Good Monday Morning 14 June
I hope that you had a great weekend.
This is Flag Day and the birth of the U.S. Army
Regards
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Today in Naval History
June 14
1775 The Continental Congress authorizes the enlistment of expert riflemen to serve the United Colonies for one year, establishing the United States Army.
1777 John Paul Jones takes command of the Continental Navy sloop USS Ranger. While commanding Ranger, the ship receives the first official salute to the Stars and Stripes flag by the French fleet at Quiberon Bay.
1777 The Continental Congress adopts the design of present U.S. flag of 13 stripes and 13 stars.
1847 Commodore Matthew Calbraith Perry conducts the second expedition against Tabasco, Mexico, also known as the Battle of Villahermosa.
1945 PB4Y aircraft bomb Japanese shipping off Banjarmasin, Borneo and sink Japanese (No. 470) shuttle vessel.
1985 Steelworker Second Class Robert D. Stethem, of Underwater Construction Team ONE, is tortured and killed by terrorist hijackers of TWA Flight 847. He posthumously receives the Bronze Star for his heroism during this situation.
Happy 245th birthday to the US Army !! Proudly served !!!
June 14th: The Birthday of the U.S. Army - U.S. Army Center of Military History -
1777 Congress adopts the Stars and Stripes
Today in History June 14
1381 | The Peasants' Revolt, led by Wat Tyler, climaxes when rebels plunder and burn the Tower of London and kill the Archbishop of Canterbury. | |
1642 | Massachusetts passes the first compulsory education law in the colonies. | |
1645 | ||
1775 | The U.S. Army is founded when the Continental Congress authorizes the muster of troops. | |
1777 | The Continental Congress authorizes the "stars and stripes" flag for the new United States. | |
1789 | Captain William Bligh of the HMS Bounty arrives in Timor in a small boat. He had been forced to leave his ship when his crew mutinied. | |
1846 | A group of settlers declare California to be a republic. | |
1864 | At the Battle of Pine Mountain, Georgia, Confederate General Leonidas Polk is killed by a Union shell. | |
1893 | The city of Philadelphia observes the first Flag Day. | |
1907 | Women in Norway win the right to vote. | |
1919 | ||
1922 | President Warren G. Harding becomes the first president to speak on the radio. | |
1927 | Nicaraguan President Porfirio Diaz signs a treaty with the U.S. allowing American intervention in his country. | |
1932 | Representative Edward Eslick dies on the floor of the House of Representatives while pleading for the passage of the bonus bill. | |
1940 | German forces occupy Paris. | |
1942 | The Supreme Court rules that requiring students to salute the American flag is unconstitutional. | |
1944 | Boeing B-29 bombers conduct their first raid against mainland Japan. | |
1945 | Burma is liberated by the British. | |
1949 | The State of Vietnam is formed. | |
1951 | UNIVAC, the first computer built for commercial purposes, is demonstrated in Philadelphia by Dr. John W. Mauchly and J. Presper Eckert, Jr. | |
1954 | Americans take part in the first nation-wide civil defense test against atomic attack. Do you remember "Duck and Cover drills ?" | |
1965 | A military triumvirate takes control in Saigon, South Vietnam. | |
1982 | Argentina surrenders to the United Kingdom ending the Falkland Islands War. | |
1985 | Gunmen hijack a passenger jet over the Middle East. | |
1989 | Congressman William Gray, an African American, is elected Democratic Whip of the House of Representatives. | |
1995 | Chechen rebels take 2,000 people hostage in a hospital in Russia. |
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Monday Morning Honor--Flag Day Thanks to Al
I am proud of my American heritage and those who have so honorably defended our freedoms. I celebrate Independence Day, Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and Flag Day. There are parades, picnics, and barbecues where citizens proudly wave our flag.
As an American, I have the right to wave my flag, sing my national anthem, quote my national motto, and cite my pledge whenever and wherever I choose.
