Tuesday, June 14, 2011

CELEBRATING FLAG DAY

Marion Pellicano Ambrose


Today, June 14th , we celebrate Flag Day in the United States of America. On this day in 1777, the Continental Congress proposed that the US have a national flag to replace the British Union Jack. A flag was designed with 13 stripes and 13 stars to represent the 13 colonies, now considered states. It wasn’t until 1877 when the centennial of the adoption of the flag was celebrated that the flag was flown over every government building. In August of 1949, President Harry S. Truman proclaimed June 14th as Flag Day. Since then, Americans are encouraged to fly Old Glory outside their homes and businesses, although it is not a national holiday. Each year the President of the United States issues a proclamation to commemorate Flag Day.
The history of our flag is a rich and interesting one. The US flag has changed design more than any other in the world. From its birth to its present form, our flag has represented the pride and determination of the American people and has been a symbol of hope and freedom to all.

Take this quiz to see what you know about the American Flag and its history!

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