The United States is having a birthday…an impressive birthday commemorating 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, a pivotal moment in American history that established the nation’s independence from Britain and laid the foundation for democracy and self-governance.
…And eight of our Fillies are contributing to the celebration with a new series, Petticoats and Patriots, commencing June 16th thru August 4th (See Information & Link Below).
But before independence could be won, it was decided the colonies needed an American “flag”, the Continental Colors, and a day dedicated to honoring “Old Glory.”
When the American Revolution broke out in 1775, the colonists weren’t fighting united under a single flag. Instead, most regiments participating in the war for independence against the British fought under their own flags. In June of 1775, the Second Continental Congress met in Philadelphia to create the Continental Army—a unified colonial fighting force—with the hopes of a more organized battle against its colonial oppressors. This led to the creation of what was, essentially, the first “American” flag, the Continental Colors.
For some, this flag, which was comprised of 13 red and white alternating stripes and a Union Jack in the corner, was too similar to that of the British. George Washington soon realized that flying a flag that was even remotely close to the British flag was not a great confidence-builder for the revolutionary effort, so he turned his efforts towards creating a new symbol of freedom for the soon-to-be fledgling nation.
On June 14, 1777, the Second Continental Congress took a break from writing the Articles of Confederation and passed a resolution stating that “the flag of the United States be 13 stripes, alternate red and white,” and that “the union be 13 stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation.”
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- white for purity and innocence
- red for valor and hardiness
- blue for vigilance, perseverance, and justice
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Over 100 years later, in 1916, President Woodrow Wilson marked the anniversary of that decree by officially establishing June 14 as Flag Day.
Facts About the U.S. Flag
1. Bernard Cigrand, a small-town Wisconsin teacher, originated the idea for an annual flag day, to be celebrated across the country every June 14, in 1885. That year, he led his school in the first formal observance of the holiday.
2. It is widely believed that Betsy Ross, who assisted the Revolutionary War effort by repairing uniforms and sewing tents, made the first American flag. However, there is no historical evidence that she contributed to Old Glory’s creation. It was not until her grandson William Canby held a press conference in 1870 to recount the story that the American public learned of her possible role. It has since been confirmed that Francis Hopkinson, a delegate from New Jersey who signed the Declaration of Independence, designed the American flag.
3. The lyrics of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” America’s national anthem since 1931, are taken
from a patriotic poem written by Francis Scott Key after he witnessed the Battle of Fort McHenry during the War of 1812. His words were set to the tune of “To Anacreon in Heaven,” a popular British drinking song.
4. In the 1950s, when it seemed certain that Alaska would be admitted to the Union, designers began retooling the American flag to add a 49th star to the existing 48. Meanwhile, a 17-year-old Ohio student named Bob Heft borrowed his mother’s sewing machine, disassembled his family’s 48-star flag and stitched on 50 stars in a proportional pattern. He handed in his creation to his history teacher for a class project, explaining that he expected Hawaii would soon achieve statehood as well. Heft also sent the flag to his congressman, Walter Moeller, who presented it to President Eisenhower after both new states joined the Union. Eisenhower selected Heft’s design, and on July 4, 1960, the president and the high school student stood together as the 50-star flag was raised for the first time. Heft’s teacher promptly changed his grade from a B- to an A.
5. Unlike setting an intact flag on fire, flying one upside-down is not always intended as an act of protest. According to the Flag Code, it can also be an official distress signal.
6. The Flag Code stipulates that the Stars and Stripes should not be used as apparel, bedding or drapery.
8. Etiquette calls for American flags to be illuminated by sunlight or another light source while on display.
10. When flags are taken down from their poles, care must be taken to keep them from touching the ground. In fact, the American flag should always be kept aloft, meaning that rugs and carpets featuring the Stars and Stripes are barred by the Flag Code.
11. When the flags of cities, states, localities or groups are flown on the same staff as the American flag, Old Glory should always be at the peak. When flags of two or more nations are displayed, they should be of equivalent size and flown from separate staffs of the same height.
12. The Flag Code strictly prohibits adding an insignia, drawing or other markings to the Stars and Stripes. Some American politicians have been known to defy this regulation by signing copies of the U.S. flag for their supporters.
13. Ever wondered how to correctly fold an American flag? First, enlist a partner and stand facing each other, each holding both corners of one of the rectangle’s shorter sides. Working together, lift the half of the flag that usually hangs on the bottom over the half that contains the blue field of stars. Next, fold the flag lengthwise a second time so that the stars are visible on the outside. Make a triangular fold at the striped end, bringing one corner up to meet the top edge. Continue to fold the flag in this manner until only a triangle of star-studded blue can be seen.
- The original 1777 flag was designed to represent the 13 original colonies. It had 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, the United States Congress decided to retain the flag’s original 13 stripes and add new stars to reflect each new state that entered the union.
- Each time a state was added to the union, a star was added. Today, there are 50 stars, one for each state in the union, but the 13 stripes remain.
