On June 14, 1777, the Second Continental Congress officially adopted the Stars and Stripes as the National Flag of the United States of America. Through its many changes, the American flag has come to represent the most prosperous nation on the earth today. The stars represent its 50 states, and the red and white stripes represent the 13 original colonies. The flag is a reminder that America is a land devoted to being a land of liberty, equality, and justice.
The flag was Designed by Francis Hopkinson from New Jersey, who was one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. He also designed the first continental paper money and the first U.S. coin. Growing nationalism around the world during the 18th century led many countries to establish a national flag, the United States included. It is unclear how or why Congress selected Hopkinson’s design for this honor.
The involvement of Betsy Ross in the design and creation of the first American flag is largely fictitious. It is likely that her grandson, William J. Canby, developed the story in the 1870’s and that her only connection to the American flag was as a Philadelphia flag maker who sewed flags and banners for the United States military.
President Woodrow Wilson officially established June 14 as Flag Day in 1916. He issued a proclamation encouraging all Americans to “rededicate ourselves to the nation, ‘one and inseparable’ . . . and in which we shall stand with united hearts.”
Following 1916, Flag Day was unofficially observed every year. It wasn’t until 1949 that Congress passed a law requiring the President to give an annual Flag Day Proclamation, encouraging Americans to honor the American flag during the week of June 14 by displaying it publicly.
Despite a requirement that all Federal Government buildings display the American flag on Flag Day, it is not an official Federal holiday. Several states have declared June 14th to be a state holiday, prompting communities across the nation to celebrate with parades and other events that commemorate the flag and what it stands for.
