Flag Day 2025 And The United States Army's 250th Birthday

Today is Flag Day, a day for commemorating the adoption of a design by Francis Hopkinson as the official Flag of the United States on this date in 1777. President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation in 1919 declaring June 14 as the official day.

Francis Hopkinson Flag, 1777

Here are some words about the Hopkinson flag from the link above:

Hopkinson is recognized as the designer of the official "first flag" of the United States. Although he sought compensation from Congress, the letter was somewhat comical. He asked for a quarter cask of wine in payment for the flag, the Great Seal, and various other contributions. Congress used the usual bureaucratic tactics of asking for an itemized bill. After some back and forth, Congress eventually refused on the pretext that Hopkinson was already paid as a public servant. The letter also mentioned that Hopkinson collaborated with others on his designs because he was one of many contributing to the Great Seal.

While there is no known Hopkinson flag in existence today, we do know from his rough sketch that it had thirteen stars and thirteen stripes. It is believed that his flag used red and white stripes and white stars on a field of blue. Because the original stars used in the Great Seal had six points, we might also assume that Hopkinson's flag intended the use of a 6-pointed star. This is bolstered by his original sketch that showed asterisks with six points.

The legend of Betsy Ross as the designer of the first flag entered into American consciousness about the time of the 1876 centennial celebrations. See Betsy Ross Flag for the full story. Today many Americans still cling to the legend that she designed the first flag with it's familiar circle of thirteen stars, At the same time most are unaware of Hopkinson's legacy.

There are any number of songs written about our national flag. Among the best of them is George M. Cohan's 1906 rouser, You're A Grand Old Rag, written in 1906 for his musical, George Washington, Jr. Here it is performed by Billy Murray, the best selling recording artist of the earthy 20th century.

That's right, you read and heard "rag" instead of "flag". Cohen wrote the song inspired by a Civil War veteran clutching a tattered US flag he referred to as a grand old rag. Although the song was an immediate success many individuals and patriotic groups were uncomfortable with "rag" referring to such a sacred symbol. Eager to please his audience, Cohan soon published a revision with new words and a new title, You're A Grand Old Flag. 

And while you admire the Grand Old Flag remember that today is the 250th birthday of the United States Army. These words from the America250 webpage say it all:

On June 14, 1775, the Second Continental Congress voted to establish the Continental Army. This action marked the creation of America’s first national military force, more than a year before the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

For 250 years, the United States Army has played a vital role in defending America. From the Revolutionary War to the present day, Americans have served selflessly–many sacrificing their lives–in defense of the country. Our service members’ courage, loyalty, and dedication have inspired generations. At the same time, Army-led innovations and breakthroughs–from radar and the internet to everyday items like wireless communications–have advanced our national security, transformed global commerce, and propelled America’s economic competitiveness.

Sources

Photos and Illustrations:
Hopkinson Flag, public domain image, Wikimedia.org
America250.org

Text:
Francis Hopkinson, entry, Wikipedia.org
"You're A Grand Old Flag," entry, Wikipedia.org

Flag Day 2024

Today is Flag Day, a day for commemorating the adoption of a design by Francis Hopkinson as the official Flag of the United States on this date in 1777. President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation in 1919 declaring June 14 as the official day.

Francis Hopkinson Flag, 1777

Here are some words about the Hopkinson flag from the link above:

Hopkinson is recognized as the designer of the official "first flag" of the United States. Although he sought compensation from Congress, the letter was somewhat comical. He asked for a quarter cask of wine in payment for the flag, the Great Seal, and various other contributions. Congress used the usual bureaucratic tactics of asking for an itemized bill. After some back and forth, Congress eventually refused on the pretext that Hopkinson was already paid as a public servant. The letter also mentioned that Hopkinson collaborated with others on his designs because he was one of many contributing to the Great Seal.

While there is no known Hopkinson flag in existence today, we do know from his rough sketch that it had thirteen stars and thirteen stripes. It is believed that his flag used red and white stripes and white stars on a field of blue. Because the original stars used in the Great Seal had six points, we might also assume that Hopkinson's flag intended the use of a 6-pointed star. This is bolstered by his original sketch that showed asterisks with six points.

