Slideshow: In Honor of Flag Day, The History of Old Glory
Photo 1 of 10
Known to be the first real U.S. flag, the design of the Grand Union (often referred to as the Continental flag) represented Colonial unity. George Washington chose this flag to fly on New Years Day 1776 to celebrate the formation of the Continental Army.
Photo 2 of 10
Betsy Ross designed this flag during the American Revolution. It features thirteen stars and stripes. The Ross flag is notable because of the arrangement of the stars in a circle. Tradition dates it to July 4, 1776, when George Washington and a committee visited Betsy and suggested a design. Ross agreed to make the flag, but replaced the committee's proposed six-pointed stars with five-pointed stars.
Photo 3 of 10
This 13-Star Flag became the Official Flag of the United States on June 14th, 1777. The June 14th date was later designated by President Woodrow Wilson as Flag Day. In this flag's design, both the stars and stripes represent the thirteen original colonies, which had been created under the Declaration of Independence just one year prior.
Photo 4 of 10
The Bennington Flag gets its name from the American Revolution Battle of Bennington, which took place on August 16, 1777. Similar to the other flags of the American Revolution, the Bennington Flag displays thirteen stars and stripes. Notable features of this flag include the large '76' in the canton, and white (rather than red) outermost stripes. Another distinctive feature of the Bennington flag is that its stars have seven points, rather than five.
Photo 5 of 10
This flag, known as the Star Spangled Banner, was adopted on May 1, 1795. Its two additional stars represented the admission of Vermont (1791) and Kentucky (1792). The Banner was the only U.S. Flag to have more than 13 stripes, and it is immortalized in Francis Scott Key's national anthem. The original flag that flew over Fort McHenry during the War of 1812, inspiring Key, is now preserved in the Smithsonian Museum.
Photo 6 of 10
It was Captain Samuel Chester Reid, U.S.N. at the request of Congressman Peter H. Wendover of New York, who originally proposed a flag that would return to thirteen stripes, and add one star for each new state. Reid's original design shaped the stars into one larger star, shown here. When Reid's design came before the house on March 24, 1818 the proposal to return the stripes at thirteen was accepted, but Reid's star formation was not.
Photo 7 of 10
The Flag Act of 1818 restored the design to thirteen stripes for the original colonies (per Reid's design), and specified twenty stars for the twenty states that existed at that time. The additional stars added to this flag represented Tennessee, Ohio, Louisiana, Indiana, and Mississippi. It lasted only one year.
Photo 8 of 10
This 34-starred banner was raised over Philadelphia's Independence Hall by President Lincoln on February 22, 1861 to send a message to Southern states, which were preparing to secede from the Union. It became the Official United States Flag on July 4th, 1861.
Photo 9 of 10
Throughout its history, the design of the United States flag has been modified 26 times since it was first adopted in 1777. This 48-star version went unchanged for 47 years (July 4, 1912 – July 3, 1959). The 49-star version became official on July 4, 1959, with the addition of Alaska.
Photo 10 of 10
Many unsolicited 50-star flag design proposals were sent to President Eisenhower in the 1950's. One was by 17-year-old Robert G. Heft, in 1958. Heft had received a B- for the design, which was a school project. His teacher joked that if Congress accepted it, the grade would adjusted. On Aug. 21, 1959 Heft's design was adopted by President Eisenhower. This is our flag today.
photos courtesy of cliff1066′s Flickr photostream.
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Comments (72)
RationalJames
Posted on June 14, 2011 at 2:01pmCool beans, I love seeing all the neat variations. It’s so unfortunate that people use it to represent the opposite of what this country was built upon, though. I tend to see only the most curmudgeonly and intolerant people flying it, claiming that they believe in freedom.
Report Post »When can I marry my boyfriend, then?
llotus
Posted on June 14, 2011 at 1:45pmAnd the Star-Spangled banner in triumph shall wave O`er the land of the frree and the home of the brave. Lotus.
Report Post »Excal
Posted on June 14, 2011 at 1:26pmWhy does the “13” star flag only have 11 stars?
