History of the United States Flag
Flag of the United States of America
On January 1, 1776, the Continental Army was reorganized with a Congressional resolution, which placed American forces under George Washington’s control. On that day, the Continental Army was losing control of Boston, which had been taken over by the British Army. Washington ordered the Grand Union flag to be raised above his base at Prospect Hill. It had 13 alternate red and white stripes and the British Union Jack in the upper left corner.
On June 14, 1777, to establish an official flag for the new nation, the United States of America, the Continental Congress passed the first Flag Act: “Resolved, that the flag of the United States be made of thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new Constellation.”
Between 1777 and 1960, Congress passed several acts that changed the shape, design and arrangement of the flag and allowed for additional stars and stripes to be added to represent the admission of each new state.
Act of January 13, 1794 provided for 15 stripes and 15 stars after May 1795.
1794 United States Flag
Act of April 4, 1818 provided for 13 stripes and one star for each state. On the 4th of July following the admission of each new state, an additional star would be added. Signed by President Monroe.
1818 United States Flag
Executive Order of President Taft, June 24, 1912 established proportions of the flag and provided for the arrangement of the stars into six horizontal rows of eight each, a single point of each star to be upward.
1912 United States Flag
Executive Order of President Eisenhower, January 3, 1959 provided for the arrangement of the stars in seven rows of seven stars each, staggered horizontally and vertically.
1959 United States Flag
Executive Order of President Eisenhower, August 21, 1959 provided for the arrangement of the stars in nine rows of stars staggered horizontally and eleven rows of stars staggered vertically.
Our Current Flag
Today the United States flag consists of thirteen horizontal stripes, seven red, alternating with six white. The stripes represent the original 13 colonies, the stars represent the 50 states of the Union.
Today’s United States Flag
Color Symbolism
- Red symbolizes Hardiness and Valor
- White symbolizes Purity and Innocence
- Blue represents Vigilance, Perseverance and Justice
The flag of the United States of America is also referred to as the “American flag.”
Pledge of Allegiance
I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America,
and to the republic for which it stands.
One nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
Honoring Our Flag and Those Who Have Served Our Country
Many of the people who come to Heritage Oaks Memorial Chapel have served in the United States Armed Forces. On the first Saturday each November, we set aside a day to honor them during our Veteran’s Day of Honor. Join us this year! Get a glimpse of past year events.
Heritage Oaks Memorial Chapel
FD 1990
6920 Destiny Drive
Rocklin CA 95677
(916) 791-2273
