On June 14, 1777, the Marine Committee of the Continental Congress adopted a resolution that gave birth to our National Flag. The resolution read:
"Resolved that the flag of the United States be made of 13 stripes, alternate red and white, that the union be 13 stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation."
The First Official United States Flag: This 13-Star Flag became the Official United States Flag on June 14th, 1777 and is the result of the congressional action that took place on that date. Much evidence exists pointing to Congressman Francis Hopkinson as the person responsible for its design. The only President to serve under this flag was George Washington (1789-1797). This Flag was to last for a period of 18 years.
Each star and stripe represented a Colony of which there were thirteen, united nearly one year earlier by the Declaration of Independence. The thirteen Colonies are listed below with the date that each ratified the Constitution and became a State.
(1st) Delaware Dec 7th, 1787
(2nd) Pennsylvania Dec 12th, 1787
(3rd) New Jersey Dec 18th, 1787
(4th) Georgia Jan 2nd, 1788
(5th) Connecticut Jan 9th, 1788
(6th) Massachusetts Feb 6th, 1788
(7th) Maryland Apr 28th, 1788
(8th) South Carolina May 23rd, 1788
(9th) New Hampshire June 21st, 1788
(10th)Virginia June 25th, 1788
(11th) New York July 25th, 1788
(12th) North Carolina Nov 21st, 1789
(13th) Rhode Island May 29th, 1790
The Meaning Behind the Folds of the FlAG
The first fold is a symbol of life.
The second fold is for our belief in eternal life.
The third fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veteran departing rank, who gave a portion of his or her life for the defense of our country to attain peace throughout the world.
The fourth fold stands for our weaker nature; as American citizens trusting in God, it’s to Him we turn to in times of peace as well as war for his divine guidance.
The fifth fold is a tribute to America. In the words of Stephen Decatur, “Our country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right, but it is still our country, right or wrong.”
The sixth fold is where our heart lies. It’s with our flag that we pledge allegiance to the flag and the republic it stands for.
The seventh fold is a tribute to our armed forces. For it is the armed forces that protect our country and flag against enemies, whether they be domestic or foreign.
The eighth fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day, and to honor our mother, for whom it flies on Mother’s Day.
The ninth fold is a tribute to womanhood, for it is through their faith, love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great have been molded.
The tenth fold is a tribute to father, for He has given his sons and daughters for the defense of our country since he or she was first born.
The eleventh fold, in the eyes of Hebrew citizens, represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon and glorifies, in their eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
The twelfth fold, in the eyes of a Christian citizen, represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in their eyes, God the Father, the Son and Holy Ghost.
When the flag is completely folded, which some consider the 13th fold; the stars are uppermost, reminding us of our national motto, “In God We Trust.”