The Journey to 250

The countdown to America250 is almost over! This summer will be full of celebrations for the 250^th anniversary of the founding of our country. But before we mark that occasion, there is a lesser known holiday coming up this month known as Flag Day.

You have probably seen an increase in American flags flying in your neighborhood and around your community. The symbol of our freedom has many cherished nicknames: Old Glory; The Red, White, and Blue, The Stars and Stripes. And, it has its own holiday.

Flag Day commemorates June 14, 1777, when the Continental Congress determined the composition of the nation's banner: "Resolved, That the flag of the thirteen United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation." President Woodrow Wilson issued a 1916 proclamation of June 14 as Flag Day and in 1949, President Harry S. Truman signed the formal observance into law.

When we celebrate Independence Day, we commemorate the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1777. The official founding of the country the newly-designed flag symbolized. Building a foundation for the new nation was a process. One taken with the greatest of care and reflection, as well as considerable debate. The work began before the Declaration had been written, and continued long after it was signed.

The United States Constitution was written ten years later, in 1787, and ratified in 1788. The U.S. Constitution is the supreme law of the land, establishing the fundamental framework of the American government, and guaranteeing the core civil rights of its citizens. It is referred to as a, “living document,” and through the years it has been built upon. The Bill of Rights was proposed by Congress in 1789, and officially became part of the U.S. Constitution after being ratified on December 15, 1791. More amendments would follow.

How well do you know American history? Test your knowledge with this quick 10-question quiz. Or try a more advanced 50-question quiz to delve deeper. And if you are looking for the best America250 celebration near you, the American’s Block Party mobile app can help you locate or host a gathering. Let the festivities begin!