived, and so many more!

Whether red & white & blue or blue & red & white
The colors are the same, a country of courage & might!