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Show FIRST BATTLE FLAG. The question of when and where the American flag with stars and stripes was first carried in battle has been the subject of much controversy among historians ever since the Revolution. Revo-lution. In fact, in spite of the Betsy Ross tradition, the origin of the flag is uncertain. It is a matter of history that the flag of 13 stars and .13 stripes was adopted by congress on June 14, 1777, but the exact date on which the first, flag was made is unknown. As to the flag's first display in bat- tie, there have been conflicting claims. Until recently it was generally supposed sup-posed that this occurred at Fort Schuyler, N. Y., on August 3, 1777, when that post was beseiged by the British. The flag used on that occasion occas-ion was said to have been made from a blue jacket and a soldier's wife's red petticoat, with stars cut from a white shirt. War department officials who have recently made researches with a view to clearing up the matter now declare that the evidence favors Coochs Bridge, Del., as the place where the first battle flag with stars and stripes' wag unfurled. This was during a skirmish which preceded the battle of Brandywine on September 3, 1777. All of which is interesting, though not, of great importance. The important impor-tant thing is that the Stars and Stripes still floats as the symbol of freedom and equality of opportunity. The fact that the principles for which it stands are sometimes violated cTbes not materially detract from its sublime su-blime symbolism. |