Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1861-05-18
History of the American Flag.

III work nuhllsheu some years ago OF
the American Flag, says: "The first
colors spoken of in connection with
the American Revolution, were signifi-
cantly enough called 'Union Flags"
No account is given of the devices
upon them. They are frequently spok-
en- of in the newspapers Of 1774.
The Connecticut troops fixed upon
their standards and drums, in 1775, the
motto, "QM Nauslatit, Sustimt." in
letters of gold-literally-"He who
transplanted US hither will support us.
This was the motto. Every regiment
was distinguished by its co!ors-bluc,
orange, &c. On July 10, 1775, Gen.
Israel Putnam unfurled at Cambridge,
Massachusetts,, on the joyful occasion
Of the reception in that town of the
Declaration of Independence, a stand
ard bearing this motto on one side,
can appeal to Heaven" and on the
other, "QW Nauslatit, Sustinn." This
was flung to the breeze amid the roar
Of cannon and the shouts of the peo-
pie. 1t was said at that time, "the
Philistines on Bunker Hill heard the
cheers of the Israclitcs Israel Putnam),
and being fearful, paraded themselves
in battle array" This flag was red
one, the signal of defiance or battle
since the days of the Romans.
In September, 1875, Colonel Moultrie
unfurled large blue flag, wsth cres-
cent in one corner. This was the first
American flag displayed in South Car
olina, and was used at the taking of
Fort johnson, on James Island. The
crescent is an emblem of soverei gnty.
A standard, with white ground, a
pine tree in the middle, and the motto,
."Appcal to Heaven" was adopted in
1915, as the Flag of the Floating Bat
tcries.
On January I'd, 1776-the day that
gave birth to the new American Army
the flag designated as "The Great
Union Standard" was hoisted. This
was the basis of the National Flag of
the present day
In 1776, was adopted the standard
to be used by the COMMANDMENTS Chief
Of the American Navy, "being yell
low field with a lively representation
of a rattlesnake in the middle, in the
attitude of striking" Underneath
were the words, "Dont tread on me. "
The same year the cruisers of the
Colony of Massachusetts hoisted a
white flag, with green pine tree, and
the motto, appeal to Heaven"
June 18th, TIT, Congress passed
the following resolution:
Resolrcd, That the flag of the Thir-
teen States be thirteen stripes, alternate
red and white, that the Union be thir-
teen stars, white, in blue field, repre-
scnting a new Constitution.
This was the origin of the National
Flag of the United States-the glori-
Gus " stars and stripes which has
proudly waved since that day over
many of the greatest victories of mod
ern times; that stirs the blood of every
true hearted citizen whenever he be-
holds it floating in the breeze; that
waves in every part of the world, and
that is everywhere honored and res
pected on sea and shore.
The above resolution was made pub
lie September Sd, 1777. According to
Col. Trumbull, the flag made in pur.
suancc of it was first used at the sur
render of Burgoyne, October 18th, of
the same year. This was a glorious
beginning, truly; for that was one of
the most important victories of the
American arms during the Revolution.
The first change in the national colors
was directed in the following enact
ment of Congress, adopted January
18th, 1894:
BE 1t enacted, etc. That from and
after the LIST day of May, 1895, the Flag
of the United States be fifteen stripes,
alternately red and white; that the
Union be fifteen stars, white, in blue
field.
This was the Fag of the United
during the War of 1812-14.
In 1918 the Flag of the United States
was again altered. On the suggestion
of the Hon. Mr.. Wendover, OF the
State of New York, return was made
to thirteen stripes, as it was anticipated
the Flag would become unwieldy if a
stripe was added on the admission of
each State; anu moreover, by the plan
proposed-namely, the addition Of a
star for each new Stato-the Union of
the old Thirteen States, as well as the
number Of States comprising the ex-
listing Union, would both be presented
by the Flag of our United States. Mr..
Wendover also proposed the arrange
ment of the stars in the Union in the
form of a single star. The resolution Of