The legend of Betsy Ross as the designer of the first flag entered into American consciousness about the time of the 1876 centennial celebrations. See Betsy Ross Flag for the full story. Today many Americans still cling to the legend that she designed the first flag with it's familiar circle of thirteen stars, At the same time most are unaware of Hopkinson's legacy.

There are any number of songs written about our national flag. Among the best of them is George M. Cohan's 1906 rouser, You're A Grand Old Rag, written in 1906 for his musical, George Washington, Jr. Here it is performed by Billy Murray, the best selling recording artist of the earthy 20th century.

That's right, you read and heard "rag" instead of "flag". Cohen wrote the song inspired by a Civil War veteran clutching a tattered US flag he referred to as a grand old rag. Although the song was an immediate success many individuals and patriotic groups were uncomfortable with "rag" referring to such a sacred symbol. Eager to please his audience, Cohan soon published a revision with new words and a new title, You're A Grand Old Flag. 

Sources

Photos and Illustrations:
Hopkinson Flag, public domain image, Wikimedia.org

Text:
Francis Hopkinson, entry, Wikipedia.org
"You're A Grand Old Flag," entry, Wikipedia.org

Flag Day 2023

Today is Flag Day, a day for commemorating the adoption of a design by Francis Hopkinson as the official Flag of the United States on this date in 1777. President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation in 1919 declaring June 14 as the official day.

Francis Hopkinson Flag, 1777

Here are some words about the Hopkinson flag from the link above:

Hopkinson is recognized as the designer of the official "first flag" of the United States. Although he sought compensation from Congress, the letter was somewhat comical. He asked for a quarter cask of wine in payment for the flag, the Great Seal, and various other contributions. Congress used the usual bureaucratic tactics of asking for an itemized bill. After some back and forth, Congress eventually refused on the pretext that Hopkinson was already paid as a public servant. The letter also mentioned that Hopkinson collaborated with others on his designs because he was one of many contributing to the Great Seal.

While there is no known Hopkinson flag in existence today, we do know from his rough sketch that it had thirteen stars and thirteen stripes. It is believed that his flag used red and white stripes and white stars on a field of blue. Because the original stars used in the Great Seal had six points, we might also assume that Hopkinson's flag intended the use of a 6-pointed star. This is bolstered by his original sketch that showed asterisks with six points.

The legend of Betsy Ross as the designer of the first flag entered into American consciousness about the time of the 1876 centennial celebrations. See Betsy Ross Flag for the full story. Today many Americans still cling to the legend that she designed the first flag with it's familiar circle of thirteen stars, At the same time most are unaware of Hopkinson's legacy.

There are any number of songs written about our national flag. Among the best of them is George M. Cohan's 1906 rouser, You're A Grand Old Flag, written in 1906 for his musical, George Washington, Jr. Here it is performed by"The President's Own" United States Marine Band:

Sources

Photos and Illustrations:
Hopkinson Flag, public domain image, Wikimedia.org

Text:
Francis Hopkinson, entry, Wikipedia.org
"You're A Grand Old Flag," entry, Wikipedia.org

Flag Day 2022

Today is Flag Day, a day for commemorating the adoption of a design by Francis Hopkinson as the official Flag of the United States on this date in 1777. President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation in 1919 declaring June 14 as the official day.

Francis Hopkinson Flag, 1777

Here are some words about the Hopkinson flag from the link above:

Hopkinson is recognized as the designer of the official "first flag" of the United States. Although he sought compensation from Congress, the letter was somewhat comical. He asked for a quarter cask of wine in payment for the flag, the Great Seal, and various other contributions. Congress used the usual bureaucratic tactics of asking for an itemized bill. After some back and forth, Congress eventually refused on the pretext that Hopkinson was already paid as a public servant. The letter also mentioned that Hopkinson collaborated with others on his designs because he was one of many contributing to the Great Seal.

While there is no known Hopkinson flag in existence today, we do know from his rough sketch that it had thirteen stars and thirteen stripes. It is believed that his flag used red and white stripes and white stars on a field of blue. Because the original stars used in the Great Seal had six points, we might also assume that Hopkinson's flag intended the use of a 6-pointed star. This is bolstered by his original sketch that showed asterisks with six points.

