Commemorating Flag Day: Moments in American Flag History
Since the American flag was first recognized by the United States Congress, in 1777, it has gone through a gradual evolution – as colonies became states, and states were added to the union – but it has been a revered symbol that has endured through the peaks and valleys of this country’s history.
To commemorate Flag Day, today, here are some of the moments when our flag has been a prominent piece of American history:
The Star-Spangled Banner
After the bombardment of Fort McHenry, during the War of 1812, the American flag remained intact. Young lawyer, Francis Scott Key, was on a nearby truce ship, and was so overcome by this symbol of hope, that he wrote The Star-Spangled Banner, which would eventually become our national anthem. Over 100 years later, it would be played at the first game of the 1918 World Series (between the Boston Red Sox and the Chicago Cubs), and a tradition was born.
Iwo Jima
During World War II, the American victory at Iwo Jima produced probably our flag’s most indelible image. After the battle, which resulted in thousands of casualties, a large American flag was raised at the top of Mount Suribachi. The infamous photograph of several U.S. Marines working together to raise the flag became a symbol of hope and strength, and was the inspiration of the United States Marine Corps War Memorial in Washington, D.C.
Moon Landing
On July 20, 1969, Apollo 11 landed on the Moon – a historic first for America. Astronauts Buzz Aldrin and Neil Armstrong were the crew members who raised the flag on the Moon’s surface. However, many don’t know that the flag had been purchased at Sears, and was sprayed with starch, so that it would appear to be flying straight.
Monday’s Save
In a 1976 game between the Chicago Cubs and Los Angeles Dodgers, two men had run onto the Dodger Stadium outfield, and were attempting to burn the American flag. Cubs centerfielder Rick Monday sprinted by, swiped the flag, and carried it to safety. (Ironically, Monday would become a member of Dodgers the next year.)
At Ground Zero
The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 killed nearly 3,000 people. Those attacks, which caused the collapse of both towers of the World Trade Center, would have an incredible impact on the lives of Americans in the 21st Century. Just hours after the second tower collapsed, a flag found in the rubble was raised at “Ground Zero” by three firefighters. It has become a prominent image, and a symbol of persevering through a dark moment in U.S history.
So, today, on Flag Day (and any day), we encourage you to fly your American flag to honor our country – from those who built it, to those who defend it, and everyone in between!