Report Post »USAMEDIC3008
Posted on June 14, 2011 at 1:46pmObama had something to do with it ,I bet
Report Post »DebbieFisher
Posted on June 14, 2011 at 1:21pmI do love that flag. My neighborhood rules ban all open outdoor displays, so there no religious or patriotic displays anywhere of any kind. But the front office at the entrance of the apartment neighborhood does have three tall flagpoles, all proudly flying Old Glory. For myself, I console myself with 6“x4” flag which I keep on display 24/7 beside my front door. If I ever adequately master the current technology and the laws of downloading, I intend to fill up a file with historic pictures, re-creations, and represetations of the flags of America throughout her history.
Report Post »WWAA
Posted on June 14, 2011 at 1:15pmFun fact: Betsy Ross demonstrated that it is very easy to make a 5 pointed star (when the committee argued that it was too hard to make)…
with one snip: http://www.ushistory.org/betsy/flagstar.html
Report Post »Ghandi was a Republican
Posted on June 14, 2011 at 1:05pmBetter not find any DC/PR additions on next years.. Well that went out the window with the pelosi congress. Beware- They surely would have..
Report Post »Hockeydadfla
Posted on June 14, 2011 at 12:47pm‘Tis the star-spangled banner: O, long may it wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave!
AMEN!
Report Post »marthasusan40
Posted on June 14, 2011 at 12:33pmThank you for posting..nothing is more beautiful than the American Flag…flying freely….please remember NEVER buy an American flag that was not made in the USA…please pass this on..if we refuse to purchase flags made anywhere else, retailers will stop buying them…please support the US manufacturers who proudly make our flag…Google American made flags and you will find many examples of companies who specialize in USA made flags..thanks..
Report Post »inthedesert
Posted on June 14, 2011 at 12:33pmOur son is 15 today. So he and his sister have always known what the significance of June 14th is. Our flag is flying proudly every day. They are both proud patriots who attended 9-12 in Washington.
Report Post »Reavist
Posted on June 14, 2011 at 12:33pmPoem written by SMSgt. Don S. Miller, USAF (Ret.)
“My Name Is Old Glory”
The first time I heard it, was when it was recited at my dad’s military honor funeral (US Navy CPO)
It touched me so. The perfect poem for flag day.
It is found at this link.
Report Post »http://www.usa-patriotism.com/poems/cf/old_glory1.htm
hi
Posted on June 14, 2011 at 12:33pmObama…”Where is today’s flag with the 57 stars?”
Report Post »USAMEDIC3008
Posted on June 14, 2011 at 1:41pmWaiting on mexico to make it 58
Report Post »bigjack940
Posted on June 15, 2011 at 10:40amFirst we get Peurto Rico. so oblama will have them vote for him in the up coming election. And then Libya, Greece, Somalia,and anywhere else he figures will help his agenda, to ruin our country. Its al part of his master plan. Our flag should be flown every day, and explained to each and every child in the country, so that they will l know the truth about how any have died to insure our freedom. That and ths fact that this country was founded on rerligion, and the two go hand in hand. Now is the time to get rid of oblama and all of his cronies, alng with all the other left wing overthrowers.
Report Post »ilovetheusa1
Posted on June 14, 2011 at 12:28pmwhat do you mean it’s flag day, I have to go to Puerto Rico to find a new crop of voters. anyways, what does flag day mean.
Report Post »Anonymous T. Irrelevant
Posted on June 14, 2011 at 12:09pmOh man, I forgot it was flag day. It completely slipped my mind. I forgot to put out my flags and fly one from my car. I will rectify that mistake quickly.
Report Post »commonsenseguy
Posted on June 14, 2011 at 12:00pmif you don’t love what old glory stands for, then leave. she will always fly above my home as long as i am a live, and if people are offended, then kiss my butt.
Report Post »Mr. Oshawott
Posted on June 14, 2011 at 11:40amAmazing slideshow of American Flag history!
Report Post »Vickie Dhaene
Posted on June 14, 2011 at 11:36amGod Bless America !!! Congratulations to the US Army on their birthday. I fly my flag proudly every day.
