When the American Revolution broke out in 1775, the colonists weren’t
fighting united under a single flag. Instead, most regiments participating
in the war for independence against the British fought under their own
flags. In June of 1775, the Second Continental Congress met in
Philadelphia to create the Continental Army—a unified colonial fighting
force—with the hopes of more organized battle against its colonial
oppressors. This led to the creation of what was, essentially, the first
“American” flag, the Continental Colors. For some, this flag, which
was comprised of 13 red and white alternating stripes and a Union
Jack in the corner, was too similar to that of the British. George
 Washington soon realized that flying a flag that was even remotely
close to the British flag was not a great confidence-builder for the
revolutionary effort, so he turned his efforts towards creating a new
symbol of freedom for the soon-to-be fledgling nation.

On June 14, 1777, the Second Continental Congress passed a resolution
stating that “the flag of the United States be 13 stripes, alternate red and
white,” and that “the union be 13 stars, white in a blue field, representing
a new constellation.” In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson marked the
anniversary of that decree by officially establishing June 14 as Flag Day.

TIM MAGUIRE

The funeral procession for President John F. Kennedy is pictured 
crossing the bridge to Arlington National Cemetery in  Arlington, VA.

On this day in 1963, the body of President John F. Kennedy was laid
to rest at Arlington National Cemetery. The funeral was attended by
heads of state and representatives from more than 100 countries,
with untold millions more watching on television.

President Kennedy’s widow, Jacqueline, along with brother’s Bob
and Ted Kennedy together lit the “eternal flame”(above) which will
forever burn at the gravesite of JFK.

During the Revolutionary War on this day in 1783, British forces
evacuated New York, their last military position in the U.S. It was
also George Washington’s Triumphal Entry in New York City, as
depicted in the above painting. The events marked the cessation 
of hostilities between Great Britain and its former colonies.

NANCY LYONS

The Dow Jones industrial average dropped 508 points on this day in 1987. It was called Black Monday, the worst one-day percentage
decline, 22.6%, in history.

The supersonic Concorde made its first landing at John F. Kennedy
Airport in New York City on this day in 1977.   

Concorde Press Conference at JFK Airport.

TIM MAGUIRE

On this day in 1973, OPEC, the Organization of Petroleum Exporting
Countries began an oil-embargo against several countries including
the U.S. and Great Britain. The incident stemmed from Western
support of Israel when Egypt and Syria attacked the nation on
October 6, 1973. The embargo lasted until March of 1974.

An earthquake measuring 7.1 on the Richter Scale hit the San
Francisco Bay area in California. The quake caused about 67
deaths, 3,000 injuries, and damages up to $7 billion.

Photo of woman with seismograph drums showing the earthquake.

Loma Prieta Earthquake, Game 3, 1989 World Series.

On this day in 1777, American troops defeated British forces in
Saratoga, New York. It was the turning point in the American Revolutionary War.

CAMILLE BOHANNON

During the Revolutionary War on this day in 1781, American forces
began the siege on Yorktown, VA. as the last battle of the war begins.  

    
    
   

Storming of Redoubt #10.

Surrender of Lord Cornwallis by John Trumbull, depicts the British surrendering to Benjamin Lincoln, flanked by French (left) and American troops.        

The first around-the-world flight was completed by two U.S. Army
planes when they landed in Seattle, WA. on this day in 19244. The
trip took 175 days.