The American Flag

It is a popular belief that Betsy Ross designed and made the very first American flag for the general of the Continental army, George Washington, in 1777.

 But that is unfortunately a misconception. 
 

"The first American flag was a banner with thirteen alternating red and white stripes with the crosses of St. George and St. Andrew set into to the upper left corner. These were symbols of the British throne and captured the hope that there might still be a political resolution that would maintain some connection between Americans and the throne of England."
{Don't Know Much About History by Kenneth C. Davis ISBN 0-06-008382-4}

I never knew that there was a flag design that predated the 13 star flag, but in a way it makes logical sense.

Originally the colonists did not want to be free of the English throne, they just wanted to feel like proper countrymen. The slogan "No taxation without representation" started because the English Parliament decided to tax the colonies to help pay the dept of the previous "Seven Years War", also known by the colonial name of the "French and Indian War".
This upset the colonists but it was really a minor thing in the long run, just something to get the people to start having ill-feelings towards the Crown.

As time went on the the tug-of-war between the colonies and England continued until Parliament decided to put its foot down and passed series of bills which the colonists called the Intolerable Acts, which spurred the colonists to convene for the First Continental Congress in 1774.

Even as the Revolution was beginning there were still many colonists who were loyal to the Crown and the patriots had to keep that in mind, thus the British symbols were incorporated into the flag to show that they were willing to work with the Crown but only to an extent.

As well all know by now, the English and the colonists could not come to an agreement and the Declaration of Independence was signed on the 4th of July, 1776.

The Revolutionary War does not officially end until the Treaty of Paris is ratified by Congress in January of 1784.

I find it interesting that we as Americans celebrate when we declared independence instead of when we actually acquired independence, but I can't really argue with the nationally holiday, now can I?

I am proud to say that I am an American; knowing that our country is not perfect, never has been and never will be, but we worked hard for our country to be a place of peace and prosperity.

Lover of Two...

Lover of two countries, that is. 
Marquis de Lafayette {1757-1834}

"One of the {American} Revolution's idealists, this young Frenchman came to America at age 19, wealthy enough to pay for his own ship to make the journey. Like other young European aristocrats for whom war was a matter of personal honor and social standing, Lafayette came in search of glory and adventure. In exchange for a major general's rank, he offered to serve without pay, and quickly earned Washington's affection. They developed an almost father-son relationship. Given a minor command, Lafayette proved to be an able and loyal commander.
During a trip back to France, he was instrumental in securing the French military assistance that was the key to the American victory at Yorktown. At the surrender, Lafayette's personal band proudly piped "Yankee Doodle Dandy," once a song mockingly sung by the British to taunt the Americans. After the war, Lafayette returned to France with enough American soil in which to be buried."
{Don't Know Much About History by Kenneth C. Davis ISBN:0-06-008382-4}

While Lafayette seems to be most celebrated here in the states for helping with our bid for freedom from Britain; in his native France he is held to a lesser degree by historians. Depending on who you listen to he was either a hero and great influence in France or a half-wit from a wealthy family playing soldier.

"To the historians on the left, he was a traitor to the glorious cause. To historians on the right, he was too ineffective to be their hero"
{Patrice Gueniffey, “Lafayette” in François Furet and Mona Ozouf, eds., A Critical Dictionary of the French Revolution}

I personally just like the bit about how he brought back enough American soil to be buried under in France. Now some people of my generation might not get the significance of this, but I studied European history in high school and know full well how extremely proud theses men and women were when it came to their country. 

Anywho, there is your random history for the day. :)  

{PS: I'm not sure what is going on with the font size... sorry if it is difficult to read}