Report Post »Navyveteran
Posted on June 14, 2011 at 12:54pmAll I got to say is GO NAVY! ;P
Report Post »Drum Man
Posted on June 14, 2011 at 11:34amDiplay your Flag’s proudly today and EVERYDAY, Fellow Blazer’s!
Report Post »IwontcollectSS1987
Posted on June 14, 2011 at 11:30am“God hates flags.”- Westboro Baptist Church
hehe
Report Post »geonj
Posted on June 14, 2011 at 11:30amnever be afraid to stand up against any assault against our flag. it happens every day.
Report Post »hechafteth
Posted on June 14, 2011 at 11:28amWhile Old Glory evokes national pride in most of us, it also evokes hatred for everything it stands for.
Oh, say, can you see, by the dawn’s early light,
What so proudly we hail‘d at the twilight’s last gleaming?
Whose broad stripes and bright stars, thro’ the perilous fight,
O‘er the ramparts we watch’d, were so gallantly streaming?
And the rockets’ red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof thro’ the night that our flag was still there.
O say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave?
On the shore dimly seen thro’ the mists of the deep,
Where the foe’s haughty host in dread silence reposes,
What is that which the breeze, o’er the towering steep,
As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses?
Now it catches the gleam of the morning’s first beam,
In full glory reflected, now shines on the stream:
‘Tis the star-spangled banner: O, long may it wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave!
And where is that band who so vauntingly swore
That the havoc of war and the battle’s confusion
A home and a country should leave us no more?
Their blood has wash‘d out their foul footsteps’ pollution.
No refuge could save the hireling and slave
From the terror of flight or the gloom of the grave:
And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave.
O, thus be it ever when freemen shall stand,
Report Post »Between their lov’d home
hechafteth
Posted on June 14, 2011 at 12:09pmO, thus be it ever when freemen shall stand,
Report Post »Between their lov‘d homes and the war’s desolation;
Blest with vict’ry and peace, may the heav’n-rescued land
Praise the Pow‘r that hath made and preserv’d us a nation!
Then conquer we must, when our cause is just,
And this be our motto: “In God is our trust”
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave!
Netsurfer2
Posted on June 14, 2011 at 11:27amNow we have to protect what we have, because the “new world order” wants to take it away!
Report Post »USAMEDIC3008
Posted on June 14, 2011 at 1:38pmHECHAFTETH
Report Post »Time for you to pick the flag you like,
then go live under it….
Can’t remember who said it but
USA the worst country to live in,except
for all the rest..
hechafteth
Posted on June 14, 2011 at 2:58pm@medic
Report Post »~~~~~~
Keep joint of medical marijuana in your mouth while you‘re wrapped up in our nation’s banner, I’ll be right back with a light…
TheDebtWeAllPay
Posted on June 14, 2011 at 11:24amGod bless America
Report Post »rayblue
Posted on June 14, 2011 at 11:30amLand that I love.
Report Post »LOOKING_BOTH_WAYS
Posted on June 14, 2011 at 11:45amStand beside her
Report Post »NJTMATO
Posted on June 14, 2011 at 11:58amAnd guide her
Report Post »oldasdirt
Posted on June 14, 2011 at 12:08pmThrough the night, with the light from above.
Report Post »PER100
Posted on June 14, 2011 at 12:19pmFrom the mountains, to the prairies
Report Post »DebbieFisher
Posted on June 14, 2011 at 1:03pmTo the oceans white with foam
Report Post »USAMEDIC3008
Posted on June 14, 2011 at 1:25pmGod Bless America, My………..
Report Post »spirited
Posted on June 14, 2011 at 2:02pmsweet home
>God Bless America
Report Post »oldasdirt
Posted on June 14, 2011 at 11:09amThese colors dont run.
Report Post »Bachmann/West
Marylou7
Posted on June 14, 2011 at 11:31amWe agree on several things. :)
Report Post »I Hear the Wolves
Posted on June 14, 2011 at 11:32amWell, if you wash it in warm water without using color safe detergent…yeah, they will run. Trust me.
Report Post »5.45x39
Posted on June 14, 2011 at 11:54amThe FED in Richmond still proudly flying the **** flag I wonder?
