The Second Continental Congress Convenes in Philadelphia
1775 · Philadelphia, United States
The Second Continental Congress convenes in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
The Continental Congress and the U.S. Flag
Date: May 16, 1777
On May 16, 1777, the Continental Congress convened to discuss various matters crucial to the burgeoning United States. Among the notable topics was the design of the national flag, later known as the “Stars and Stripes.”
Background
The discussion about a unified flag emerged as a symbolic expression of the united effort against British rule during the American Revolutionary War. Prior to this date, various flags were utilized by different colonies and military units, leading to a desire for a standardized national emblem.
Significance
The establishment of a cohesive flag was pivotal, providing a unified symbol for American independence and identity. It represented the collective aspirations and the burgeoning unity of the thirteen colonies, which sought to distinguish themselves from Britain and assert their sovereignty on both the national and international stages.
Outcome
Despite the discussions and thematic groundwork laid in Congress on this date, the formal adoption of the flag with its specified design—comprised of thirteen alternating red and white stripes and thirteen white stars on a blue field—would be finalized on June 14, 1777. This historic decision was reflected in the Flag Resolution, marking a key step in the visual and national identity of the United States.
Broader Impact
The “Stars and Stripes” would become an enduring symbol of liberty and democracy, undergoing several modifications over the years to reflect the admission of new states into the Union. The flag remains a profound icon of American national pride and unity, revered both domestically and internationally.