On June 14th, 1777, the Continental Congress approved the design of a national flag with these words:Resolved, that the Flag of the thirteen United States shall be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the Union be thirteen stars, white on a blue field, representing a new constellation.
Betsy Ross, pictured above, was long attributed with the task of sewing that first national banner. Historians have recently stepped away from tying her to the creation of that banner, saying only that she was a flag maker, and that she may have known General Washington. But the importance of the adoption of the flag remains the focus of national Flag Day ceremonies.
The holiday status of the day is attributed to two school teachers who designed celebrations for their students around the adoption of the Stars and Stripes. In 1885, BJ Cigrand, planned a program for the students of the Fredonia, Wisconsin Public School, District 6 to mark this patriotic date as "Flag Birthday." Cigrand maintained his observance of the "Flag Day" during the next few years.
Four years later, kindergarten teacher George Baulch also planned a program for students his New York City school. The New York School system adopted the commemoration. Flag Day observances began occurring at the Betsy Ross House in Philadelphia and various patriotic groups began holding their own commemorative events.
Though Flag Day was established through an official Proclamation of President Woodrow Wilson on May 30th, 1916, the date wasn't set aside as a national holiday until August 3, 1949 when President Truman signed an Act of Congress designating June 14th as National Flag Day.
Local areas will be hosting a variety of commemorative events. Baltimore's Fort McHenry, and her Flag House museum, each of which are connected to the beloved Star-Spangled Banner, make spectacular places to enjoy this celebration of the Stars and Stripes. But everyone can participate in the "National Pause for the Pledge." Wherever you are at 7:00 p.m., stop for a moment, and recite the Pledge of Allegiance.
In honor of Flag Day, I'm giving away a 3x5 foot American flag and a copy of David McCullough's "1776."
Here's how you enter:
1. You must be or become a follower of this blog.
2. Share a personal, patriotic moment in the comment box below.
Thanks! The winner will be drawn June 15th at midnight.
Awesome. I do love our flag. I can't think of one patriotic moment that stands out for me. I feel patriotic every time I recite the pledge or hear or sing The Star Spangled Banner. I certainly enjoyed the patriotism I felt when I visited Washington DC as a senior in high school. Great contest!
ReplyDeleteI am a gfc follower. I remember getting to see the traveling wall, that is a memorial to Vietnam Vets. It was really something to see all those names.
ReplyDeletedebbie
twoofakind12@yahoo.com
This a great idea Laurie. (already a follower)
ReplyDeleteFlag Day is a very special day for me for two reasons. One: I was baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in 1969 on this day and two: This day celebrates our national banner to remind us of what our country really stands for in our life.
My patriotic moment came early when I was picked out of my fifth grade class to lay flowers on the Unknown Soldier's Tomb in Washington D.C. There were three of us from three classes and it was a special moment to honor those unknown soldiers who died to keep our freedoms.
I love seeing the Flag of this great Nation any time. I feel patriotic at big events, like having the Thunder Birds do a flyover at LVMS. Listening to The National Anthem being sung, and a Giant Flag covering the infield. Man this country is GREAT.
ReplyDeleteI remember reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag each day at school when I was a little girl. Then one day my teacher told me that the Pledge had been changed a little bit and we were all going to say "one nation, UNDER GOD, indivisable". from now on. As a "baby boomer", I remember this clearly, but most people today have known the Pledge as it is today for all their lives. Our nation is as good as it is today because of the blessing of God on it, and our flag is the proud banner of every good thing God has blessed us with. Proudly She Waves!!!
ReplyDeleteRandom.org choose entry number one, so Angie, you're our winner! Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteThank you, everyone for your wonderful contributions to our Flag Day remembrance.