06/12/2026
Sunday is Flag Day!
The American flag serves as a living record of our nation’s growth. When the Continental Congress first recognized the design in 1777, it featured thirteen stripes and thirteen stars to represent the original colonies. Since that time, the flag has undergone twenty-seven revisions to reflect the addition of new states.
History shows fascinating shifts in its composition. For instance, the flag briefly grew to fifteen stars and fifteen stripes in 1795 following the admission of Vermont and Kentucky. By 1818, Congress wisely restored the original thirteen stripes to honor our foundation, establishing the tradition of adding a new star for each state on the Fourth of July.
Today’s fifty-star version, adopted in 1960, stands as a testament to our evolution. Beyond the design, the flag remains a powerful symbol of our heritage and the stories of the people who serve it. Understanding this history reminds us of the resilience and spirit woven into every thread.
Image Reference: Jasper Johns, Flag (1954–55), encaustic, oil, and collage on fabric mounted on plywood. The Museum of Modern Art, New York.
