| The American flag is a symbol of freedom and | | | | commissioned her to complete the work. She |
| sacrifice for United States citizens. Although we | | | | began the assignment in early May and completed |
| typically picture cloth versions of this national | | | | the job in late May or early June. |
| emblem, it can be anything that the observer | | | | The American flag was raised on July 4, 1776 to |
| acknowledges. Therefore, a Christmas tree | | | | commemorate the birth of a new nation. |
| adorned in red, white, and blue could be | | | | Independence Day offers all United States citizens |
| considered an American flag. Examples can be | | | | an opportunity to remember the hardships that |
| made from any material or placed on any object. | | | | our forefathers endured to gain our freedom. The |
| The tragic events of September 11th resurrected | | | | American flag has been an inspiration to citizens |
| a since of patriotism within the United States. The | | | | of the United States, since its inception. Francis |
| result has been a desire to display the American | | | | Scott Key composed our national anthem, The |
| flag in front of homes, office buildings, and | | | | Star Spangled Banner, after his relief at seeing the |
| everywhere possible. | | | | American flag flying at dawn following a brutal |
| The historic tale of Betsy Ross painstakingly | | | | battle, during the War of 1812. The symbolic |
| sewing the first American flag is widely known. | | | | raising of this national symbol has marked other |
| However, many of the details of that | | | | moments in United States history. Soldier's lifted |
| extraordinary event, along with the circumstances | | | | the "Colors" to signify victory and determination |
| leading up to it have been overlooked. To begin | | | | after the Battle of Iwo Jima; in the same way, |
| with, the colonies had adopted several flags as a | | | | the first astronauts to walk on the moon placed |
| representation of their new American beliefs. The | | | | "Old Glory" within its powdery surface. |
| "Don't Tread on Me" version incorporated red and | | | | This type of patriotism waned in the late 20th |
| white stripes with a snake across it. A popular | | | | century, but was brought back after tragedy |
| option used by George Washington, which signified | | | | gripped our nation on September 11, 2001. |
| the unification of the colonies, was similar to the | | | | American flags are becoming a hot commodity |
| British emblem. Washington raised this particular | | | | and displaying "Old Glory" should be conducted |
| version at Prospect Hill. The Loyalists | | | | with dignity. After that horrific day, citizens rose |
| misinterpreted the emblem as a sign of defeat. | | | | up and began displaying "Old Glory" throughout the |
| The confusion that ensued prompted General | | | | land. A desire to perpetuate this newfound pride |
| George Washington, Colonel George Ross, and | | | | meant individuals wanted to keep the display up |
| Robert Morris, along with other key members of | | | | 24 hours a day. In order to maintain respect, the |
| the Congressional Committee, to enlist the aid of | | | | Colors must be properly illuminated. |
| Mrs. Ross. At the time Betsy Ross was running | | | | Our country has seen dark days within its history |
| an upholstery business. She had completed | | | | and recent past, however the undying resolve of |
| several assignments for General Washington, and | | | | its citizens continues to surprise its foes. The |
| he was familiar with her work, as well as being a | | | | American flag stands for the strength and |
| personal friend. They provided her with a crude | | | | commitment that is within all the country's citizens. |
| drawing of the appointed American flag and | | | | |