If the Stars and Stripes offend you, or you don't like Uncle Sam, then you should seriously consider deleting this message before reading…and maybe find a better place to live, IF THERE IS ONE.
The first celebration of the U.S. Flag's birthday was held in 1877 on the 100th anniversary of the Flag Resolution of 1777. However, it is believed that the first annual recognition of the flag's birthday dates back to 1885 when school teacher, BJ Cigrand, first organized a group of Wisconsin school children to observe June 14 - the 108th anniversary of the official adoption of The Stars and Stripes as the Flag's Birthday. Cigrand, now known as the 'Father of Flag Day,' continued to publically advocate the observance of June 14 as the flag's 'birthday', or 'Flag Day' for years.
Just a few years later the efforts of another school teacher, George Balch, led to the formal observance of 'Flag Day' on June 14 by the New York State Board of Education. Over the following years as many as 36 state and local governments began adopted the annual observance. For over 30 years Flag Day remained a state and local celebration.
In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson recognized Flag Day as a national holiday in a presidential proclamation. This came at the behest of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, which had adopted June 14 as its Flag Day in 1907. It wasn't until 1949, however, that an Act of Congress, signed by President Harry S. Truman, firmly established Flag Day as a national holiday.
It's the soldier, who salutes the flag,
Who serves others with respect for the flag, and whose coffin is draped by the flag,
Who allows the protester to burn the flag.
Submitted by Dave Harris and Colleen Grosso:
"Why I Stand" at https://www.youtube.com/embed/2eBxVxO0nh4
Submitted by Patty Krause:
Watch a true American at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tc2c4-FJjQ
Submitted by Skip Leonard:
If a person lives long enough they realize they can learn new things every day. It's part of America's history and this video is really awesome. Too bad this video can't be shown before all events to remind everyone why The National Anthem is played.
Younger generations have yet to understand what this country is all about. Next time you see hats on, people not standing at attention with their hand over their heart while our National Anthem is played, remember this video.
Also remember, we have some misguided persons who want to change our National Anthem because they feel the Star Spangled Banner is just too combative and portrays violence. It is from violence that we, as Americans, became a "free nation." Lest we forget!
A great video and perhaps a much greater understanding of the history of America and our National Anthem at https://www.youtube.com/embed/ YaxGNQE5ZLA
Submitted by Jerry Gore:
Every year, since 9/11, Chris Sneed (aka "Flash") climbs the craggy peak on Hwy 50 between Spooner Summit and Carson City, Nevada, to replace the tattered, worn-out American Flag which flies to honor our troops.
In 2020, I happened to be passing by as it was getting ready to happen and I stopped to grab some shots and assembled this unexpected video. Given all the turmoil of 2020, it was an emotional moment...
Thanks to Mr. Coffey Anderson for permission to use his song which seemed to fit the subject well.
View at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AlmJZkATAMg&ab_channel=RickBernagozzi
Did you know…
Why the honor guard pays meticulous attention to correctly folding the American flag 13 times? You probably thought it was to symbolize the original 13 colonies, but we learn something new every day!
The 1st fold of our flag is a symbol of life.
The 2nd fold is a symbol of our belief in eternal life.
The 3rd fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veterans departing our ranks who gave a portion of their lives for the defense of our country to attain peace throughout the world.
The 4th fold represents our weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in time of war for His divine guidance.
The 5th fold is a tribute to our country, for in the words of Stephen Decaur, "Our Country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right; but it is still our country, right or wrong.
The 6th fold is for where our hearts lie. It is with our heart that We pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States Of America, and the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all.
The 7th fold is a tribute to our Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed Forces that we protect our country and our flag against all her enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of our republic.
The 8th fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day.
The 9th fold is a tribute to womanhood, and Mothers. For it has been through their faith, their love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great has been molded.
The 10th fold is a tribute to the father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of our country since they were first born.
