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Show Betsey Ross and the Rejected Flag We often read and hear the statement: "It is to be regretted that many of the fascinating narratives narra-tives of our colonial history are born of imagination, imagina-tion, and among these are favorite stories, such as: "Captain Joha Smith's adventure with the Indians, Indi-ans, Putnam's famous ride, Betsey Ross and our first flag, and Barbara Frietchie at Fredericks-town." Fredericks-town." There is abundance of proof extended to verify that Betsey Ross lived, and that she was employed em-ployed by the continental congress to manufacture flags, the government archives bear witness. Betsey Ross' flag was first rejected and some time later accepted. Betsey Ross attended Christ church, Philadelphia, Philadel-phia, and the pew in which she worshiped was next to the one occupied by Washington, and her pew is marked by a brass plate bearing these words: "In this pew worshiped Betsey Ross, who made the first flag." Of late years the journals, magazines, and school histories our country have called attention to the origin of our national flag as having been suggested sug-gested by the family arms of the Washingtons. This supposition conies from Martin Tupper, an eminent English poet and literateur. His first reference to our flag in this connection was made public in the fall of 1850. The announcement did not receive serious consideration until at a public banquet given in America. At this dinner, held in the city of Baltimore, the idea was heralded to the world that the stars and stripes had their origin in the heraldic symbols of the Washington family. |