Update, June 13, 2021 / On June 14, 2021, the U.S. Army marks its 246th year.
The Congress of the United States established the First Continental Army on June 14, 1775.
Two years later, on June 14, 1777, John Adams spoke about the American flag at a meeting of the Continental Congress in Philadelphia.
Reports say Adams said, “Resolved, that the flag of the thirteen United States shall be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the Union be thirteen stars, white on a blue field, representing a new constellation.”
Since the time of the original Stars and Stripes, the United States has had 27 official versions of the flag. Stars have been added every time another state has entered the Union, but 13 stripes have remained the same, representing the original 13 colonies.
In 1912, the American Flag featured 48 stars for 48 states, a design that stayed the same until Alaska became the 49th state in 1959. The current version dates back to July 4, 1960, signifying that Hawaii had become the 50th state in 1959.
The 48-star American Flag flew from 1912 to 1959, the second longest-used to stand for the United States. The current U.S. flag with 50 stars has served the U.S. the longest, having surpassed the 1912 version in 2007.
When thoughts turn to Old Glory, perhaps consider the classic rendition of the Pledge of Allegiance as recited in 1969 by Red Skelton during The Red Skelton Hour broadcast on CBS. The beloved comedian surprised the nation with his self-written message, memories from his childhood in Vincennes, Ind., and a tribute to his teacher.
Updated, June 14, 2020 / Early this morning, this story about the birthday of the U.S. Army and Flag Day in America had been frequently searched online. To clarify, this post was featured as one of columnist Mike Barbour’s stories in 2019. Today is the birthday of the U.S. Army. It’s also Flag Day. Thanks to everyone who serves.
Jennifer Slown from American Legion Post 43 sent best wishes to the world’s finest Army, noting an article from the USO with 23 interesting facts on America’s Army. To learn more, CLICK HERE.
Veterans in Touch – Army Birthday and Flag Day share same date
Originally Posted, June 11, 2019 / The United States Army can trace its roots back to 1775. That’s when the Congress of the United States established the First Continental Army on June 14, 1775. This army was created because there was a severe need for professionally trained soldiers to combat the British.
While some form of celebration has been done over the years for the U.S Army’s Birthday, for the most part the recognition of the professionals of this armed force was confined to its officers. However, after the Vietnam War, the status of professional was extended to include all non-commissioned officers, warrant officers and Army civilians as well. This was done through Army General Orders, No. 19, issued on October 31, 1978. This officially recognized the U.S. Army Birthday and extended professional status to everyone in the United States Army.
This year we are celebrating the 244th Birthday of the U.S. Army.
In the United States, Flag Day is celebrated on June 14. It commemorates the adoption of the flag of the United States on June 14, 1777, by resolution of the Second Continental Congress. To celebrate this day I think it is appropriate to review what the folds of the flag mean.
The first fold is a symbol of life.
The second fold is a symbol of our belief in the eternal life.
The 3rd fold is made in honor and remembrance of Veterans who are departing our ranks.
The fifth fold is a tribute to our country.
The sixth fold is for where our hearts lie.
The seventh fold is a tribute to our Armed Forces
The eighth fold is a tribute to those who entered into the valley of the shadow of death and also to honor mothers.
The ninth fold is a tribute to womanhood.
The tenth fold is a tribute to fathers.
The eleventh fold is in the eyes of a Hebrew citizen, represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon and glorifies through their eyes the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
The twelfth fold, in the eyes of a Christian citizen glorifies on their eyes God the Father, Son and Holy Ghost.
When the flag is completely folded the stars are uppermost reminding us of our national motto “In God we trust.”
Editor’s Note / This 13-fold procedure was common long before any of the assigned meanings, of which many have been written and none is official. Anyone who has ever participated or witnessed a formal flag folding ceremony, whether on Flag Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Veterans Day, or at a military funeral, will find the meanings recited with each fold can be inspirational.
