Betsy Ross

While Americans recognize and celebrate collective achievements such as the writing of the Declaration of Independence, victory in the Revolutionary War, or the landing of a man on the Moon — it is individual accomplishment that is cherished the most. The “stars” of the aforementioned events — Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, and Neil Armstrong — outshine the collective constellation. One person’s contribution can define the course and meaning of history. When we view the flag, we think of liberty, freedom, pride, and Betsy Ross. The American flag flies on the moon, sits atop Mount Everest, is hurtling out in space. The flag is how America signs her name.

This flag was adopted June 14, 1777 (Flag Day). The Continental Congress on this day resolved, “That the flag of the United States be thirteen stripes alternating red and white; that the Union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation”. The circular design was by George Washington, Francis Hopkins and Betsy Ross.

The Congress however did not specify an arrangement for the stars in the canton, as a result there are many variations in the flags that followed until 1912.