Vigo County Historical Society

Flags flying with renewed meaning

September 11, 2001, was a day of tragedy, horror and loss for the people of the United States of America. The hearts and souls of the overwhelming majority of mankind were touched on that day. People will relive and remember that day. Historians will record that day. It was a day our nation put aside differences of opinion and united in shock and outrage, the in grief and mourning. Out of the shock and sadness of that day came a much deeper appreciation for our ideals and a renewed determination of the American people to defend their freedom.

Before Sept. 11, our flag waving over government buildings and school entryways was so prosaic that it was almost invisible.

Since that day, the stars and stripes are seen heaving with renewed meaning from front porches and car antennas, draped proudly on store fronts, and adorning coat lapels and T-shirts. It has become dramatically prominent and celebrated, a symbol impossible to ignore.

Although a silent symbol, its message resonates; America stands stronger and more united than ever before.

Like our country, our flag has gone through many changes since its inception.

The original design, 13 alternating red and white stripes and 13 five-pointed stars set in a circle of a blue canton, was established by Congress on June 14, 1777.

Although Betsy Ross is often credited with stitching together the very first flag, in actuality historians have been unable to confirm that it was her handiwork.

When Vermont and Kentucky joined the Union in 1795, they solicited representation on the flag.

Congress accommodated these requests by increasing to 15 the number of both the stars and stripes.

When five more states joined the Union in 1818, the flag was again reconfigured. Congress reestablished the number of stripes at 13 and decreed that in the future, only a star would be added for each state that joined the Union. By 1859, the number of states in the Union and stars on the flag had grown to 33. Interestingly, although 11 states seceded from the Union in 1860 and 2861, the flag continued to hear their representative stars.

The number and arrangement of the stripes has remained unchanged since 1818; however, the configuration of the stars has changed many times over the years. The original arrangement, a circular pattern, was changed to horizontal lines in 1818. From 1836 to 1867, as new states joined the Union, the configuration of the stars was altered several more times. These changes proceeded from star-shaped patterns, to various linear compositions, to concentric circles, and finally to the horizontal arrangement we know today.

The flag is traditionally displayed on President’s Day, Memorial Day, Flag Day, the Fourth of July, and Veterans Day to honor past leaders, celebrate our freedoms and commemorate our military.

During periods of mourning, the flag is flown at half staff. It adorns the caskets and graves of fallen heroes. It was been degraded and burned in protest of our government. It has been depicted in works of art; it has been the subject of innumerable photographs, and many songs have been written and sung in its honor. Most important, for more than 200 years it has stood for a united America.

In recognition of our renewed interest in our flag, the Vigo County Historical Museum has several American flags from our past on display in the military room.