by A J Grape

Created on: June 09, 2008   Last Updated: June 17, 2008

The origin of Flag Day can be traced back through a series of historical events and acts of passion. These moments strung together, finally culminated in a call to consider the significance and to display with dignity and respect the emblem of America's national character. It was an idea and a movement to establish a day to honor and remember the birthday of our colorful American banner, which helped bring unity and spread patriotism to a nation in its infancy.

On June 14, 1777, approximately one year after the Declaration of Independence, the Continental Congress officially adopted the colors and original configuration of the Stars and Stripes as our national flag.

In describing the colors of our new flag, the Congress wrote, "White signifies Purity and Innocence; Red, Hardiness and Valor; Blue signifies Vigilance, Perseverance and Justice." The colors no longer only represented the observable spectrum but the strong character traits of the noble and virtuous American people who had and would continue to build this nation. National pride was surely needed to anchor their individual sacrifices and efforts.

Although, the young nation was proud of her flag, it was not until almost one hundred years later, that a Flag Day celebration was observed in 1861 in the City of Hartford, Connecticut at the start of the Civil War. The emblem during those years became a symbol of change, and fear now accompanied the flag and worst of all the feeling of doubt as all eyes looked to her for hope. It was a tumultuous time for the Star Spangled Banner, a flag that had provided so much strength and pride in its glorious beginning.

The Civil War devastated and polarized the nation, clouding the character of a fearless flag that had once united the country. But the flag did not fail to inspire and once the war finally ended, it emerged and challenged its people to rise again from the ashes and embody those virtues that we first aspired to. The flag remained flying in the glory of its three colors, reminding us that it represents, not just who we are, but who we desire to be. The flag emerged as a symbol of true freedom, true sacrifice and true hope for all Americans.

In 1877, "Flag Birthday" was celebrated in cities and towns all across the country as our symbol of freedom turned 100 years old. Old glory had truly hit a milestone and the people of the country rallied. Real and measurable healing was beginning to be seen and the nation returned to open patriotism and displayed the national

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