June 14: Flag Day

Today is Flag Day. It is a day to commemorate the adoption of the American flag on June 14, 1777. The Second Continental Congress passed the resolution for the flag. The anniversary wasn’t an official observance until 1916 when Woodrow Wilson established the day as an observance. Flag day is not an official federal holiday. It is up to the discretion of the president to officially proclaim the observance. Pennsylvania became the first state to celebrate Flag Day as a state holiday in 1937. The oldest continuing Flag Day parade is held in Fairfield, Washington. What is the history of the flag? What is the symbolism? And what other flag shares it’s anniversary with the American flag.

The current design of the American flag is the 27^th design. Its current design has been in use since adding Hawaii as a stage in 1959. The Resolution in 1777 called for a flag with 13 stripes, alternating red and white and 13 stars on a field of blue. However, it did not designate how the stars would be situated on the field of blue so various flags were made. Most people are familiar with the stars in a circle design but there were multiple designs in use. The story that Betsy Ross made the first flag at the request of George Washington has been deemed false. There no record exists in Washington’s diaries or the records of the Continental Congress stating a request was made. The story was first suggested in 1870 by William Canby, Ross’ grandson. He would later admit he could not find any evidence to corroborate this story. The first official US flag was flown during battle was August 3, 1777 at Fort Schuyler (Fort Stanwix).

The flag is the nation’s most widely recognized symbol. It has become a powerful symbol of American nationalism. Reverence for the flag has reach religious like fervor for some individuals. In his book, The Religion of Old Glory (1919), William Norman Guthrie would claim the fervor was vexilloatry or flag worship. The US Flag Code, a federal law, dictates flag etiquette. Most of the rules are how the flag should be displayed and treated. It especially prohibits against the flag’s use “for any advertising purpose” and “should not be embroidered, printed, or otherwise impressed on articles such as cushions, handkerchiefs, napkins, boxes,” etc. Anything that is temporary use and thrown away or something that can be soiled and washed. The flag is also prohibited to be used as apparel, bedding, or drapery. It is prohibited from being a costume or used on athletic uniforms. You’re probably thinking, “wait, what about all those items should at Fourth of July?” Yes, it seems that those items are in violation of the Flag Code. However, the code is mostly ignored because it is not widely enforced as there is no penalty for private citizens.

June 14 is also the anniversary of the Bear Flag Revolt in California. The flag features a bear, a red star and the words “California Republic.” In 1846, approximately 500 American settlers and 8,000-12,000 Mexicans lived in California. Being led by William B. Ide, 33 American settlers and mountain men arrested the Mexican general in command at Sonoma and declared the “Bear Flag Republic” on the Pacific Ocean coast as an independent nation. On June 25, Captain John C Fremont arrived at Sonoma and gave his support. He would be later elected as head of the Republic of California. The rebellion was quick to fail as forces under Commodore John D Sloat occupied San Francisco and Sonoma and claimed California for the US on July 9, 1846. The Bear Flag was adopted as the state flag when California joined the Union in 1850 as the 31^st state, after being annexed by the US following the Mexican-American War (1846-1849).

In conclusion, Flag Day is a day to celebrate the anniversary of the adoption of our nation’s flag. The flag has been through numerous redesigns, usually when a state has joined the union. While the Betsy Ross story has largely debunked, it remains a story that is still circulated. The flag is also the nation’s most widely recognized symbol and one that is the most revered by American people. There are a set of rules for flag etiquette; however, it is not widely enforced. June 14 is also the anniversary of the Bear Flag Revolt of California. Take a little extra time today and appreciate our nation’s flag.