by Albert I Mayer
It was just one sentence in the Congressional Journal of June 14, 1777, but that sentence gave life to a flag that symbolized and helped unify a budding nation.
RESOLVED, that the flag of the United States be made of thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation. Congressional Journal, June 14, 1777
The Story of Old Glory by Albert I. Mayer and illustrated by Tom Dunnington provides an essential introduction to the history of flags employed at various times in Colonial America and, more importantly, how the official flag of the United States came into existence.
This is a book that serves both children and adults alike. A brief, delightful, and instructive read.
Of interesting note:
The Flag decided upon by Congress in 1777 was for maritime purposes.
The Betsy Ross story was first told by her grandson in 1870!
The Star-Spangled Banner, inspired by twenty-two-year-old Francis Scott Key in 1814, did not become the national anthem until 1931.
“The thing the flag stands for were created by the experiences of a people. Everything it stands for was written by their lives.”