The legend of Betsy Ross as the designer of the first flag entered into American consciousness about the time of the 1876 centennial celebrations. See Betsy Ross Flag. This flag with its circle of 13 stars came into popular use as a flag commemorating our nation's birth. Many Americans today still cling to the Betsy Ross legend that she designed the flag and most are unaware of Hopkinson's legacy.

There are any number of songs written about our national flag. Among the best of them is George M. Cohan's 1906 rouser, You're A Grand Old Flag, written in 1906 for his musical, George Washington, Jr. Here it is performed by The President's Own" United States Marine Band:

Sources

Photos and Illustrations:
Hopkinson Flag, public domain image, Wikimedia.org

Text:
Francis Hopkinson, entry, Wikipedia.org
"You're A Grand Old Flag," entry, Wikipedia.org

Flag Day 2021

Today is Flag Day, a day for commemorating the adoption of a design by Francis Hopkinson as the official Flag of the United States on this date in 1777. President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation in 1919 declaring June 14 as the official day.

Francis Hopkinson Flag                                                   1777

 Here are some words about the Hopkinson flag from the link above:

Hopkinson is recognized as the designer of the official "first flag" of the United States. Although he sought compensation from Congress, the letter was somewhat comical. He asked for a quarter cask of wine in payment for the flag, the Great Seal, and various other contributions. Congress used the usual bureaucratic tactics of asking for an itemized bill. After some back and forth, Congress eventually refused on the pretext that Hopkinson was already paid as a public servant. The letter also mentioned that Hopkinson collaborated with others on his designs because he was one of many contributing to the Great Seal. 

While there is no known Hopkinson flag in existence today, we do know from his rough sketch that it had thirteen stars and thirteen stripes. It is believed that his flag used red and white stripes and white stars on a field of blue. Because the original stars used in the Great Seal had six points, we might also assume that Hopkinson's flag intended the use of a 6-pointed star. This is bolstered by his original sketch that showed asterisks with six points.

The legend of Betsy Ross as the designer of the first flag entered into American consciousness about the time of the 1876 centennial celebrations. See Betsy Ross Flag. This flag with its circle of 13 stars came into popular use as a flag commemorating our nation's birth. Many Americans today still cling to the Betsy Ross legend that she designed the flag and most are unaware of Hopkinson's legacy.

There are any number of songs written about our national flag. Among the best of them is George M. Cohan's 1906 rouser, You're A Grand Old Flag, written in 1906 for his musical, George Washington, Jr. Here it is performed by The President's Own" United States Marine Band:

Sources

Photos and Illustrations:
Hopkinson Flag, public domain image, wikimedia.org

Text:
Francis Hopkinson, entry, wikipedia.org
"You're A Grand Old Flag," entry, wikipedia.org

Flag Day 2019

On this day in 1777 the Second Continental Congress adopted a design for the flag of the United States. This year we celebrate the centennial of President Woodrow Wilson's proclamation officially establishing June 14 as Flag Day.

The original Star Spangled Banner, Smthsonian Institution, Washington, D.C.

Oh! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand

Between their loved home and the war's desolation!

Blest with victory and peace, may the heav'n rescued land

Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation.

Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,

And this be our motto: "In God is our trust."

And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave

O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

Verse 4

The Star Spangled Banner

Francis Scott Key

It wouldn't be right to have Flag Day without music so here's a rousing tribute to Old Glory from the 1942 film, Yankee Doodle Dandy, a biopic of the American songwriter, George M. Cohan. If you don't know this film it's worth viewing as one of the most entertaining biographies out of Hollywood as well as a prime example of wartime propaganda. Morale was marginal that year on both the home front and the battlefield. Any lift in spirit would help sustain our allied fight against the evil infecting Europe and the Pacific at that time. The film certainly rallied that spirit. It was a patriotic blockbuster winning several Oscars and other awards . The clip below comes from the computer colorized version produced by Ted Turner in 1986.

Sources

Text:
Yankee Doodle Dandy entry, Wikipedia.org