Adoption of the Stars and Stripes Flag
June 14th, 1777
June 14th, 1777

How Long Ago?
247 years, 9 months, 1 day ago
Location
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
Category
Politics & Government
War/Conflict
American Revolutionary War
People
- Frances Hopkinson
Links & References
Tags
Adoption of the Stars and Stripes Flag
The Second Continental Congress adopted the Stars and Stripes as the official flag of the United States. This decision came as part of a broader effort to unify the thirteen colonies during their struggle for independence from British rule. The design featured 13 stripes representing the original colonies and a blue field containing white stars, indicative of the growing nation. The adoption of this flag symbolized the desire for independence and the hope for unity among the colonies in their quest for self-governance.
Flag Act established Stars and Stripes as national flag.
Design featured 13 stripes and 13 stars.
Symbol of unity against British oppression.
Influenced global movements for democracy.
What Happened?
During the early days of the American Revolutionary War, the need for a national flag became increasingly apparent. The various militias and colonies had been using their own flags, which represented local interests rather than a unified identity. In light of this, the Second Continental Congress convened in Philadelphia to create a single flag that would symbolize the unity of the thirteen colonies. On June 14, 1777, the Congress officially adopted the Flag Act, declaring that the new flag would consist of thirteen alternating red and white stripes and a blue field with thirteen white stars, representing the states. This design was conceived by Frances Hopkinson, a member of Congress and a flag designer, although the exact number of stars and their arrangement has evolved over time as new states joined the Union. The adoption of the Stars and Stripes was not just a practical decision but a potent symbol of resistance against British tyranny, reflecting the colonies' aspirations for independence and governance. The new flag was first flown by the Continental Army and soon became an emblem of American identity and values.
Why Does it Matter?
The Flag Act of 1777 solidified the Stars and Stripes as a national symbol, fostering a sense of shared identity and purpose among the colonies fighting for independence. This adoption marked a crucial step in establishing an enduring national identity that transcended local allegiances. The flag has since become a potent symbol of freedom and democracy, not just in the United States but around the world, influencing various movements for independence and rights.
Discover More Historic Events from June 14th
Shooting at Congressional Baseball Game Practice
US Republican House Majority Whip Steve Scalise and three others were shot while practicing for the annual Congressional Baseball Game in Alexandria, Virginia. The shooter, James Hodgkinson, opened fire during the early morning practice session on a baseball field. Scalise was critically injured and received multiple surgeries. The incident raised discussions about political rhetoric and safety for public officials.
Continue ReadingTragic Fire in North Kensington Apartment Building
A devastating fire broke out in the Grenfell Tower, a high-rise residential building in North Kensington, London. The fire spread rapidly due to faulty cladding, leading to 72 fatalities and injuring 74 others. Emergency services struggled in the intense heat and smoke, as residents were trapped. The incident raised serious concerns about fire safety regulations and building materials used in residential structures across the UK.
Continue ReadingUkrainian Il-76 Airlifter Shot Down in Conflict
A Ukrainian military Ilyushin Il-76 airlifter was shot down near Luhansk, Ukraine, resulting in the deaths of all 49 individuals on board. The aircraft was reportedly targeted by insurgents using anti-aircraft weapons while attempting to land at an airfield. This incident marked a significant escalation in ongoing tensions and military engagement in the region.
Continue ReadingAsteroid 2002 MN Skirts Earth Safely
Near-Earth asteroid 2002 MN approached Earth closely on June 14, 2002, passing at a distance of 75,000 miles (121,000 km). This distance is about one-third the space between Earth and the Moon, sparking interest among astronomers and space enthusiasts alike. The asteroid was discovered by a team of astronomers at the Lincoln Near-Earth Asteroid Research (LINEAR) program, highlighting the importance of asteroid tracking for planetary defense.
Continue ReadingVancouver Stanley Cup Riot Following Rangers' Victory
After the New York Rangers defeated the Vancouver Canucks to win the Stanley Cup, a riot broke out in downtown Vancouver. Frustrated fans began to vandalize property and confront police, leading to chaos in the streets. The unrest resulted in over 200 arrests and significant damage amounting to approximately C$1.1 million. The event highlighted the intense passion of hockey fans and the volatile atmosphere surrounding championship games.
Continue ReadingMindbender Roller Coaster Incident in Edmonton
The Mindbender, a popular roller coaster at Fantasyland in the West Edmonton Mall, derailed during operation, leading to the deaths of three riders. This incident shocked visitors and raised safety concerns regarding amusement park rides. Emergency services responded swiftly, while investigative authorities began assessing the cause of the derailment amid widespread media coverage.
Continue Reading