By Jeanni Ritchie
I was always fascinated with Betsy Ross. I imagined her in the parlor sewing that first United States flag as a symbol of patriotism with pride and honor. Preferring to retain the childhood memories that permeate my heart, I hardly listen when historians claim this as a myth.
Besides, the importance of the flag remains unchanged. On Flag Day (June 14) and during National Flag Week, we take pride in the promise and purpose represented by our nation’s flag, first created in 1777.
From the Betsy Ross Flag of 13 stars to the current one of 50 commissioned by President Eisenhower in 1959, Americans fly this symbol of national pride over battlefields, cemeteries, schools, buildings, courthouses, and homes.
An annual presidential proclamation has been in place since 1966, directing the appropriate officials to display the flag on all Federal Government buildings during this week and urging all Americans to observe Flag Day and National Flag Week by displaying the flag and honoring all of our brave service members and revering those who gave their last full measure of devotion defending our freedoms.
“Americans are encouraged to observe with pride and all due ceremony those days from Flag Day through Independence Day by proudly displaying our nation’s flag.”
Jeanni Ritchie is a contributing journalist from Central Louisiana who wants her former history teachers to know that she’s finally doing all that homework she skipped out on in the 80’s. She can be reached at Jeanniritchie54@gmail.com.