The 11th fold represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon and glorifies in the Hebrews' eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
The 12th fold represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in the Christians' eyes, God the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit.
The 13th fold, or when the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost reminding us of our nation's motto, "In God We Trust."
After the flag is completely folded and tucked in, it takes on the appearance of a cocked hat, ever reminding us of the soldiers who served under General George Washington, and the Sailors and Marines who served under Captain John Paul Jones, who were followed by their comrades and shipmates in the Armed Forces of the United States, preserving for us the rights, privileges and freedoms we enjoy today.
On a Canadian two dollar bill, the flag flying over the Parliament building is an American flag.
Francis Scott Key wrote "The Star-Spangled Banner" on September 14, 1814. The song officially became the United States national anthem in 1931.
Flag Day was first celebrated in 1877, the centennial of the U.S. flag's existence. After that many citizens and organizations advocated the adoption of a national day of commemoration for the U.S. Flag. Flag Day was officially established by the Proclamation of President Woodrow Wilson on May 30th, 1916. While Flag Day was celebrated in various communities for years after Wilson's proclamation, it was not until August 3rd, 1949, that President Truman signed an Act of Congress designating June 14th of each year as National Flag Day.
June 14, 2021 marks the 42nd anniversary of the first National Pause for the Pledge of Allegiance. Please take a few moments at 7 p.m. to recite the Pledge. The current words, adapted over the years from the original written in 1892 by Francis Bellamy.
To my brother-in-law, Mark Logan, born on June 14--Flag Day. Happy Birthday!!
To all others have a great week,
Al
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Thanks to Richard
Subject: Hangar Flying?
Check this out. Yahoooooooo
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ROLLING THUNDER REMEMBERED Thanks to the Bear
LOOKING BACK 55-YEARS to the Vietnam Air War— ... … For The List for Monday, 14 June 2021… Bear🇺🇸⚓️🐻
OPERATION ROLLING THUNDER (1965-1968)…
From the archives of rollingthunderremembered.com post for 14 June 1966… "Operational Security (OPSEC)—not!!"…
https://www.rollingthunderremembered.com/rolling-thunder-remembered-14-june-1966-heads-up/
This following work accounts for every fixed wing loss of the Vietnam War and you can use it to read more about the losses in The Bear's Daily account. Even better it allows you to add your updated information to the work to update for history…skip
Vietnam Air Losses
Access Chris Hobson and Dave Lovelady's work at: https://www.VietnamAirLosses.com.
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This Day in U S Military History…….June 14
1775 – The U.S. Army was founded when the Continental Congress first authorized the muster of troops under its sponsorship. Also the birth of the Infantry Branch. Ten companies of riflemen were authorized by a resolution of the Continental Congress on June 14, 1775. However, the oldest Regular Army infantry regiment, the 3d, was constituted on June 3, 1784, as the First American Regiment.
1864 – U.S.S. Kearsarge, Captain Winslow, arrived off Cherbourg, France. The ship log recorded: "Found the rebel privateer Alabama lying at anchor in the roads." Kearsarge took up the blockade in international waters off the harbor entrance. Captain Semmes stated: ". . . My intention is to fight the Kearsarge as soon as I can make the necessary arrangements. I hope they will not detain me more than until tomorrow evening, or after the morrow morning at furthest. I beg she will not depart before I am ready to go out." With the famous Confederate raider at bay, Kearsarge had no intention of departing-the stage was set for the famous duel.
1942 – The first bazooka rocket gun, produced in Bridgeport, Ct., demolished a tank from its shoulder-held position.
1944 – US naval forces conduct bombardments of Saipan and Tinian in preparation for landings on these islands. The two American naval groups, commanded by Admiral Ainsworth and Admiral Oldendorf, include 7 battleships and 11 cruisers as well as 8 escort carriers in support. The battleship USS California is hit by a Japanese shore battery. Extensive mine-sweeping operations are also conducted by American forces.