Report Post »GENEPAGLIARI
Posted on June 14, 2011 at 11:59amWhat a TICKET!
Report Post »fixer
Posted on June 14, 2011 at 12:45pmor West/ Bachman
Report Post »Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
Posted on June 14, 2011 at 11:08amGlad to see this slide show.
Report Post »Rugnuts
Posted on June 14, 2011 at 3:50pmyep
Report Post »Red White and Blue
West and Bachmann
Let it be True!
TRONINTHEMORNING
Posted on June 14, 2011 at 11:08amWe are celebrating Flag Day on my show, http://www.1530kcmn.com
I hope everyone reads this story and tells their children about our Flag.
Report Post »Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
Posted on June 14, 2011 at 11:15amExellent, thank you for the link.
Report Post »lovenfl3
Posted on June 14, 2011 at 11:30amGood for you Tron, nice to know we still have some patriotic Americans left. We shoould all be honoring this great country today. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZUqKHTW5_Y God Bless America!
Report Post »LOOKING_BOTH_WAYS
Posted on June 14, 2011 at 11:35am…It’s the emblem of ..the land i love ……everybody sing
Report Post »Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
Posted on June 14, 2011 at 11:42amThere is one day I would love to see after Obama is out of office along with the other Progressives as well; the Flag flying in full display in the wind, and the scene of the progressives and administration members cell doors closing on their conviction of High Treason.
Report Post »Bluebonnet
Posted on June 14, 2011 at 12:09pmYes, we celebrate flag day. My husband is giving a ceremony on the flag and what each fold represents to a group of people at a retirement home today. He is a state commander & gives much of his time for the American Legion.
Report Post »banjarmon
Posted on June 14, 2011 at 1:31pmStill UNDER GOD!
Report Post »captaingrumpy
Posted on June 14, 2011 at 7:33pmI counted that the thirteen star flag only has eleven starts. Where are the other two??????
Report Post »4blackhorses
Posted on June 14, 2011 at 8:34pmI do wonder what young Heft’s grade was “adjusted” to?
Report Post »daavidruth93
Posted on June 15, 2011 at 5:55amIt is to be expected that an organization dedicated to patriotic service should seek to promote a proper knowledge of, and respect for, the American Flag, and all that it represents. The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks has done this in many ways. Perhaps the most effective of its prescri…bed activities is the Flag Day Service. Each Subordinate Lodge is required to conduct this service annually on June l4th, the anniversary of the birth of the American Flag.
Report Post »The idea of a Flag Day Service was first suggested to our Order by the then Grand Exalted Ruler at the 1907 Grand Lodge Session in Philadelphia. Of the dates submitted for consideration at that time, June 14th was adopted by the session and was called “Elks Flag Day.” The following year, in Dallas, the Grand Lodge approved a ritual for the Flag Day ceremony.
The 1911 Grand Lodge Session at Atlantic City made the observance of Flag Day mandatory for Subordinate Lodges by the adoption of Section 229 of the Statutes: “It shall be the duty of each Subordinate Lodge to hold the service known as ”Flag Day Services” at the time and in the manner prescribed by the ritual of the Order.
Later on – at the Grand Lodge Session in Atlantic City in 1930 – there was added to this statute an amendment, reading: “The Grand Exalted Ruler may, in exceptional cases and for good cause, grant a dispensation for a different day or to any two or more Lodges to hold such services jointly.”
It was not until August 3rd, 1949 that
daavidruth93
Posted on June 15, 2011 at 5:56amPart 2;
Report Post »It was not until August 3rd, 1949 that the President of the United States signed Public Law 203, designating June 14th as Flag Day. Thus our Order was not only the first fraternal organization to celebrate Flag Day, but had made this ceremony mandatory long years before the date on which the observance became a nation-wide practice by legal decree.
The ritual for the occasion is an elaborate one and it is quite generally conducted as a public ceremonial. It is designed to be informative as well as inspirational; and the colorful pageantry provided lends itself admirably to the achievement of these objectives. It was President Harry S. Truman who signed the Flag Day bill into law on August 3rd, 1949, who was himself an Elk.