Celebrating Old Glory

FLAG DAY IS June 14. This lesser-known and lesser-celebrated holiday, established by Congress in 1949, pays tribute to a great and meaningful symbol.

Most of us know that the 13 red and white stripes and the field of 50 stars represent the original 13 colonies and the current 50 states. But there’s much more to learn about Old Glory.

Recognizing that a new nation needed a new flag, Congress passed the country’s first flag law June 14, 1777: “Resolved, that the flag of the United States be 13 stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be 13 stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation.”

In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson paved the way for the observance with a proclamation addressing his concerns about “forces within and forces without that seemed likely to draw us away from the happy traditions of united purpose and action of which we have been so proud.” The proclamation urged Americans to “give significant expression to our thoughtful love of America.”

The red on the flag represents valor and bravery; white symbolizes innocence and purity; and vigilance, justice and perseverance are represented by blue. The stripes are symbolic of rays of sunlight, and the stars reference the heavens.

The oft-told story of President George Washington asking Betsy Ross to create the first flag unfortunately can’t be substantiated. The Betsy Ross House, a museum in her honor, promotes her story but encourages visitors to decide whether it’s historical fact or well-loved fiction.

As originally written in 1892, the Pledge of Allegiance read: “I pledge allegiance to my flag and the republic for which it stands, one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.” Congress added the phrase “under God” to the pledge in 1954.

While only Pennsylvania recognizes Flag Day as a state holiday, we wish you a happy Flag Day and encourage you to take time to acknowledge the significance as America celebrates its 250th birthday this year.