1945 – On Okinawa, mopping up operations proceed on the Oroku peninsula. The troops of the US 3rd Amphibious Corps and the US 24th Corps continue to eliminate fortified caves held by Japanese forces on Kunishi Ridge and on Mount Yuza and Mount Yaegu. An American regiment of the US 96th Division reaches the summit of Mount Yaegu, while the US th Division extends its control of Hills 153 and 115.
1945 – On Luzon, American forces dislodge the Japanese blocking the Orioung Pass. Elements of the US 37th Division, formed into an armored column, advance as far as Echague. From Santiago, other units advance toward Cabanatuan and Cauayan.
1945 – The US Joint Chiefs of Staff issue a directive to General MacArthur, General Arnold and Admiral Nimitz to prepare plans for the immediate occupation of the Japanese islands in the event of a sudden capitulation. This order may have been given in light of recent progress on the production of an atomic bomb but this is not stated.
Medal of Honor Citations for Actions Taken This Day
*STOCKHAM, FRED W. (Army Medal)
Rank and organization: Gunnery Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps, 96th Company, 2d Battalion, 6th Regiment. Place and date: In Bois-de-Belleau, France, 13-14 June 1918. Entered service at: New York, N.Y. Birth: Detroit, Mich. G.O. NO.:–. Citation: During an intense enemy bombardment with high explosive and gas shells which wounded or killed many members of the company, G/Sgt. Stockham, upon noticing that the gas mask of a wounded comrade was shot away, without hesitation, removed his own gas mask and insisted upon giving it to the wounded man, well knowing that the effects of the gas would be fatal to himself. He continued with undaunted courage and valor to direct and assist in the evacuation of the wounded, until he himself collapsed from the effects of gas, dying as a result thereof a few days later. His courageous conduct undoubtedly saved the lives of many of his wounded comrades and his conspicuous gallantry and spirit of self-sacrifice were a source of great inspiration to all who served with him.
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URBAN, MATT
Rank and organization: Lieutenant Colonel (then Captain), 2d Battalion, 60th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division, World War II. Place and date: Renouf, France, 14 June to 3 September 1944. Entered service at: Fort Bragg, North Carolina, 2 July 1941. Date and place of birth: 25 August 1919, Buffalo, New York. Lieutenant Colonel (then Captain) Matt Urban, l 12-22-2414, United States Army, who distinguished himself by a series of bold, heroic actions, exemplified by singularly outstanding combat leadership, personal bravery, and tenacious devotion to duty, during the period 14 June to 3 September 1944 while assigned to the 2d Battalion, 60th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division. On 14 June, Captain Urban's company, attacking at Renouf, France, encountered heavy enemy small arms and tank fire. The enemy tanks were unmercifully raking his unit's positions and inflicting heavy casualties. Captain Urban, realizing that his company was in imminent danger of being decimated, armed himself with a bazooka. He worked his way with an ammo carrier through hedgerows, under a continuing barrage of fire, to a point near the tanks. He brazenly exposed himself to the enemy fire and, firing the bazooka, destroyed both tanks. Responding to Captain Urban's action, his company moved forward and routed the enemy. Later that same day, still in the attack near Orglandes, Captain Urban was wounded in the leg by direct fire from a 37mm tank-gun. He refused evacuation and continued to lead his company until they moved into defensive positions for the night. At 0500 hours the next day, still in the attack near Orglandes, Captain Urban, though badly wounded, directed his company in another attack. One hour later he was again wounded. Suffering from two wounds, one serious, he was evacuated to England. In mid-July, while recovering from his wounds, he learned of his unit's severe losses in the hedgerows of Normandy. Realizing his unit's need for battle-tested leaders, he voluntarily