On this day in 1777, During the American Revolution, the Continental Congress adopted the national flag, which became known as the Stars and Stripes. According to legend, Philadelphia seamstress Betsy Ross designed it at the request of General George Washington. Historians have been unable to conclusively prove or disprove this legend. After independence, new stripes and stars were added to represent new additions to the Union. In 1818, however, Congress enacted a law stipulating that the 13 original stripes be restored and that only stars be added to represent new states. In 1949, Congress officially designated June 14 as Flag Day, a national day of observance. Forever in peace may you wave!
