Our nation’s 106th Flag Day observation will be observed on Tuesday, June 14, 2022. Flag Day is a federal holiday that commemorates the American’s flag’s adoption in 1777. Below is information about how this day of tribute came about.
When the American Revolution broke out in 1775, the colonists weren’t fighting united under a single flag. Instead, most regiments fought under their own flags when participating in the War for Independence against the British.
With the hope of having a more organized battle against the colonial oppressors, the Second Continental Congress met in Philadelphia in June of 1775 to create a unified colonial fighting force called the Continental Army. This led to the creation of what was, essentially, the first “American” flag. It was named the Continental Colors.
This flag had thirteen red and white alternating stripes and a Union Jack in the corner. A Union Jack was a small maritime flag that represented the U.S. nationality. It was flown on the jackstaff in the bows of U.S. vessels that were moored or anchored in harbor.
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. The Flag Resolution stated: "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."
Over a hundred years later, on May 30, 1916, President Woodrow Wilson marked the anniversary of that decree by issuing a new decree that officially established June 14 as Flag Day.
There have been 27 official versions of the American flag since it was first adopted 245 years ago. The flag’s star-and-strip design has been amended on several occasions to reflect the number of states in the United States. Hawaii was the last state to join in 1959.
There are thirteen alternating red and white stripes on the American flag; each strip represents the original thirteen colonies that declared independence from Great Britain: Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina and Virginia.
Fifty white stars are on the blue field of the American flag, representing the fifty states that make up the United States. The current American flag was first raised on July 4, 1960, over the Fort McHenry National Historic Site in Maryland.
It is estimated that there are 150 million American flags sold each year! A survey conducted by YouGovAmerica found that 51% of Americans have the American flag in their home. NASA reports that six American flags have been planted on the moon’s surface.
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Flag Day in 2022 will be celebrated tomorrow with parades, essay contests, ceremonies, and picnics to recognize this national event. It is a way to preserve the traditions, history, pride and respect that are due our nation’s symbol…OLD GLORY!
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Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people He has chosen for His own inheritance. Psalm 33:12 NASB
Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14 NLT
I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. 1 Timothy 2:1-2 NLT
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