In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on July 4, 1776, the Continental
Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence, which
proclaimed the independence of the United States of America
from Great Britain and its king.
An F-15D Eagle assigned to the 142nd Fighter Wing, Oregon
Air National Guard Base, Ore.
June 14, 1777: During the American Revolution, the
Continental Congress adopted a resolution stating
“the flag of the United States be thirteen alternate
stripes red and white” and that “the Union be thirteen
stars, white in a blue field, representing a new
Constellation.”
The national flag, which became known as the “Stars
and Stripes,” was based on the “Grand Union” flag,
a banner carried by the Continental Army in 1776 that
also consisted of 13 red and white stripes.
According to legend, Philadelphia seamstress Betsy
Ross designed the new canton for the Stars and
Stripes, which consisted of a circle of 13 stars and
a blue background, at the request of General George
Washington. Historians have been unable to prove
or disprove this legend.
In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson issued a presidential
proclamation that designated June 14 as Flag Day.
The United States Army also celebrates the U.S. Army
birthday on this date, as Congress adopted the American
continental army after reaching a consensus position on
June 14, 1775.
Four years after the United States won its independence from
Great Britain, 55 state delegates, including George Washington,
James Madison and Benjamin Franklin, convene in Philadelphia
to compose a new U.S. constitution on May 25, 1787.
George Washington (right)
Independence Hall‘s Assembly Room.
On September 9, 1776, the Continental Congress formally
declares the name of the new nation to be the “United
States” of America.
This replaced the term “United Colonies,” which had been
in general use.
During the American Revolution, the Continental Congress passed
a resolution stating that “two Battalions of Marines be raised” for
service as landing forces for the recently formed Continental Navy.
The resolution, drafted by future U.S. president John Adams and
adopted in Philadelphia, created the Continental Marines and is
now observed as the birth date of the United States Marine Corps.
John Adams (October 30, 1735– July 4, 1826)
