The red, white and blue is prominent this week, as it should be. But how much do we really know about the American flag? Much of what we learned came from our elementary school classes or a Looney Tunes cartoon. Meanwhile, the American flag is a symbol that has inspired stories, art, songs and more. It represents what it means to be an American, at least to me.

On June 14, 1777, Congress passed an official flag act, establishing a version of the U.S. flag as a symbol for this newly founded nation. The resolution stated, “Resolved, that the flag of the United States is thirteen stripes, alternating red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation.”

Heavy speculation exists about how the American flag originated. One theory suggests the design’s origin involves the Sons of Liberty. New Jersey Congressman and Declaration of Independence signer Francis Hopkinson is generally regarded as the designer of the original design. But most of us recognize Betsy Ross, a Philadelphian seamstress who made flags for the Pennsylvania Navy, as the person who sewed the design.

During the War of 1812, Francis Scott Key boarded the flagship of the British fleet on the Chesapeake Bay to persuade British forces to release an arrested friend. Key freed his friend, but the pair could not leave due to an impending attack on Baltimore. On Sept. 13, Key watched as a barrage of Fort McHenry ensued. On Sept. 14, only hours after the battle began, Key witnessed the American flag flying over the fort, a symbol to announce the American victory. To detail this experience, he wrote a poem that published in the Baltimore Patriot. What became known as “The Star-Spangled Banner” soon appeared across the country. President Woodrow Wilson designated it as the national anthem of the United States in 1916.

During the Space Race in the mid-20th century, the United States and the Soviet Union were competing to achieve superior spaceflight capabilities. In 1969, President John F. Kennedy announced that the first humans to land on the moon were Americans. Commander Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin landed on the moon on July 20, 1969. Armstrong placed an American flag on the moon’s surface, marking another proud American moment in history.

The current American flag consists of 13 alternating red and white stripes, representing the 13 original colonies. The 50 white stars against a blue field represent the 50 states. Each color of the American flag also has meaning. Red stands for bravery and valor, white stands for innocence and purity, and blue defines perseverance, vigilance and justice.

Wave the flag proudly and have a patriotic Fourth of July, and, as always, thank you for reading.

Shane Goodman
President and Publisher
Big Green Umbrella Media
shane@dmcityview.com
515-953-4822, ext. 305
www.thedailyumbrella.com

See Shane Goodman's previous columns here.

FEATURE STORY
2024 Choice Awards

By Jim Duncan

Inspired by Japan’s Living National Treasures, the idea for CITYVIEW’s CHOICE awards originated 10 years ago. The Japanese program honors “preservers of important intangible cultural properties.” In the years after World War II, anxiety arose in Japan that their unique cultural traditions — noh, kabuki, origami, kumi, sumo, teapot ceramics, noodle making — might be swamped by the conquering Western culture. By honoring revered exemplars of those arts, they preserved them and made them important to a new generation.

[...]

CITYVIEW's seasonal guide for activities and things to do in Central Iowa

EXPLORE: Central Iowa Drinkeries

By Cyote Williams

Wineries, breweries and distilleries make up this list of what we like to call “drinkeries.” Get the best wines, beers and spirits specially made in the heart of Iowa.

The tradition continues
Dallas County Fair offers events, exhibits and more July 9-13

By Jackie Wilson

The kids are out of school, people are taking vacations, and a long-standing summer tradition — the Dallas County Fair — is quickly approaching. This year, it runs from July 9-13 at the Dallas County Fairgrounds in Adel. However, pre-fair activities start even earlier. On July 6, a truck pull showcases speed and power between competing trucks, July 7 is a fair open house, and July 8 is when static exhibits open.

This year, the Dallas County Fair Board is excited to showcase a new horse barn. Ashley Zika, fair board director who has served on the board since 2019, says the horse barn was a much-needed item.

[...]

These celebrities were born on this date: Melissa Barrera · Luke Thompson · Post Malone · Malia Obama  • Sophie Fergi • Clinton Cave • Angelique Boyer

SUBMIT: Send your birthday greetings and congratulatory notes to: tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com

The answer to yesterday's riddle:

What's the problem with the surgical robot that was recently invented? IT ONLY OPERATES ON BATTERIES! - Gail Tomlinson. Or, from Rex Post: short circuits, if they had a code issue.

Today's riddle

How do you weigh Gen Z-ers?

Have a guess? Email tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com

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Angela Ossian
Account Executive
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angela@iowalivingmagazines.com

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