Flag Day in the USA

Flag Day in the United States, is the celebration of the birthday of the Stars and Stripes. Sadly, for most Americans, Flag Day is not on their radar like the celebration of Memorial Day or Independence Day. Most Americans may not even realize Flag Day even exists. It is not an official federal holiday as far as federal or other assorted government employees are concerned – no official day off and no overtime pay on this holiday. Thus, Americans may wonder what meaning does the day truly have?

The day of June 14th is historic because the Continental Congress passed an official resolution on June 14, 1777, “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.” With this decree came no specific direction of how the stars were to be arranged. Indeed, such lack of direction led to several different designs of stars - some arranged in a circle, and some arranged in horizontal lines. Practically, it was up to the flag maker’s discretion as to how the stars were to be arranged on the field of blue.

Ironically, this resolution of Congress made the U. S. flag the official emblem of the country before the U.S. government became officially authorized or recognized. 1777 was the same year that the Continental Congress approved the Articles of Confederation, the document that organized the revolutionary government of the fledgling nation. But, it was not until 1781 that the colonies finally ratified the Articles and the United States became a self proclaimed government of the people.

Read more: http://communities.washingtontimes.com/neighborhood/history-purpose/2012/jun/14/Flag-Day-USA/