Flag Day represents American Pride & Independence

Throughout history, the flag has been used by various groups, religious organizations, countries, states and counties. In addition schools, sports teams, unions and clubs have used a flag as a symbol of itself.

The purpose of the flag has never been one to be worshiped or idolized but is meant to represent the stated way that these entities wish to be seen.

Often in today's society, flags of all kinds are seen in a light that is totally unrepresentative of their true meaning. For example the United States flag has come under much scrutiny from a variety of directions in the past several years and often times it's meaning has been widely misrepresented.

The flag symbolizes not only where the country, in this case is at today, but where it came from and where it is headed. The United States flag stands as a symbol of our country's ability to lead and effect change throughout the world over the past 246 years. Like anything else, our past hasn't always been glorious, but the path to where we are at is one of a position of world wide leadership and change.

We have come so far in the past 300 years, from the time of oppression and slavery to a time where discussions can be held openly and hopefully in the future peacefully about a new direction.

From the time of our Civil War in 1860, to the end of slavery and the women's right to vote to the civil rights movement of the sixties, the United States has led the world in bringing about change.

As a leader of change we are seen as villains to some people of the world. Any leader, person or organization at the top of any group will always fall victim to this general assumption. One thing for certain is knowing that the rest of the world would not have adapted to all of these previous changes without the United States taking charge and providing the strength and courage to move forward.

The United States has shown an incredible ability to grow and learn from hardship and difficult times and to always strive to improve the future of all of our citizens. Often times it will feel like these changes are slow in coming to fruition but they will happen first in the United States of America before anywhere else in the world.

The flag of the United States, which flies so proudly in front of Federal, State and County buildings, schools and a plethora of other businesses and individual homes represents that strength and the future of a country that will always work tirelessly to be better in and of itself.

That the flag of the United States shall be of thirteen stripes of alternate red and white, with a union of thirteen stars of white in a blue field, representing the new constellation.

~ This was the resolution adopted by the Continental Congress on June 14, 1777. The resolution was made following the report of a special committee which had been assigned to suggest the flag's design.

The flag of the United States today represents not only the blood, sweat and tears of its past but also the trials, tribulations and sacrifices made since the Declaration of Independence was first read. The lessons learned and the mistakes made through the years leading up to today has made us what we are. More importantly it represents our countries ability to regroup, to gather together and to move forward in the most peaceful and harmonious way possible. The intended consequence, to provide the best possible life for all those who call this great land home.

Without question we will make more mistakes moving forward, there will be more trials, more tribulation, more struggle, but hopefully there will be even more happiness, more togetherness and more unity. When we look up and see the flag blowing proudly in the wind, this is what we should be witnessing, hope, freedom and unity, while also paying respect to those who have gave all and sacrificed to provide it.

On May 30, 1916, President Woodrow Wilson, by presidential proclamation, declared June 14 a national holiday to honor the stars and stripes recognition as the official flag of the United States of America.

The Flag of the United States was first carried into battle on September 11, 1777 in the Battle of Brandywine. It was recognized by foreign dignitaries for the first time by naval vessels on February 14, 1778 when a ship under the command of Captain Paul Jones arrived in a French port.

The flag flew for the first time over a foreign territory at Nassau, Bahamas in 1778. It took another 100 years before it's adoption was fully observed when it was recognized by a principal in New York at a kindergarten for the poor.

It was next widely recognized during observances held for Abraham Lincoln, George Washington and Memorial Day in 1897. This was also the first year where the idea of Flag Day was presented.

Philadelphia was the first to call for its representation in city public building beginning in 1893. Despite President Wilson's 1916 proclamation it wasn't until May 7, 1937 that the day was officially recognized for the first time in Philadelphia. This remains the case to this day however nationally its observance is federally recognized. This observance was made official on August 3, 1949 after congressional approval.