WHEREAS, The Betsy Ross House is the birthplace of the American flag, where Betsy Ross is widely credited with making the first American flag in 1776, and has been the site of Philadelphia’s observance of Flag Day; and
WHEREAS, On June 14, 1777, the Stars and Stripes, boasting 13 stripes and 13 stars to represent the 13 states of the union, were officially adopted as the national flag of the United States.
It has since evolved to accommodate 50 states while still paying homage to the original 13. This year marks the 240th Anniversary of the flag’s adoption; and
WHEREAS, In 1814, Francis Scott Key was inspired by the American flag flying over Fort McHenry to write our National Anthem, which continues to embody the American spirit of liberty today; and
WHEREAS, On May 30, 1916, President Woodrow Wilson issued a Presidential Proclamation that officially established June 14th as Flag Day; and
WHEREAS, On June 14, 1937, Pennsylvania became the first U.S. state to celebrate Flag Day as a state holiday. On August 3, 1949, President Truman signed an Act of Congress designating June 14th of each year as National Flag Day; and
WHEREAS, The Philadelphia Flag Day Association was founded 83 years ago, in 1934, to encourage the celebration of Flag Day, respect for the United States flag, and the promotion of traditional American ideals. It
is the oldest Flag Day Association in the United States; and
WHEREAS, On June 14, 2017 the Philadelphia Flag Day Association will host their 75th Flag Day Ceremony since 1940. These ceremonies have taken place at Independence Hall and, more recently, the Betsy Ross House and pay tribute to those who have fallen in battle and to those who have served and continue to serve the United States. All Philadelphians are encouraged to observe Flag Day by displaying the American flag outside their homes and businesses; and
WHEREAS, The American flag symbolizes the nation’s highest ideals of freedom, democracy, and self-determination. It is an emblem of the values, laws, and institutions which, like the flag, trace their history to the City of Philadelphia and the birth of the United States;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That it hereby recognizes and honors June 14, 2017 as Flag Day in Philadelphia to celebrate and reflect on the importance of the flag of the United States.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this Resolution be presented to Jay Ginsburg, Esq., President of the Philadelphia Flag Association, further evidencing the sincere admiration and respect of this legislative body.
End