left the hospital and hitchhiked his way back to his unit hear St. Lo, France. Arriving at the 2d Battalion Command Post at 1130 hours, 25 July, he found that his unit had jumped-off at 1100 hours in the first attack of Operation Cobra." Still limping from his leg wound, Captain Urban made his way forward to retake command of his company. He found his company held up by strong enemy opposition. Two supporting tanks had been destroyed and another, intact but with no tank commander or gunner, was not moving. He located a lieutenant in charge of the support tanks and directed a plan of attack to eliminate the enemy strong-point. The lieutenant and a sergeant were immediately killed by the heavy enemy fire when they tried to mount the tank. Captain Urban, though physically hampered by his leg wound and knowing quick action had to be taken, dashed through the scathing fire and mounted the tank. With enemy bullets ricocheting from the tank, Captain Urban ordered the tank forward and, completely exposed to the enemy fire, manned the machine gun and placed devastating fire on the enemy. His action, in the face of enemy fire, galvanized the battalion into action and they attacked and destroyed the enemy position. On 2 August, Captain Urban was wounded in the chest by shell fragments and, disregarding the recommendation of the Battalion Surgeon, again refused evacuation. On 6 August, Captain Urban became the commander of the 2d Battalion. On 15 August, he was again wounded but remained with his unit. On 3 September, the 2d Battalion was given the mission of establishing a crossing-point on the Meuse River near Heer, Belgium. The enemy planned to stop the advance of the allied Army by concentrating heavy forces at the Meuse. The 2d Battalion, attacking toward the crossing-point, encountered fierce enemy artillery, small arms and mortar fire which stopped the attack. Captain Urban quickly moved from his command post to the lead position of the battalion. Reorganizing the attacking elements, he personally led a charge toward the enemy's strong-point. As the charge moved across the open terrain, Captain Urban was seriously wounded in the neck. Although unable to talk above a whisper from the paralyzing neck wound, and in danger of losing his life, he refused to be evacuated until the enemy was routed and his battalion had secured the crossing-point on the Meuse River. Captain Urban's personal leadership, limitless bravery, and repeated extraordinary exposure to enemy fire served as an inspiration to his entire battalion. His valorous and intrepid actions reflect the utmost credit on him and uphold the noble traditions of the United States.
WISE, HOMER L.
Rank and organization: Staff Sergeant. U.S. Army, Company L, 142d Infantry, 36th Infantry Division. Place and date: Magliano, Italy, 14 June 1944. Entered service al: Baton Rouge, La. Birth: Baton Rouge La. G.O. No.: 90, 8 December 1944. Citation: While his platoon was pinned down by enemy small-arms fire from both flanks, he left his position of comparative safety and assisted in carrying 1 of his men, who had been seriously wounded and who lay in an exposed position, to a point where he could receive medical attention. The advance of the platoon was resumed but was again stopped by enemy frontal fire. A German officer and 2 enlisted men, armed with automatic weapons, threatened the right flank. Fearlessly exposing himself, he moved to a position from which he killed all 3 with his submachinegun. Returning to his squad, he obtained an Ml rifle and several antitank grenades, then took up a position from which he delivered accurate fire on the enemy holding up the advance. As the battalion moved forward it was again stopped by enemy frontal and flanking fire. He procured an automatic rifle and, advancing ahead of his men, neutralized an enemy machinegun with his fire. When the flanking fire became more intense he ran to a nearby tank and exposing himself on the turret, restored a jammed machinegun to operating efficiency and used it so effectively that the enemy fire from an adjacent ridge was materially reduced thus permitting the battalion to occupy its objective.
BLEAK, DAVID B.
