The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-06-15

Flag Day was observed yesterday wher-
ever the Star Spangled Banner is spread
to the breeze throughout the length and
breadth of the country, with patriotic ex-
ercises.
The national colors were in evidence ev-
erywhere in Washington. The gay bunt-
ing foated from residence, business house,
and public building. Ships in the harbor
were decorated with red, white, and blue
in honor of the occasion.
Although not a national holiday, the
observance of Flag Day has been growing
annually In this city special exercises,
appropriate to the occasion, were held in
all the public schools.
Flag Day had its origin in the wish Of
the patriotic societies of America to be-
stow honor upon the Stars and Stripes one
day in the year. Key had immortalized
the flag in heroic verse and its achieve
ments had been written imperishably in
history, but members of these societies
were impressed with the idea that its sig
nificance should be impressed upon the
minds of old and young alike by its dis
play in public places and by reminding
the people Of the achievements OF the ma
ton under it's benignant sway
The Stars and Stripes are believed by
many to have been suggested by the coat
of arms of George Washington. The first
Star Spangled Banner was made by Mrs.
Betsey Ross, Of Philadelphia, from the de-
signs of committee, of which General
Washington was member. This was in
June, 1916 month before the Declaration
of Independence.
September 3, 1777, q resolution of the
Continental Congress was offcially az
nounced, declaring the adoption OF ma
tional flag the same design as had teen
made by Mrs. Ross. The battle of Brandy
wine was the first battle after the adoption
of the national emblem, at which the flag
was used by authority of Congress. The
first flag consisted Of thirteen white stars
on a blue field, and stripes of alternate red
and blue Today Old Glory contains forty
five stars each representing State OF tie
Union.
Two stars and two stripes were added to
the flag by Congress on January l3, 1924,
to represent Vermont and Kentucky, which |
had been admitted to the Union after 111l.
The battles of tie Mexican war were |
Tough. under this flag Of fifteen stars ard |
fifteen stripes, and it was this emblem that /
gave the inspiration of the Star Spangled |
Banner FRANCIS scott heN.
The number Of stripes were reduced to
the original thirteen by act Of Cong!ess |
April 4, 1918, and it was provided at tie |
same time that the number OF stars should |
equal the number OF States. This act p:o-
vided that on the Fourth Of July succeed
ing the admission of new State a new |
star should be added to Old Glory.
By special authority, of the Board OF
Trustees the schools of the District yes
49, Aaet-v mt
thought best, either by the Board of Trus-
tees or the Superintendent of Schools that
any set programme Of exercises should be
arranged. On the contrary, it was left
for each school, through its principal and
teachers, to adopt such plan for the OBJ
servance of the day as might suggest
itself The exercises were held in each
school yesterday afternoon, beginning at
/: so o'clock. There was considerable va
riety in the form Of observance in the va
rious schools. Readings, Rotations. mu-
sic, and addresses by the teachers figured
in the programmes, the central idea in
each case being to impress upon the
minds of the pupils Of the District the
grandeur, spendor, and sacredness of the .
national emblem. They learned OF its
origin in revolutionary days. They were :
told how it was carried to victory against =.
the British foe in that sanguinary strug- /.
gle. How it has gathered to itself forty .
Ave stars in place OF the original thirteen :
was n part of the theme. The young !
learned how 1t triumphed again over Great .
Britain in 1914; they were told how it .
overruled disunion in the war of 1861 to .
1865. and how 1t shattered the might of :
Spain and was thrown to the tropical
oreezes in Porto Rico. Guam, and the far .
off Philippines. They were also informed .
If its peaceful sway in Alaska and Ha- :
vail.