What’s in a Flag?: The Story of Red, White, and Blue
I always loved the stories around our American Independence, I actually much preferred it to the rest of American history studies, where you basically just get down to the dirty business of democracy. I do love the idealism around the very beginnings of The United States - where the rights of man was, by its newness, a lot simpler than it is today. Along with Paul Revere, Sam Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and the Minutemen, you have a lone woman making her indelible mark on those early days of American history - Betsy Ross. Working with needle and thread (I have often loved that her contribution to American independence was through textiles), she created the symbol that would lead & inspire Americans through war, strife, and victory - our American flag. The old stars & stripes is iconic the world over as a symbol of the USA, and American cultural values. However, even most Americans can’t tell you what it symbolizes or why it looks the way it does - for these answers we have go back to Betsy Ross and 1777.
(Oldest flag in existence today - made in 1818 for Fort Henry, Baltimore MD. Now preserved in the Smithsonian)
The original flag (so the story goes, there is historical debate on the exact details) was commissioned by General George Washington in 1777. Some records say that he sketched the stars & stripes design on paper, and Betsy Ross made it according to his design, for the Continental Army. However there is contention on this point, as there were records of designs sketched at the Continental Congress in 1776, very similar to the final design sewn by Mrs. Ross. Regardless the final design has great meaning to it, a message of purpose from those early revolutionaries to the Americans of the future.
Colors:
RED: Symbolizes Valor & Determination
WHITE: Symbolizes Purity of Intention
BLUE: Symbolizes Vigilance & Justice
DESIGN:
STARS: Represent each State (the number of stars grew as more states were added to the Union)
STRIPES: Represents the original 13 colonies that formed the first States of the Union
It is very common to see Americans donning clothing in various forms of red, white and blue, to celebrate their American identity - but I doubt most ever think about why the founders chose those specific colors. I believe the colors say more about what the founders wished for America’s future than the basic design of stars & stripes - one is a coded message of hope, the other a mathematical map. Through the colors of the flag, the founders outlined their best hopes for America both then & now. Valor - that we might be courageous in the face of opposition & fear. Purity of Intention - that Americans never forget to guard against corruption of heart. Finally we have Vigilance & Justice - to remind us to alway be just, but to be vigilant for those that might abuse it. What a beautiful & poignant message to send to Americans of all times & eras!
So which color from the flag is most meaningful to you?
