Flag Day steeped in patriotic history, pride

When I see the American flag waving high above the ground, I am stirred with emotion and pride. I am reminded of the history and the patriotic call-to-duty embodied in the red, white and blue — particularly during a time when American military personnel, many of them Californians, are serving bravely both here and abroad.

We celebrate Flag Day on June 14. While not an official holiday with a paid day off, it is an important time to reflect on Old Glory and its symbolic importance to the United States.

Ruth Apperson Rous’ poem, “I am the Flag,” aptly illustrates the flag’s imagery:

“My colors symbolize the patriotic ideals and spiritual qualities of the citizens of my country. My red stripes proclaim the fearless courage and integrity of American men and boys and the self-sacrifice and devotion of American mothers and daughters. My white stripes stand for liberty and equality for all.

“My blue is the blue of heaven, loyalty, and faith. I represent these eternal principles: liberty, justice, and humanity. I embody American freedom: freedom of speech, religion, assembly, the press, and the sanctity of the home.”

The U.S. flag has a long and storied history. First known as the Stars and Stripes, it was adopted in 1777 by the Continental Congress a year after independence was won. It contained 13 stars, representing the original 13 colonies, but the layout varied.

Nobody knows for sure who designed the flag. The popular (and quite romantic) story credits seamstress Betsy Ross, a friend of George Washington. Historians have never been able to verify the claim. Another version claims Continental Congress member Francis Hopkinson might have created the first flag.

After Vermont and Kentucky were admitted to the Union in 1791 and 1792, respectively, two more stars and two more stripes were added. The 15-star, 15-stripe flag was the version that inspired lawyer Francis Scott Key to write the poem “Star-Spangled Banner,” which later became the national anthem.

After five more states achieved admittance, Congress passed legislation in 1818 stating the flag would permanently contain 13 stripes, and the number of stars would represent the states.

Flag Day was first unofficially celebrated in 1877, the centennial of the flag’s existence, and President Woodrow Wilson established the first national observance by proclamation in 1916. In 1949, Pres. Harry Truman signed legislation making Flag Day a day of national observance.

Congress took it a step further in 1966 when it approved a joint resolution stipulating that the president issue an annual proclamation designating the week in which June 14 occurs as “National Flag Week.” The resolution also called upon all citizens of the United States to display the flag during that week.

Flag Day is an opportunity to give the stars and stripes the attention it deserves.

I hope you will join me along with Americans nationwide in our united display of the flag during this important occasion.

SENATOR TOM HARMAN represents the cities of Huntington Beach and Fountain Valley.