Adam Long recently completed a project that he believes is patriotic. He spent two weeks creating an American flag that holds historical significance. This flag was first flown during a Revolutionary War skirmish at Cooch’s Bridge, Delaware on September 3, 1777. According to History.com, Patriot General William Maxwell ordered the flag to be raised as his troops engaged with British and Hessian forces. However, the rebels were eventually defeated and forced to retreat. The flag, known as the “Stars and Stripes,” was based on the “Grand Union” flag carried by the Continental Army in 1776. It consisted of 13 red and white stripes. Politico reports that Charles Thompson, secretary of the Continental Congress, explained the symbolism of the flag’s colors. White represented purity and innocence, red represented hardiness and valor, and blue symbolized vigilance, perseverance, and justice. General George Washington also expressed his thoughts on the flag, stating that the stars were taken from heaven, the red from the mother country, and the white stripes represented liberty. There were several flag designs with 13 stripes used in 1776 and 1777 until Congress officially established the design on June 14, 1777, which is now celebrated as Flag Day. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs states that the official design consisted of 13 stripes alternated between red and white, and a blue field with 13 white stars representing the new constellation of states. Flag Day was first observed on June 14, 1877, on the flag’s 100th anniversary. According to folklore, Betsy Ross, a Philadelphia seamstress, designed the canton of the flag at General Washington’s request. However, historians have not been able to definitively prove or disprove this story. The Smithsonian notes several key acts that have influenced the design of the flag. The Flag Resolution of June 14, 1777, established the initial design with 13 stripes and 13 stars. The Act of January 13, 1794, introduced 15 stripes and 15 stars. The Act of April 4, 1818, reverted to 13 stripes but added a star for each new state. Executive Orders from Presidents Taft, Eisenhower, and Kennedy further modified the arrangement of the stars. In 1949, Flag Day was officially designated as a national day of observance on June 14. Today, the American flag continues to symbolize freedom and liberty, and Americans recite the Pledge of Allegiance in its honor. The 13 stripes represent the original colonies, while the 50 stars represent the states. The colors of the flag also hold meaning, with white representing purity, red symbolizing valor, and blue signifying vigilance and justice. The flag is flown at half-staff during times of mourning, as ordered by the president, state governors, or the mayor of Washington, D.C. This typically occurs after the death of a government official, military member, or first responder, as well as on national days of remembrance.