Next time you gaze upon the symbol of the nation’s freedom, pause and reflect on the flag’s origins, symbolism, and history—and what the American flag means in your life.
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Born and raised in western Massachusetts, Jo-Ann Roberts was fascinated by America’s Old West and always felt she was destined to travel on a wagon train following the Oregon Trail. With her love of history and reading, she began reading historical romance during high school and college. Victoria Holt, Jude Deveraux, and Roseanne Bittner were among her favorites. Influenced by her father, she fell in love with John Wayne, James Garner, and her all-time favorite, James Stewart and grew up watching Wagon Train, Bonanza and Rawhide.
A firm believer in HEA with a healthy dose of realism, Jo-Ann strives to give her readers a sweet historical romance while imparting carefully researched historical facts, personalities, and experiences relative to the time period. Her romances take her readers back to a simpler time to escape the stress of modern life by living in a small town where families and friends help one another find love and happiness.
When she isn’t creating believable plots and relatable heroes and heroines, Jo-Ann enjoys spending time with her husband, children and grandson. She also enjoys baking, quilting and eating way too much chocolate.
After 38 years in public education in Connecticut and Maryland, she’s now calls North Carolina home.
I have a lot of red, white, and blue in the house, and many flag-themed items. But, as the daughter of a vet and sister of a disabled vet, the flag represents our country, the sacrifices made, the freedom earned, and the love of country. We pledge allegiance to the flag.
Welcome, Denise
Many readers have expressed similar thoughts about respect, pride, and patriotism the flag represents. Thanks for stopping by P&P and sharing your thoughts.
J.
I think of family when I think of the flag… I think of the farm where I grew up & the flag that was displayed proudly by my family… and I think of the parades & the patriotic music led by the flag bearer. Happy 250th Birthday to our country!
Welcome, Abbie
Many readers have expressed similar thoughts about respect, pride, and patriotism the flag represents. Thanks for stopping by P&P and sharing your thoughts.
J.
Patriotism and Freedom. I am proud to pledge allegiance to the flag. d
Welcome, Sharon
Many readers have expressed similar thoughts about how the flag represents our freedoms. Thanks for stopping by P&P and sharing your thoughts.
J.
The great American flag represents freedom, pride of the USA, love of our land, and thankful for the men and women who have kept us a free country! God Bless the USA!!!
There are many veterans in my family lines and I was raised to respect the flag. I love everything red, white and blue, the 4th of July, and all the activities that go along with this time of year. This was a very nice post.
Welcome, Kare J.
Many readers have expressed similar thoughts about the freedom, respect and honor the flag embodies. Thanks for stopping by P&P and sharing your thoughts.
J.
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When I see the American flag flying, I feel pride for what this country stands for and for all this country has accomplished.
Welcome, Karijean
Many readers have expressed similar thoughts about pride upon seeing the Stars & Stripes and hearing our National Anthem. Thanks for stopping by P&P and sharing your thoughts.
J.
Such an awesome post, Jo-Ann. To me, the flag symbolizes our freedom, and what it means to be a patriot. It represents, to me, those who sacrificed so much for freedom.
Shanna,
So glad you enjoyed the post. Your thoughts echoed those of many of the readers. Thank you for sharing with us.
J.
It’s the symbol of freedom; of loving the country you live in, of honoring and remembering those men and women who fought and died for our freedom, not just on major holidays but all year round.
Welcome, Melanie
Your thought echo those of many of the readers, freedom to worship as we choose, liberty, and freedom. Thanks for stopping by P&P to leave a comment.
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represents freedom
Welcome.
Many readers have expressed a similar thought. Thanks for stopping by P&P and sharing your thoughts.
J.
When I see the flag I think of everything that has been sacrificed so we can enjoy the freedom we have today. I love to hear our national anthem played and am so glad we live in the land of the free and brave and have the right to worship our God. God bless the USA
Welcome, Linda
Many readers have expressed similar thoughts about the courage and sacrifice of others to ensure our freedoms of life, liberty, and worship who we choose. Thanks for stopping by P&P and sharing your thoughts.
J.
I think of freedom, family, those we lost, those that served… pride, humbled, etc.
Welcome, Colleen
Many readers have expressed similar thoughts about the courage and sacrifice of others to ensure our freedoms. Thanks for stopping by P&P and sharing your thoughts.
J.
The American flag expresses the freedom that I am allowed to have as well as the many American lives that have been lost through the years protecting that freedom. Thank you for allowing me to share. God bless you.
Welcome, Debra
Many readers have expressed similar thoughts about the courage and sacrifice of others to ensure our freedoms. Thanks for stopping by P&P and sharing your thoughts.
I love to see a flag flying in the breeze! There’s a VFW post next door to my church, and when I walk out of the building to my car, I always look up at their flag. The flag represents freedom to me, and also the lives of the ones who have fought for us to stay free.
Welcome, Trudy
Many readers have expressed similar thoughts about the courage and sacrifice of soldiers to ensure our freedoms. Thanks for stopping by P&P and sharing your thoughts.
