The American Revolution marked an important turning point in American history, leading to the emergence of a new nation and the need for a symbol that represented its identity. This article explores the evolving history of the United States flags, from unofficial continental colors to iconic stars and stripes. It also mentions the meaning of these flags and how their symbolism has evolved over time.
Today there are three types of US military flags: individual flags; Service flags; Navy flag.
Continent colors and flags
After the American Revolution began, a significant event occurred on January 1, 1776, when the first unofficial national flag, known as the Continental Color or the Grand Union Flag, was hoisted. up on the high freedom pole on Prospect Hill in Charlestown (now Somerville), Massachusetts.
This flag, with its 13 horizontal stripes, can be red and white or red, white and blue, representing the British Union Flag in Canton. It used to be the flag of the continental army and was flown on fortresses and ships.
During the Revolutionary War, various versions of the rattlesnake flag, with the motto “Don’t step on me”, appeared on many American colonial banners. The Gadsden flag, as well as the flag carried by the Minutemen of Culpeper County, Virginia, which includes Patrick Henry’s famous quote “Freedom or death”, are notable examples.
Stars and stripes
On June 14, 1777, the Continental Congress officially adopted the first national flag, called the Stars and Stripes.
The flag resolution provided that it would consist of thirteen alternating red and white stripes, representing the thirteen colonies, and a combination of thirteen white stars on a blue background, representing the new constellation. .
Although the designer is uncertain, Congressman Francis Hopkinson of Philadelphia is often credited with creating the star ring.
The stars and stripes made a significant appearance on September 11, 1777 at the Battle of Brandywine, where it was worn as part of the military rank.
This battle marked one of the earliest recorded instances of the flag being used in a military context, cementing its role as a symbol of the United States.
The evolution of stars and stripes
The Stars and Stripes have undergone changes and clarifications over time. On May 1, 1795, Congress passed the Second National Flag Resolution, ordering the addition of new stars and stripes to the national flag as new states were accepted.
The first two states added were Vermont (1791) and Kentucky (1792). Notably, “The Star Spangled Banner”, a large flag created by Mary Pickersgill, inspired Francis Scott Key to write the song that would later become the national anthem.
In 1818, Congress passed the third and final Flag Resolution, setting the standard that the flag should have thirteen stripes representing the original colonies, the number of stars corresponding to the number of stars. with the number of states and each new star must be added by 4th of July after being approved by the state.
This system is still in effect to this day. Between 1777 and 1960, with Hawaii’s adoption in 1959, there were 27 versions of the flag, mostly related to changes in the arrangement of the stars. In 1912, an executive order from President William Howard Taft standardized the proportions and colors of the flag.
Symbolism and patriotism
The colors of the stars and stripes of red, white and blue have no official meaning. However, Charles Thomson, secretary of the Continental Congress, said that white symbolizes purity and innocence, red symbolizes endurance and courage, and blue symbolizes vigilance. , perseverance and justice.
The flag has long been the focus of patriotic feelings. Since 1892, millions of students have recited the Oath of Allegiance to the flag at the beginning of each school day.
The national anthem, whose content focuses on the flag, further emphasizes its symbolic meaning. However, debates have begun over flag derogatory legislation, with arguments weighing free speech with the need to protect national symbols.
confederate flag
During the American Civil War, the Confederate states adopted several flags. The first, called Stars and Bars, was in use from March 5, 1861.
Then the Confederate battle flag came to prominence. In May 1863, the Confederacy introduced the stainless steel flag as its first official flag, followed by a modified version in March 1865, shortly before the end of the war.
argumentative
In the late 20th century, the display of the Confederate flag on public buildings, including state capitals, became a matter of controversy.
Supporters see it as a symbol of the legacy and sacrifice of the South, while opponents see it as a reminder of racism and slavery, arguing it is inappropriate for official use.
At the present time, the United States of America uses the Star Spotted Banner.
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Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education