2016-06-14 Tue

The first flag of the USA was adopted on 14th June 1977. In order to establish an official flag for the new nation, the Continental Congress passed the first Flag Act. This act was passed in the middle of the Revolutionary war.

The war that began in the year of 1775 was in full swing with no indication of ending soon. Hence to uplift the morale of the people as well as to show unity with the Continental Army the stamp act was passed which gave this country a hope of liberty.

The flag had 13 stripes – 6 white and 7 red – and 13 stars representing the first thirteen colonies that became the first American states. The thirteen stars were arranged in a circle.

Even the colours are symbolic. White stands for purity and innocence; red for hardiness and valour; and blue for vigilance, perseverance, and justice. The inclusion of stars and stripes would remain with the flag through its evolution, though the design would go through numerous revisions.

This symbol of the pride of every American citizen is featured on many stamps of the country. The first flag is no exception. On 4th July 1968, the first flag of the United States was featured on a postage stamp. This 6-cent First Stars and Stripes stamp depicts the flag that the Continental Congress adopted as the national emblem on 14th June 1977.