Written By: Prince William County
The Continental Congress officially adopted the “Stars and Stripes” as the American flag on June 14, 1777.
The resolution stated in part: “The flag of the United States shall be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white, with a union of thirteen stars of white on a blue field …”
Today, June 14 is recognized as Flag Day.
Up until the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the 13 colonies fought under their own flags with symbols that included eagles, pine trees and rattlesnakes. Slogans on the flags included, “Liberty or Death,” “Conquer or Die” and “Don’t Tread on Me,” among others. The signing of the Declaration of Independence made a single, unifying flag necessary.
Lore has it that Betsy Ross sewed the first flag, but there is no solid proof of the legend. However, records show that during the Revolutionary War, she made naval pennants and ensigns for the Philadelphia Navy, according to almanac.com.
In 1818, the U.S. Congress decided to keep the 13 stripes representing the first 13 colonies and to add stars as more states joined the union.
Flag Day was first observed nationally in 1877 on the 100th anniversary of the U.S. flag’s adoption. While Flag Day is not a national holiday, many counties, cities and towns celebrate in various ways.