American Flag History

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American Flag History
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America has always been a great superpower and her people are proud of its humble beginnings. The American flag symbolizes a rich and colorful history which causes the citizens feel a deep source of pride whenever they see the American flag. The American flag history begins over 200 years ago and since then it has a wonderful history attached to its beginnings and evolutions.

The American flag history started when George Washington instructed his men to hoist the Grand Union flag at his base in Prospect Hill. This was when the army under his command was attacking Boston, which has been taken over by the British army. This flag contained thirteen alternate red and white stripes with the British Union Jack in upper left hand corner.

An interesting claim in the American flag history was made by Betsy Ross in May of 1776. She claimed that she was the person who sewed the first American flag. Another highlight in the American flag history was when the Continental Congress passed the first Flag Act stating that the flag of the United States must comprise of thirteen stripes, alternating red and white colors, and thirteen white stars in a blue field.

Since 1777, there have been a lot of changes introduced in the design of the American flag as more and more places are becoming states of America. This was the time when the American flag history was in constant development. In 1795, the flag consisted of fifteen stripes and fifteen stars. In 1818, President Monroe signed an act that used thirteen stripes and one star for each state. President Taft ordered that the flag be proportioned and the stars be arranged in six horizontal rows of eight each in 1912. In 1959, President Eisenhower issued an order to arrange the stars in seven rows of seven stars that are to be staggered horizontally and vertically. Seven months later, he improved the arrangement of the stars to nine rows staggering horizontally and eleven rows staggering vertically.

The symbolism of colors of the American flag is as meaningful as its history; red for hardiness and valor, white for purity and innocence and blue for vigilance, perseverance and justice.

It is with such baubles that men are led.

—Napoleon I