The American flag has had many faces in its long history.  Though Flag Day celebrates the birth of our flag, the designs we are familiar with is more a product of a slow evolution than a single event.  In colonial times, there were no standards for the flag--variations were as numerous as the people who made them.  On June 14, 1777, however, the Continental Congress passed the Flag Resolution, which established the Stars and stripes as the national flag, with thirteen of each. 

In 1795, after Vermont and Kentucky became states, the stars and stripes were increased to fifteen, then the stripes went back to thirteen in 1818 to protect the flag's aesthetic--and as a continuing symbol of the thirteen original colonires. 

The design still underwent changes after that, mostly involving the addition (and rearrangement) of stars as states were admitted to the Union.

In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson made Flag Day a national holiday, designating June 14 in honor of the Flag Resolution.  So how to celebrate, then?  FLY THE FLAG, OF COURSE!!

FLAG PROGRESSION:

Continental Colours:  The 1776 flag reflected the sentiments of our forefathers.  The British Union Jack acknowledged the colonies' origins; the stripes, their emerging independence.

Stars & Stripes:  The Flag Resolution of 1777 specified that there should be one star  for each state but did not specify configuration.  Each flagmaker arranged the stars to his or her liking.

Star-Spangled Banner:  Two stars and stipes were added in 1795 in recognition of Vermont and Kentucky.  This version inspired the Francis Scott Key poem that became our national anthem.

Grand Old Flag:  In 1912, President William Taft approved the first detailed standards for flag proportions.  The flag with 48 stars, was official until 1959--the longest flying version.

LONG MAY IT WAVE OVER THE LAND OF THE FREE!