Sunday, June 14, 2009

June 14 is Flag Day

This postcard depicts the birth of our nation's flag from an 1892 painting by Charles H. Weisgerber. This painting was first exhibited at the Columbian Exposition of 1893.

The description on the back of the postcard states:

"The First American Flag accepted by Committee and adopted by Resolution of Congress, June 14, 1777 as the National Standard, was made by Betsy Ross in 1776 at 239 Arch Street, Philadelphia, in the room represented in this picture."

The four figures depicted are (left to right): General Washington, Hon. George Ross, Robert Morris, and Betsy Ross. Although Betsy Ross is commonly cited as the maker of the first flag, there is actually no proof that she made it.

This painting by Weisgerber has been frequently reproduced, including on a 1952 U. S. postage stamp commemorating the 200th birthday of Betsy Ross.

3 comments:

  1. Thank you for sharing that history. It bears thinking about. Nice!

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  2. Thanks for posting this today; the card is perfect for Flag Day. My 13-star flag flies from my front porch every day!

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  3. We don't have flag day here so it was so nice and meaningful to read this!

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