Sunday, June 14, 2009

FLAG DAY in the USA: The Vermont Flag first flew in 1777


These sailboats are at anchor in the Seaplane Basin at the far end of Davis Islands, a protected area near the private airport, the Davis Islands Yacht Club and where many folks take their dogs to the nice dog park (and what a great location for dogs to roam, meet, greet and play catch with one another...and pet owners also try to play nice and not get into fights.) I chose this group of boats because today is Flag Day in the USA. It is celebrated each year on June 14. It marks the adoption of the flag of the United States by a resolution of the Second Continental Congress in 1777. It wasn't until more than a century later, in 1916, that President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation that officially established today as Flag Day; in August 1949, National Flag Day was established by the US Congress. U.S. citizens are encouraged to to fly the American flag and the owner of this sailboat has chosen a very historical one to fly on the mast: the Bennington or Vermont flag. This special flag features the red and white stripes with 76 on the blue field and surrounded by stars, first flew over the military post in Bennington, Vermont, on August 16, 1777. It's a very distinctive flag, and although not the official flag of our country, makes a powerful and profound statement about our founding and proud heritage.

6 comments:

Lowell said...

Very fine photo, Frank, and thanks for the historical comments - seems I tend to forget much of what I had once learned.

Why is that? Oh, never mind. What was I talking about?

Don and Krise said...

Very interesting indeed, and great colorful photo.

B SQUARED said...

I can't tell you how few flags I saw yesterday. There is an undercurrent in this country that is unhealthy and cancerous.

Frank said...

Following 911, the country was swept up in an explosion of patriotism. (I don't think that's a bad thing.) Flags of every size could be seen everywhere. My informal poll yesterday concluded that flying the flag has lost its cachet...sadly.

Unknown said...

Great image and post.

Lois said...

Excellent picture and post Frank! I enjoyed the history.