Jo-Ann, lots of great information here. The flag meant a lot more when we were unified as a country unlike now. I’ve been known to tear up sometimes when I saw the flag flying, and when hearing the National Anthem at the Olympics. Excellent post.
Thanks for the kind words, Linda. I’m glad you enjoyed the post. It saddens me to see the division in our country now. Yet, I’ve teared up as well hearing the National Anthem. Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us.
J.
The veterans who gave their youth, their health and their very lives to defend our country as well as the unity as a country we used to have in the US.
I really enjoyed this post! When I look at the American flag, I see the faith of our Founding Fathers; men who established a republic and crafted a Constitution grounded in the word of God. It is because of their courage, sacrifice, and faith that our nation was founded. Throughout generations brave American soldiers have continued to defend those freedoms, ensuring that the flag can still wave over a free nation. To me, the American flag is the ultimate symbol of freedom!
Welcome, Sabrina
I’m happy you enjoyed the post. Many readers have expressed similar thoughts about the courage and sacrifice of soldiers to ensure our freedoms. Thanks for stopping by P&P and sharing your thoughts.
J.
To me the American flag has always been a representation of Freedom. I think of my grandfathers, and others like them, who risked their lives securing our liberties so we can have a future. I think of my grandmother who told us that we need to know and memorize the pledge of allegiance and our national anthem, because it matters. When I look at the American flag, I remember to thank God I’m an American.
Welcome, Bridget
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on the American flag, and your memories of your grandmother and reciting the pledge of allegiance. Thanks for stopping by P&P.
J.
It means freedom. It means a lot of men and women have given their lives to assure that we as Americans are able to live free. It makes me thankful and proud to see our flag flying high, waving the colors, reminding me that our freedom came at a cost.
To me The American flag means Freedom and also for all the lives that has been lost to protect us ! Let Freedom Ring The Flag has so many Beautiful colors Red White and Blue !
Seeing Old Glory always reminds me that the U.S.A. still welcomes immigrants (I have grandparents who emigrated from Ireland and Canada [all the founding fathers came to North America from other countries]).
Thanks for the diagram/illustration about how to fold a flag. I learned that when I was in Camp Fire Girls but it’s good to see it. I’ve had to coach students (about not letting it touch the ground and how to fold it) at school when they’re allowed to raise and lower the flag.
It is a symbol of our constitutional republic. I think of my family history – with a number of ancestors who fought in the Revolutionary War.
What a wonderful post Jo-Ann. Thank you! The flag means freedom to me. The flag always touches my heart.
Thanks so much for the info! The flag means freedom to me. I think of France’s Scott Key looking to see if the flag is still waving for the Star Spangled Banner and the thousands of men who have given their lives so that we can wave the flag and enjoy the freedoms we have today.
Welcome, Patti
So many of the readers have expressed the same sentiments, the sacrifice of men and women who gave us the freedoms we enjoy today. Thanks for stopping by P&P and leaving a comment.
J.
It means freedom to mean and also celebrating all those who help fight for our freedom.
Welcome, Joanne
Many readers have expressed similar thoughts about respect, pride, and patriotism the flag represents. Thanks for stopping by P&P and sharing your thoughts.
J.
I love what our flag symbolizes, When I was a Girl Scout leader, we practiced posting and retiring the colors.
Welcome, Debra
So many of the readers have expressed the same sentiments, the sacrifice of men and women who gave us the freedoms we enjoy today. I, too, remember raising the flag, saying the pledge, and retiring the colors. Thanks for stopping by P&P and leaving a comment.
J.
It brings to mind freedom and pride in country.
Welcome, Joye
Many readers have expressed similar thoughts about respect, pride, and patriotism the flag represents. Thanks for stopping by P&P and sharing your thoughts.
J.
I have a very special flag. This flag was draped over my Marine son’s coffin. I was born into a military family so I’ve always had great respect for the flag. On military bases, every time the flag is lowered, you stop (even if your driving, you pull to the side of the road and get out) everyone faces the direction the flag is in and either salutes or places your hand over your heart until TAPS is finished.
The flag that adorned my son’s casket, holds the same respect and patriotism that I have for every other flag, his just touches my heart a little differently.
My parents were married on June 14th, because my father was a life long military man so this date was non-negotiable.
I taught my son’s and grandson to have that same respect for our flag.
Welcome, Marlene
I am so sorry for your loss, dear Marlene. I, too, am the proud mother of a U.S. Marine. I thank you for raising a son who defended and died for our country and our freedoms. Thank you for stopping by P&P and sharing your story with us.
J.
welcome. the United States flag to me, means, freedom of life and freedom of religion.
Welcome, Lori
So many of the readers have expressed similar sentiments about the freedoms we enjoy today and the sacrifice of men and women who gave all so that we have life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness in all we do.
J.
To me it indicates freedom and it is a reminder of the many sacrifices made for that freedom.