I love love love history so I just had to look up Flag Day and learn more about it! Here's what I found!!
Flag Day is a United States holiday celebrated on June 14th to commemorate the adoption of the American flag on that day in 1777 by the Second Continental Congress. The Flag Resolution described the flag as having thirteen stripes, alternate red and white, and a union with thirteen stars, white in a blue field.
There was actually some debate over who first originated the idea for an annual Flag Day. Bernard Cigrand, a Wisconsin teacher, is credited with first proposing the idea in 1885 and organizing the first celebration. However, others like William T. Kerr also advocated for a national Flag Day. It wasn't until 1916 that President Woodrow Wilson issued a presidential proclamation establishing a National Flag Day on June 14th. Then in 1949, Congress passed an act permanently designating June 14th as National Flag Day.
The American flag increased its number of stars from 13 after new states joined the Union. The exact date is a bit complicated.
- Vermont and Kentucky became states in the 1790s, making the 13-star flag obsolete.
- However, the 13-star design continued to be used for some time for various reasons.
- There wasn't a standardized design with a specific number of stars until 1912. An executive order by President William Howard Taft established a 48-star flag at that time.
- Finally, on July 4, 1959, the design was updated to include the current 50 stars by President Dwight D. Eisenhower.
Betsy Ross is a historical figure often credited with sewing the first American flag. Born Elizabeth Griscom in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on January 1, 1752, she later became known as Betsy Ross after marrying John Ross, an upholsterer.
Legend has it that in June 1776, a committee consisting of George Washington, Robert Morris, and George Ross (Betsy's late husband's uncle) visited Betsy Ross's upholstery shop to commission her to sew the first American flag. According to the story, Betsy Ross suggested several design changes, including using five-pointed stars instead of six-pointed stars, which were easier to cut. She purportedly demonstrated how to cut a five-pointed star with a single snip of the scissors, a skill she had learned as a child.
While there is some debate among historians about the accuracy of this story, as there is limited evidence to support it, Betsy Ross has become an iconic figure in American folklore and is widely celebrated for her role in creating the first American flag.
So Why Do Countries Have National Flags?
Well, there are few key reasons:
- Symbolism and Identity: A national flag is a powerful symbol that represents a country's history, culture, and values. It's a way for people to feel connected to their nation and to each other. The colors, patterns, and any symbols on the flag all typically have specific meanings that reflect the country's identity.
- Unity and Patriotism: National flags serve as a rallying point for national pride and unity. They are flown at government buildings, schools, and sporting events to create a sense of shared identity and patriotism. This feeling of unity can be especially important during times of war or national crisis.
- Sovereignty and Recognition: A national flag is a universally recognized symbol of a country's sovereignty and independence. It's a way for countries to distinguish themselves from others on the world stage. Embassies and consulates around the world will fly their home nation's flag to represent their presence.
- Historical Legacy: Many national flags have a long history, dating back hundreds of years. They can serve as a reminder of a country's past struggles and triumphs. The design of a flag may even be linked to a specific historical event.
Overall, national flags are powerful visual tools that countries use to represent themselves with pride to the world and to their own citizens.
How You or Your Can Senior Appreciate Flag Day
Flag Day is a fantastic opportunity for seniors to celebrate patriotism and engage in meaningful activities. Here are some suggestions that can help seniors celebrate this special day:
Here are some activities seniors can enjoy to celebrate Flag Day:
Commemorative and Educational Activities: (Good for our brains!)
- Patriotic Sing-Along: Gather and sing classic American songs like "The Star-Spangled Banner," "Yankee Doodle Dandy," and "America the Beautiful." Can you sing this without reading the words?
- Flag Day Trivia: Have a fun quiz about the American flag's history, symbolism, and etiquette. Can you name all the capitols of each state? You had to in 4th grade!
- Watch a Documentary: Screen a documentary about the history of the American flag, or the stories of veterans who served under its banner. What were the first 13 stars for? States or Colonies?
Creative Activities:
- Red, White, and Blue Crafts: Make patriotic decorations, jewelry, or artwork using red, white, and blue materials. Try decorating flower pots, pinwheels, or picture frames. Wear a flag pin or ribbon on your lapel today. Are you proud to be an American?
- Patriotic Poetry Writing: Hold a poetry writing session where participants create short poems about the flag or what it represents to them.
- Coloring Pages: Relax and color patriotic coloring pages featuring the American flag, bald eagles, and other national symbols. Why is the bald eagle America’s national symbol?
Social Activities:
- Host a Potluck: Organize a potluck lunch or dinner with a red, white, and blue theme. Everyone can bring a dish that incorporates these colors.
- Flag Raising Ceremony: If your community has a flagpole, organize a small flag-raising ceremony with the Pledge of Allegiance. Can you say this by heart?
- Invite a Veteran Speaker: Invite a local veteran to share their stories and experiences serving under the American flag.
- Attend a Flag Day Parade: How fun to be with a group of people who celebrate the same things you do!
So, enjoy your country and its flag. If you're feeling a little discouraged or scared this year about America, try watching the miniseries, "North and South"*. It shows the division & struggles America once had and the sacrifice 650,000** Americans died for to keep our country together while making it a better place for all. It will make our challenges of today give us hope.
*I borrowed the DVDs from the local library so I wouldn't have to sit through commercials. It has the most famous cast I've ever seen all in one movie.
The population during the Civil War was only 31,443,321. So, over 2.07% of our Americans died during this time. In today's population of 333,500,000, if we used the same percentage, this would be 6,894,151 million Americans would lose their lives.
