We all know Betsy Ross is credited with sewing the first American Flag, however there were many flags at the time and Continental Congress decided it needed to pick one and make it official for the unity of our brand new nation. So on June 14, 1777 Congress resolved that the flag of the United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the Union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field representing a new constellation. The stars represent the first thirteen states: Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Georgia, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maryland, South Carolina, New Hampshire, Virginia, New York, North Carolina and Rhode Island.
However for many years American's celebrated our flag on July 4th until a school teacher, Bernard J. Cigrand started a tradition at his school in 1885.
"Working as a grade school teacher in Waubeka, Wisconsin, in 1885, Bernard J. Cigrand held the first recognized formal observance of Flag Day at the Stony Hill School. The school has been restored, and a bust of Cigrand also honors him at the National Flag Day Americanism Center in Waubeka. From the late 1880's on, Cigrand spoke around the country promoting patriotism, respect for the flag, and the need for the annual observance of a flag day on June 14, the day in 1777 that the Continental Congress adopted the Stars and Stripes."*
What a cool teacher!
Today it's an official National Day thanks to President Harry Truman who signed an act of Congress designating every June 14 as National Flag Day.
So Happy Flag Day! and be sure to proudly fly Old Glory today!
Until next time, Happy hunting,
Kristina
* http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flag_Day_(United_States)
* http://www.nationalflagday.com/history.asp
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