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It was on June 14, 1777, the Second Continental Congress would agree and adopt the official design of the American flag. The importance: to unionize all colonists under one symbol; creating pride and show separation from Great Britain.
What is the significance of the design?
The 13 stripes of red & white would represent the 13 original colonies. The red represents hardiness & valor while the white represents purity & innocence.
The stars (in 1777 were still 13) represent each state under the United States of America. The blue field represents the new constellation as well as vigilance, perseverance, & justice.
The Growing Nation needed more Stars
As the Nation grew and gained more states, so did our Nation's flag. In 1795, the flag gain 2 more stars to a total of 15. Again, in 1818 the stars grew to 20 and in 1820 the blue square displayed 23 stars. Only 1 star was added in each of these years: 1822, 1836, 1837, 1845, 1846, 1847, 1848, 1851, 1858, 1859, 1861, 1863, 1865, 1867, 1877 then totalled 39 stars. A small boost of 5 stars was added in 1890. Back to just 1 star added in 1896 and 1908. 1912 had a jump of 2 additional stars embroidered on our flag to create 48 stars. The last two stars that were added to make the complete American Flag we know and love today were added in 1959 and 1960.
Community Pride - Flag City, USA
For the Residents of Findlay, Ohio, and those who have driven through the town it is easy to see Findlay is the Flag City, USA.
The history of Findlay, OH nickname started with John Cooke, a member of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR), who wanted a community to pridefully show their Patriotism. John would create a fund and go to businesses and homes requesting they fly a flag on their property. The funding John receive was enough to purchase over 14,000 flags for the community to display. With the help of the local Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of America groups; John and the scouts would go door to door passing out flags for all businesses and residents to wave proudly.
Information about the community efforts caught the attention of Congressional Rep. Jackson Betts who shared the news with the Speaker of the House. Findlay heard of the recognition the town received and in 1974 would again show their patriotism by flying Old Glory at every business and residential home.
A house resolution was created to give Findlay, OH the Flag City, USA distinction in May 1974, and by June chambers filed paperwork making it official in the State of Ohio.