An Ol' Broad's Ramblings
Flag Day
Resolved, that the Flag of the thirteen United States shall be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the Union be thirteen stars, white on a blue field, representing a new constellation.
June 14, 1777
Congressional legislation designating that date as the national Flag Day was signed into law by President Harry Truman in 1949; the legislation also called upon the president to issue a flag day proclamation every year.
Well, I was actually going to post the current occupant of the White House’s “Proclamation”, but I can’t find one. Maybe they just haven’t gotten around to it yet, or maybe I’m looking in the wrong place? They do have a few others up:
Presidential Proclamation– 90th Anniversary of the Department of Labor Women’s Bureau
Presidential Proclamation– King Kamehameha Day
Presidential Proclamation- African-American Music Appreciation Month
Presidential Proclamation-National Oceans Month
Presidential Proclamation–Caribbean-American Heritage Month
Presidential Proclamation–Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month
Etc. Hmm… Found it from last year, but… Well, I’ll check back later.
The Fourth of July was traditionally celebrated as America’s birthday, but the idea of an annual day specifically celebrating the Flag is believed to have first originated in 1885. BJ Cigrand, a schoolteacher, arranged for the pupils in the Fredonia, Wisconsin Public School, District 6, to observe June 14 (the 108th anniversary of the official adoption of The Stars and Stripes) as ‘Flag Birthday’. In numerous magazines and newspaper articles and public addresses over the following years, Cigrand continued to enthusiastically advocate the observance of June 14 as ‘Flag Birthday’, or ‘Flag Day’. (more here)
Don’t know if you’ve ever heard of Stan Freburg’s History of the United States but it’s a childhood favorite of mine. It’s a bit irreverent but all in good fun.
Here’s George Washington and Betsy Ross chatting about the flag @ 6min37seconds:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PUCe5OaKldM
If you have the time I’d certainly recommend listening to the whole series. Lotsa silly fun based on US history.
@ Allen - You are either dating yourself, or you have done your research. Stan Freburg was the original audio satire guy, classic stuff , in radio commericials and other venues. He even had a very short run TV show in the early 60′s. So far ahead of his time – never really understood. Thanks for the reminder.
Charley
Yer right, I am dating myself.
But honestly, who else would go out with me?!
LMAO