Today is Flag Day and the Birthday of the United States Army. Both topics are very special to us here at the Ed Boston Podcast Network.
The flag stands for what we believe in when it comes to the patriotism of the United States of America. While our relationship with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ is at the very top of the priority list, the love we have for our great nation ranks very high on that list.
As a veteran of the U. S. Army, Pastor Ed is grateful for the time spent serving our country. Many of the things that he believes in and stands for can be traced back to his time in the Army as well as the Christian upbringing he received.
Below are descriptions of both Flag Day and the birthday of the Army from NationalDayCalendar.com.
NATIONAL FLAG DAY
On June 14 we honor Old Glory on National Flag Day. This day commemorates the adoption of the United States flag on June 14, 1777.
On National Flag Day, Americans show respect for the U.S. Flag and what it represents. Representing independence and unity, the Star Spangled Banner has become a powerful symbol of Americanism and is flown proudly.
While Betsy Ross has been given credit for stitching together the first American flag, there isn’t any sound evidence supporting the story. At the same time, there is any to disprove it, either. During Ross’s Revolutionary time, several standards were carried bearing red and white stripes and varying symbols where the blue field and stars now reside. Since 1777, the design of the flag has been officially modified 26 times. For 47 years, the 48-star flag was in effect. In 1959, the 49-star version became official on July 4. President Eisenhower ordered the 50-star flag on August 21, 1959.
Seventeen-year-old Robert G. Heft of Ohio designed the 50-star American flag. His was one f the more than 1,500 designs that were submitted to President Dwight D. Eisenhower.
HOW TO OBSERVE
Many people have died protecting our country. On National Flag Day, raise the flag and fly it proudly. Use #NationalFlagDay to post on social media.
HISTORY
On May 30, 1916, President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation deeming June 14 as Flag Day. President Wilson stated, “It is the anniversary of the day upon which the flag of the United States was adopted by the Congress as the emblem of the Union.” He also wrote, “On that day rededicate ourselves to the nation, ‘one and inseparable’ from which every thought that is not worthy of our fathers’ first vows in independence, liberty, and right shall be excluded and in which we shall stand with united hearts.”
ARMY BIRTHDAY
Every year on June 14, the United States Army celebrates its creation in 1775.
Formed from amateur troops of volunteer soldiers defending colonies against British tyranny, the oldest military force in the United States began before the U.S. formally existed. Their forces consisted of mostly inexperienced militiamen commanded by independent colonial armies. According to battlefields.org, there were never more than 48,000 Continental soldiers at one time. Today, the United States Army consists of over one million active duty service members and an additional 800,000 National Guard and Reserves members.
The enduring history of the U.S. Army means they have been integral to many of the United State’s military, peace-keeping and humanitarian efforts. During the Army’s Birthday, these and many advancements will be recognized through events and ceremonies.
HOW TO OBSERVE
Wish the Army a Happy Birthday and learn about the history of the oldest branch of the U.S. military. Use #ArmyBirthday to share on social media.
HISTORY
On June 14, 1775, the Second Continental Congress created a Continental Army of existing militias to protect the Northern colonies from British troops.
Pastor Ed Boston 