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.
