History of the American Flag
The American flag is an iconic symbol of freedom and democracy. Comprised of thirteen red and white stripes representing the original thirteen colonies and a field of fifty white stars on a blue background to represent the fifty states, it has a rich and diverse history that spans more than two centuries.
The First American Flag
The first American flag is believed to have been designed by a Philadelphia seamstress named Betsy Ross in 1776. The story goes that George Washington, Robert Morris, and George Ross, members of a secret committee appointed by the Continental Congress, visited her shop to commission the creation of a flag with thirteen stars and thirteen stripes. Betsy Ross is said to have suggested a five-pointed star, which the committee agreed upon. However, there is no concrete evidence to support this story.
Another claim for the design of the first American flag is given to Francis Hopkinson, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, who is said to have drafted a design in 1777. His claim is supported by an invoice for "the designing of the 'American Flag'". Hopkinson also claimed to have designed several other American emblems, including the seal of the Treasury Department.
No matter who designed the first American flag, it was adopted by the Continental Congress on June 14th, 1777, and became the official flag of the United States. However, the flag was not widely recognized or used until the early 19th century.
The Flag and the War of 1812
The next significant event in the history of the American flag occurred during the War of 1812. It was during this war that Francis Scott Key wrote what would become the national anthem, "The Star-Spangled Banner." Key was inspired to write the anthem while aboard a British ship during the battle of Fort McHenry on September 13th, 1814. He saw the American flag waving victoriously above the fort, even after it had endured a 25-hour bombardment by the British.
The current design of the American flag, with its fifty stars and thirteen stripes, was adopted on July 4th, 1960, following the admission of Hawaii into the United States as the fiftieth state. Since then, there have been no changes to the flag's design.
The Flag and Civil Rights
The American flag has not always been a unifying symbol. During times of social and political unrest, it has been used by both sides to represent their opposing views. During the 1960s and 1970s, the flag became a symbol of the Civil Rights movement. African American civil rights activists used the flag as a symbol of their struggle for equal rights and to protest the discrimination they faced.
However, the flag was also used by segregationists and opponents of civil rights as a symbol of resistance to integration and to protest what they saw as the federal government's overreach into state affairs. This led to the development of the Confederate Battle Flag as a symbol of Southern heritage and resistance to federal authority.
The Flag and Patriotism
The American flag has always been a powerful symbol of patriotism and national unity. It is seen at sporting events, government buildings, and in the homes and yards of American citizens. The flag is used to celebrate national holidays such as Independence Day and Memorial Day, as well as to honor the men and women who have served and continue to serve in the United States armed forces.
The Pledge of Allegiance, which is recited by schoolchildren across the country, is a testament to the strength of the American flag as a symbol of patriotism. The Pledge, written by Francis Bellamy in 1892, reads in part, "I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
The Flag and Controversies
The American flag has been the subject of controversy throughout its history as well. In recent years, the flag has been used by white nationalists and other extremist groups as a symbol of their racist and xenophobic beliefs. At the same time, some groups have criticized the flag's association with the military and the government, arguing that it represents oppressive and unfair policies.
The most prominent controversy surrounding the American flag in recent years has been the debate over kneeling during the national anthem. Starting in 2016, NFL player Colin Kaepernick knelt during the national anthem to protest racial injustice and police brutality in the United States. His actions sparked a national debate about patriotism, protest, and the appropriate use of the American flag.
Conclusion
The American flag has a complex and varied history, representing both an idealistic vision of freedom and democracy and the realities of political and social conflict. Despite controversy and criticism, the flag continues to have a powerful and unifying presence in American society. Its use as a symbol of patriotism and national unity, as well as its association with the military and the federal government, remains ingrained in American culture and identity.