The first American national flag, representing all the colonies, was the Continental Colors (sometimes mistakenly called the Cambridge Flag or Grand Union). Used mostly on ships, forts, and government buildings, this flag, on which the British Union flag appeared at the upper hoist corner, served as the unofficial American flag from 1775 until 1777. After the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, the British flag was no longer deemed appropriate as part of the U.S. flag. Obviously, a new flag was needed. Consequently, on June 14, 1777, the Continental Congress resolved that "the Flag of the united states be 13 stripes alternate red and white," and that "the Union be 13 stars white in a blue field representing a new constellation." Although they had long been the colors of the British colonies in America, no surviving record explains why red, white, and blue were chosen as the colors for our flag, the best-known symbol of the United States. Five years later, however, when the Congress of the Confederation chose the same three colors for the newly designed Great Seal of the United States, a document was sent to Congress that explained the meanings of the chosen colors. Red is for hardiness and valor (courage), white indicates purity and innocence, and blue signifies vigilance, perseverance, and justice. Observance of the adoption of the flag was not soon in coming, however. Although there are many claims to the first official observance of Flag Day, most purportedly took place more than an entire century after the flag's adoption in 1777. Early advocates included President Wilson, in 1916, & President Coolidge, in 1927, who both issued proclamations asking for June 14th to be observed as National Flag Day. On May 7, 1937, Pennsylvania became the first state to declare Flag Day a legal holiday & establish its official annual observance on June 14th. It wasn't until August 3, 1949, however, that Congress approved the national observance & President Harry Truman signed it into law. Consequently, Flag Day has been observed nationwide on June 14th since 1950, but Pennsylvania remains the only state that recognizes it as a legal holiday.
This color coordinated collection of fashion fabrics was first featured in our Vogue Fabrics By Mail Summer 2011 catalog of swatches. Subscribe to receive home delivery of these catalogs every other month.
This color coordinated collection of fashion fabrics was first featured in our Vogue Fabrics By Mail Summer 2011 catalog of swatches. Subscribe to receive home delivery of these catalogs every other month.