Rank and organization: Sergeant, U.S. Army, Medical Company 223d Infantry Regiment, 40th Infantry Division. Place and date: Vicinity of Minari-gol, Korea, 14 June 1952. Entered service at: Shelley, Idaho. Born: 27 February 1932, Idaho Falls, Idaho. G.O. No.: 83, 2 November 1953. Citation: Sgt. Bleak, a member of the medical company, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and indomitable courage above and beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy. As a medical aidman, he volunteered to accompany a reconnaissance patrol committed to engage the enemy and capture a prisoner for interrogation. Forging up the rugged slope of the key terrain, the group was subjected to intense automatic weapons and small arms fire and suffered several casualties. After administering to the wounded, he continued to advance with the patrol. Nearing the military crest of the hill, while attempting to cross the fire-swept area to attend the wounded, he came under hostile fire from a small group of the enemy concealed in a trench. Entering the trench he closed with the enemy, killed 2 with bare hands and a third with his trench knife. Moving from the emplacement, he saw a concussion grenade fall in front of a companion and, quickly shifting his position, shielded the man from the impact of the blast. Later, while ministering to the wounded, he was struck by a hostile bullet but, despite the wound, he undertook to evacuate a wounded comrade. As he moved down the hill with his heavy burden, he was attacked by 2 enemy soldiers with fixed bayonets. Closing with the aggressors, he grabbed them and smacked their heads together, then carried his helpless comrade down the hill to safety. Sgt. Bleak's dauntless courage and intrepid actions reflect utmost credit upon himself and are in keeping with the honored traditions of the military service.
*SPEICHER, CLIFTON T.
Rank and organization: Corporal, U.S. Army, Company F, 223d Infantry Regiment, 40th Infantry Division. Place and date: Near Minarigol, Korea, 14 June 1952. Entered service at: Gray, Pa. Born: 25 March 1931, Gray, Pa. G.O. No.: 65, 19 August 1953. Citation: Cpl. Speicher distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and indomitable courage above and beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy. While participating in an assault to secure a key terrain feature, Cpl. Speicher's squad was pinned down by withering small-arms mortar, and machine gun fire. Although already wounded he left the comparative safety of his position, and made a daring charge against the machine gun emplacement. Within 10 yards of the goal, he was again wounded by small-arms fire but continued on, entered the bunker, killed 2 hostile soldiers with his rifle, a third with his bayonet, and silenced the machine gun. Inspired by this incredible display of valor, the men quickly moved up and completed the mission. Dazed and shaken, he walked to the foot of the hill where he collapsed and died. Cpl. Speicher's consummate sacrifice and unflinching devotion to duty reflect lasting glory upon himself and uphold the noble traditions of the military service.
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AMERICAN AEROSPACE EVENTS for June 14, 2021 FIRSTS, LASTS, AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOMPLISHMENTS. THANKS TO HAROLD "PHIL" MYERS CHIEF HISTORIAN AIR FORCE INTELLIGENCE, SURVEILLANCE, AND RECONNAISSANCE AGENCY
14 June
1910: Walter Brookins set a FAI altitude record of 4,380 feet at Indianapolis, Ind. in a Wright airplane. (9)
1912: Cpl Vernon L. Burge became the Army's first enlisted pilot after training in the Army's Air School, Philippines. (4)
1919: Ensign Charles H. Hammann, the first naval aviator to receive a Medal of Honor, died in an aircraft crash at Langley Field. (http://www.history.navy.mil/avh-vol2/Appen9.pdf)
1949: A monkey endured a rocket flight to a height of 83 miles, but a malfunctioning parachute caused its death on impact. (24)
1952: KOREAN WAR. After reconnaissance flights revealed repairs at the Pyongyang Airfield, Fifth Air Force fighter-bombers cratered the runways, rendering them unserviceable in approximately 150 sorties without a loss. (28) 1957: In flying an Aero Commander 680 to 30,300 feet at Tulsa, aviatrix Jerrie Cobb set a world altitude record for light two-engine planes. (24)
1965: Carl L. Norden, the inventor of the Norden bombsight, died. His device was widely used by American bombers in World War II. (8: June 90)
1975: Congress rejected a 1974 DoD proposal to inactivate New York's 102 FIS and several other Air Guard outfits. Instead, the ANG redesignated the squadron as the 102 ARRS and converted the unit's aircraft from F/TF-102As to Lockheed HC-130H'Ps and Sikorsky HH-3Es. That equipment change created the first Air Guard rescue unit. (32)
1981: USAFE sent six F-15s from the 36 TFW and one from the 32 TFW to Nellis to participate in a RED FLAG exercise. This participation was a first for the command. (26)
1989: Martin-Marietta's first Titan IV heavy-lift space booster launched from Cape Canaveral for the first time. It carried a DoD satellite. (16) (21)
1991: Operation FIERY VIGIL. Following the volcanic eruption of Mount Pinatubo, the USAF conducted the largest US airlift evacuation since the Vietnam War. Through 28 June, the USAF evacuated military members and their dependents from Clark AB and Subic Bay Naval Station in the Philippines for the US. Civil aircraft, C-5s, C-130s, and C-141s carried more than 18,000 people to safety. (18)
1993: The 437 AW at Charleston AFB received its first operational McDonnell Douglas C-17A Globemaster III. (20)
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Thanks to Dutch
What Is Flag Day?
