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Flag Day is a holiday that is observed on June 14th to commemorate the day that congress
adopted the United States flag on June 14, 1777. It is also a day to contemplate the
significance of the most cherished symbol of the United States of America, and to ponder
its meaning on a personal level.
Flag Day is an opportunity to remember the unique freedoms and values
upon which the United States was founded and which through time have held the country
together. In spite of the challenges and struggles faced in developing into a mature and
united country, the flag has stood through all, reminding Americans of their values and
giving them the courage to be a truly great nation.
Before the Flag
In the early days of colonial settlement, colonists flew variations of the British Union
Jack to identify themselves in league with the motherland. As time pressed on, however,
increasing taxation and restrictions that were perceived as unfair by the colonists
prompted the desire to raise flags that signified a detachment from British influence.
New flags were created for individual colonies that professed a stand of disenchantment
with Britain. As war with Britain strained the resolve of the colonies, however, a new
flag was needed that represented the identity of a unified country. The need for an
“American” flag was born.
Betsy Ross
The United States flag is believed to have been created by Betsy Griscom Ross, although
many contend that there is not sufficient conclusive evidence to validate the enduring
legend. According to the story, in May of 1776, Betsy Ross was asked by a small committee
of the Continental Congress consisting of George Washington, Robert Morris, and George
Ross, to sew the first “American flag.” The flag had already been
conceptualized by the committee, but Betsy Ross was recruited to sew it into a proper
flag.
According to legend, and with some substantiation of signed
affidavits by relatives of Betsy Ross, George Washington consulted with her about details
of the flag and how it should appear in its final form. Betsy Ross who had owned an
upholstery business with her late husband had done previous work for George Washington on
clothing which gave him familiarity with her work and confidence in her ability to
produce a flag. Once the design was agreed upon by Betsy Ross and the committee, she was
commissioned to produce the flag for presentation to congress for approval.
When completed, the flag was hoisted for a test of its appearance
with the acclaim of the committee and those who stood by. The committee, satisfied with
the flag’s presentation, took the flag before congress where it was met with
unanimous approval. Betsy Ross’ flag was a grand representation of the United
States and was ready to stand as a permanent symbol of the country. On Saturday June 14,
1777 the flag was officially adopted by the Second Continental Congress.
How Flag Day Began
The origin of the Flag Day holiday is based on different stories that each may have been
of legitimate influence.
George Morris (1861)
The first is the tale of George Morris who lived in Hartford, Connecticut in 1861. This
story which was published by the Standard Publishing Company in 1912 reports that George
Morris is credited for the suggestion of a “Flag Day,” which lead to the City
of Hartford observing an occasion on June 14, 1861 in respect to the original adoption of
the flag by congress in 1777.
Bernard J. Cigrand (1894)
A second story involved a schoolteacher named Bernard J. Cigrand. It is claimed that he
was profoundly influenced by the importance of the adoption of the United States flag by
congress. He expressed his belief to students and others that the anniversary of the
flag’s acceptance should be observed and celebrated. He wrote an article on the
subject which was published in the Chicago Argus newspaper which lead to a large
celebration in Chicago in 1894.
William T. Kerr (1888)
A third story describes the effort of William T. Kerr, who established the American Flag
Day Association of Western Pennsylvania in the year 1888. He was the chairman of the
organization for many years and was in attendance when President Harry Truman signed the
act of congress that made flag day a national holiday in 1949.
Symbols of the Flag
Understanding the symbols of the United States flag can help one to gain a greater
appreciation for the banner that has represented American ideals for more than two
centuries and a deeper respect for the Flag Day holiday.
The flag of the United States is composed of thirteen horizontal
stripes and a rectangular blue field in the upper corner closest to the pole mounts. In
addition to the thirteen stripes, fifty white stars adorn the current flag in the blue
field.
The stars and stripes were both representative of the thirteen
colonies on the early flags of the United States. As additional states joined the Union,
more space was required on the flag for additional stars and stripes to represent their
territories. As stripes were added to the flag it became clear that the effect would
irreparably alter the appearance of the flag. In 1816 the decision was made to return the
flag to its original thirteen stripes, but to add stars in the blue field for each state
added to the Union. At present, fifty stars representing the fifty states, adorn the blue
“constellation” on the United States flag.
