| Show First Battle Flag The question of when and where the American fla flag with stars and stripes was first carried in battle has been the sub subject t of much controversy amon among historians historians ians ever since the Revolution In fact in spite of the Betsy Ross tradition th the origin of the flag is uncertain It is a n matter of history that the flag of 13 stars and 13 stripes was adopted by Con Congress ress on Juno June 14 1777 but the exact date on which the first flag was made is unknown As to the fla flags flaga tI first display in rn battle there have been conflicting claims Until recently it was geny gen gen- generally en supposed that this occurred at Fort Schuyler N Y on August 3 1777 when that post was besig- besig ed besig-ed ed by the British The flag used I on that oc occasion sion was said to have been made from a blue jacket andI anda and a soldiers soldier's wife's red petticoat with stars cut from a white shirt War Department officials who have recently made researches witha with a view to clearing clearine up the matter now declare that the evidence favors favors favors ors Bridge De Del as the place where the first battle flag with stars and stripes was unfurl unfurl- unfurled unfurled ed This was durin during a skirmish which preceded the battle of Brandywine and occurred on September 3 1777 All of which is interesting thou though h not of great importance The important thing is is that the Stars and Strives StriDes still floats as the symbol of freedom and equal equal- equality equality ity of opportunity The fact that the principles for which it stands are sometimes violated does not materially detract from its sublime sub sub- sub sub-I lime symbolism I I I I I |
