The American Flag Essay - 863 Words

First I would like to include some information about our american flag and how it came about. In the British colonies of North America before the Revolution, each of the 13 colonies had its flag. On Jan. 2, 1776, the first flag of the United States was raised at Cambridge, Mass., by George Washington. Known as the Grand Union flag, it consisted of 13 stripes, alternate red and white, with a blue canton bearing the crosses of St. George and St. Andrew. Congress, on June 14, 1777, enacted a resolution â€Å"that the Flag of the United States be 13 stripes alternate red and white, that the Union be 13 stars white in a blue field representing a new constellation.† On Jan. 13, 1794, Vermont and Kentucky having been admitted to the Union,†¦show more content†¦Colonel George Ross was a respected Philadelphian and also the uncle of her late husband, John Ross. Naturally, Betsy Ross already knew George Ross as she had married his nephew. Furthermore, Betsy was also acquainted with the great General Washington. Not only did they both worship at Christ Church in Philadelphia, but Betsys pew was next to George and Martha Washingtons pew. Her daughter recalled, That she was previously well acquainted with Washington, and that he had often been in her house in friendly visits, as well as on business. That she had embroidered ruffles for his shirt bosoms and cuffs, and that it was partly owing to his friendship for her that she was chosen to make the flag. In June 1776, brave Betsy was a widow struggling to run her own upholstery business. Upholsterers in colonial America not only worked on furniture but did all manner of sewing work, which for some included making flags. According to Betsy, General Washington showed her a rough design of the flag that included a six-pointed star. Betsy, a standout with the scissors, demonstrated . Impressed, the committee entrusted Betsy with making our first flag. Until that time, colonies and militias used many different flags. Some are famous, such as the Rattlesnake Flag used by the Continental Navy, with its venomous challenge, Dont Tread on Me. Next I would like to try to explain what it represents to me. The american flag to me stands for hard fought forShow MoreRelatedThe Flag Of The American Flag836 Words   |  4 PagesHow can a simple flag evoke so much patriotism and pride, even after this many years? Veterans may say the flag represents our freedoms- freedom of speech, freedom of the press, freedom of religion. In 1985, at the Maryland Flag Day ceremony, President Reagan stated: â€Å"The colors of the flag signify the qualities of the human spirit, we Americans cherish. 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