Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1909-08-16

DOINGS IN THE WORLD OF SPORTS

UOdteQ OH JdHudTy z, 100, WIFI Id
stripes as symbol of their Union of
10 colonies"
The Congress appointed a committee
on the flag, which reported, in extenso:
Tine stars of the flag represent a new
constellation of States, rising in the
West. The idea is taken from the
great constellation Lyra, which, In the
hands of Orpheus, signifies Harmony.
The blue in the field is taken from the
edge of the Covenanter's Banner in
Scotland, significant of a League Gov
enant of the United States against OPP
preston. The stars are disposed in a
circle symbCliZing the perpetuity of the
Union; the ring signifying Eternity.
The Is stripes with the IS stars shows
the number of the united colonies and
denotes the subordination of the States
to the Union as well as equality among
themselves. The red, the color which
in the Roman days was a symbol Of
defiance, denotes Daring and the white
Purity"
The resolution establishing the flag
was not promulgated by the Secretary
of the Congress until September 3,
I'LL. This flag was first carried in the
battle of Brandywine September II,
1777, and was borne in all of the sub
sequent encampments, marches and
battles of the Revolutionary War.
The ship Ranger, commanded by
Commodore John Paul Jones, entered
a French port on December /, 1777, with
the Stars and Stripes floating above
her, and that flag was saluted on Feb
ruary IA, ITS. That was the first sa-
lutte ever fired in honor of the Stars
and Stripes by foreign naval vessels.
Now as to the origin and significance
of Flag Day" The significance, you
will have already discovered, is that
this celebration is to be annually on
June IA, in commemorative the ami
versary of the official resolution of the
Congress on June IA, 1777. The origin of
Flag Day. was on June IA, 1885, The
originator was George Bolch, who was
in charge of a free kindergarten for the
poor in New York City. This patriotic
educator conceived the idea and put it
into execution with his obscure school
on June Ia, 1899
Instantly the idea struck a popular
chord 1t was subsequently adopted by
the State Board of education. Then
it was Incorporated into the laws of
New York, which in chapter 4S1, pro-
vides that:
1T shall be the duty of the State Su-
perintendent Of Public instruction to
prepare program making special pro-
cision for the observance in the public
schools of Lincoln's birthday, Washing
tons birthday, Memorial Day and Flag
Day.
Under that law the State Superinten-
dent ordered that " at 9 o'clock in the
morning every school shall raise flag
of the roof. AT slight expense let each
boy and girl in the schools be provided
with flag. There is something rhyth-
mic in speech or song to which they
can supply patriotic accompaniment
of waving flags; and there must be a
march whose movement they can time
with waving banners. The exercises
may pc greatly varied by the use of
programs for cnoruses of voices, such
as Rally Round the Flay, Bows The
principal shall then give lecture on
the origin, history and significance of
the flag. Out of these exercises there
, should come a better appreciation of
the worth of the flag and the meaning
of true PATRIOTISM
The superintendent has promulgated
large volume on patriotism, in which
are numerous short verses and apt
quotations, which are intended for
memoriZing, in order that the children
may speak pieces and take individual
interest in the celebration, such as:
One flag one land, one heart, one hani;
One Nation, evermore
Oliver Wendell Homo s.
Waves from sea to mountain crag,
Freedoms Starry Union Flag.
Frederic Dennison.
Let it float undimmed above
Till over all our wales shall bloom
The sacred colors that we love.
Let all the ends thou aim'st at DE thy
Country'S.
Thy Gods and Truths.
William Shakespeare.
The origin and significance of Flag
Day." coupled with the teaching of the
history of the origin and significance
of the flag itself, should encourage and
develop patriotism in our youth. Study
of the subject, reflection upon it's mer-
it, inspires patriotism and incites the
hope that in due season Flag Day.
may become national holiday for our
public schools; one day in each year
set apart for the devotion of the rising
generation to our "Star- Spangled Ban
ner. "-Eychange.