Discover the history of the annual holiday and check out 13 surprising facts about the American flag and how to properly display it.
When the American Revolution broke out in 1775, the colonists weren't fighting united under a single flag. Instead, most regiments participating in the war for independence against the British fought under their own flags. In June of 1775, the Second Continental Congress met in Philadelphia to create the Continental Army—a unified colonial fighting force—with the hopes of more organized battle against its colonial oppressors. This led to the creation of what was, essentially, the first "American" flag, the Continental Colors.
For some, this flag, which was comprised of 13 red and white alternating stripes and a Union Jack in the corner, was too similar to that of the British. George Washington soon realized that flying a flag that was even remotely close to the British flag was not a great confidence-builder for the revolutionary effort, so he turned his efforts towards creating a new symbol of freedom for the soon-to-be fledgling nation.
On June 14, 1777, the Second Continental Congress took a break from writing the Articles of Confederation and passed a resolution stating that "the flag of the United States be 13 stripes, alternate red and white," and that "the union be 13 stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation."
Over 100 years later, in 1916, President Woodrow Wilson marked the anniversary of that decree by officially establishing June 14 as Flag Day. As you celebrate the anniversary of the Stars and Stripes, here are some fast facts about "Old Glory."
1. Bernard Cigrand, a small-town Wisconsin teacher, originated the idea for an annual flag day, to be celebrated across the country every June 14, in 1885. That year, he led his school in the first formal observance of the holiday. Cigrand, who later changed careers and practiced dentistry in Illinois, continued to promote his concept and advocate respect for the flag throughout his life.
2. It is widely believed that Betsy Ross, who assisted the Revolutionary War effort by repairing uniforms and sewing tents, made and helped design the first American flag. However, there is no historical evidence that she contributed to Old Glory's creation. It was not until her grandson William Canby held an 1870 press conference to recount the story that the American public learned of her possible role.
READ MORE: Did Betsy Ross Really Make the First American Flag?
3. The lyrics of "The Star-Spangled Banner," America's national anthem since 1931, are taken from a patriotic poem written by Francis Scott Key after he witnessed the Battle of Fort McHenry during the War of 1812. His words were set to the tune of "To Anacreon in Heaven," a popular British drinking song.
4. In the 1950s, when it seemed certain that Alaska would be admitted to the Union, designers began retooling the American flag to add a 49th star to the existing 48. Meanwhile, a 17-year-old Ohio student named Bob Heft borrowed his mother's sewing machine, disassembled his family's 48-star flag and stitched on 50 stars in a proportional pattern. He handed in his creation to his history teacher for a class project, explaining that he expected Hawaii would soon achieve statehood as well.
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Flag Day 2021: What Is Flag Day? | Celebrate the American Flag | The Old Farmer's Almanac
Thanks to Tam and Dr. Rich
https://www.almanac.com/content/flag-day-celebration-american-flag
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