A description of the symbols of the flag of the United States is as
follows:
|
Flag Item |
Symbolizes |
|
Stars |
States of the Union |
|
13 Stripes |
The Original 13 Colonies |
|
Red |
Hardiness and Valor |
|
White |
Purity and Innocence |
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Blue |
Vigilance, Perseverance, and Justice |
Interesting Facts about the Flag and
Flag Day
|
Nicknames of the flag:
* * * * * * * |
"Old Glory"
"The Star-Spangled Banner"
"The Stars and Stripes"
"The Red White and Blue" |
| The original flag accepted by
congress in 1777 had thirteen stars arranged in a circle on the blue field. |
| Although the stripes remained
constant in layout, the stars were arranged in a variety of patterns on early American
flags. |
| In 1795, Vermont and Kentucky
entered the Union with 15 stars and 15 stripes on their flags. |
| Francis Scott Key wrote the
“Star-Spangled Banner” in 1814. In 1931 this composition became the national
anthem. |
| Flag Day is a Federal Observance
not a Federal Holiday, so unfortunately you may not get the day off of work. |
| The pledge of allegiance was
written by Francis Bellamy in 1892 and published in a magazine for children called
“The Youth’s Companion.” |
| In 1916 President Woodrow Wilson
proclaimed Flag Day as a day of celebration. |
| President Harry Truman signed an
act of congress in 1949 to make Flag Day a national holiday (a federal
observance). |
| In 1969, Neil Armstrong placed
an American flag on the moon. |
Traditions
Flying the flag of the United States
Review the symbols of the flag (colors, stars, and stripes)
Consider what the flag means to you personally.
Sing patriotic songs like “The Star Spangled Banner” and “America the
Beautiful”
Mark your calendar for June 14th—the big day for the United States flag. Make Flag
Day an important celebration to you and your family. Raise a flag in tribute to the day
in 1777 when separate colonies united under one banner. Remember the symbols of the flag
as it waves overhead, and the importance of honoring what it stands for. Consider what
this great symbol of American freedom means on this special day of celebration.
Try Our Flag Day Word Puzzles
"Flag Day Crossword Puzzle"
"Flag Day Word Search"
Article By Wes Fessler
 MORE HOLIDAYS
at Family Fun Shop |
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Sources:
1. ushistory.org, “Betsy Ross: Her Life”
http://www.ushistory.org/betsy/flaglife.html [Accessed 24 July 2007]
2. ushistory.org, “Betsy Ross and the American
Flag”
http://www.ushistory.org/betsy/flagtale.html [Accessed 24 July 2007]
3. ushistory.org, “Affidavits”
http://www.ushistory.org/betsy/flagaffs.html, [Accessed 24 July 2007]
4. en.wikipedia.org, “Pledge of Allegiance”
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pledge_of_Allegiance [Accessed 24 July
2007]
5. Funk & Wagnalls New Encyclopedia, “Flag of the
United States”
ISBN 0-8343-0051-6, Volume 10, p. 240-243
6. nationalflagday.com, “History”
http://www.nationalflagday.com/history.asp, [Accessed 23 July 2007]
7. stockholm.usembassy.gov, “The History of Flag
Day”
http://stockholm.usembassy.gov/usflag/flag_day.html [Accessed 23 July 2007]
8. en.wikipedia.org, “Flag Day in the United
States”
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flag_Day_in_the_United_States [Accessed 23 July
2007]
9. goodneighboring.org, “Flag Facts”
http://www.goodneighboring.org/americanflag.html [Accessed 24 July 2007]
10. Phillips, Adam, voanews.com,
“On Flag Day, Americans Ponder Significance of National Banner”
http://www.voanews.com/english/archive/2006-06/2006-06-13-voa46?CFID=106357087&CFTOKEN=29831098
[Accessed 24 July 2007]
11. americanfamilytraditions.com, “The American
Flag”
http://www.americanfamilytraditions.com/The_Flag.htm [Accessed 24 July 2007]
12. tooter4kids.com, “Flags Facts and
Timeline”
http://www.tooter4kids.com/ourflag/flag_timeline.htm [Accessed 24 July 2007]
13. ushistory.org, “Flag Timeline”
http://www.ushistory.org/betsy/flagfact.html [Accessed 24 July 2007]
14. en.wikipedia.org, “Public Holidays of the United
States”
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holidays_of_the_United_States [Accessed 24 July
2007]
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