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A story about our flags beginning
As we approach the 4th of July, I became curious to understand the first flying of our American Flag. The following briefly describes the occurrence.
John Paul Jones, a Revolutionary War naval hero, understood the power of a flag to embody a nation’s aspirations and inspire loyalty. On December 6, 1775, as the newly commissioned first lieutenant of the Continental Navy ship Alfred, Jones hoisted the Grand Union flag of the thirteen united colonies. He proudly wrote, “I hoisted with my own hands the flag of freedom the first time it was displayed on board the Alfred in the Delaware.” This event marked an early connection between Jones and the birth of the American flag.
Then, on July 4, 1777, the first anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, Captain John Paul Jones raised the stars and stripes flag on his own command, the Continental Navy ship Ranger, which was fitting out for a cruise against the enemies of the newly formed United States.
The design for the new nation’s national ensign, as decreed by the Continental Congress, featured thirteen alternating red and white stripes and a blue field with thirteen white stars — a new constellation representing unity and freedom.
Interestingly, the flag raised by Jones borrowed the red and white stripes from the naval ensign but omitted the rattlesnake with the motto “Don’t Tread On Me.” Nevertheless, Jones’s association with the birth of the flag remains a significant part of his legacy.
And that’s how John Paul Jones played a pivotal role in hoisting the stars and stripes for the first time, symbolizing America’s fight for liberty!
(A story from the Wolrad collection #340)
