National Flag Day takes place each year on June 14 to honor Old Glory, and commemorate the adoption of the United States flag on June 14, 1777. The holiday is a day when Americans show respect for the country’s national flag, and what it represents.
While Betsy Ross has been given credit for stitching together the first American flag, there is no sound evidence to support the story. However, there are none to challenge it either.
It seems some of the conflict arose because there were several designs being considered all at the same time. There were many flag makers during that time, and more than one claim as to whose was first. During Ross’s Revolutionary time, several standards were carried bearing red and white stripes along with varying symbols where the blue field and white stars now reside.
Our nod
Here is Hattingdon’s nod to the original U.S. flag. The hat has thirteen white stars set against a deep, dark blue rounded cap, together with a red and white striped bow below. Naturally, we named the design Betsy. Isn’t she sweet?
Flag facts
• Since 1777, the design of the United States flag has been officially modified 26 times.
• On June 24, 1912, by Executive Order of President Taft, the proportions of the flag was established, providing for the arrangement of its stars in six horizontal rows of eight each, with a single point of each star to be upward.
• On July 4, 1912, the United States flag grew to 48 stars with the addition of New Mexico (January 6th, 1912) and Arizona (February 14, 1912).
• The 48-star flag was official for 47 years, the 2nd longest length of years. Only the 50 Star Flag is longer.
• In 1959, the 49-Star version of the Flag became official on July 4th. The following month, President Eisenhower ordered the 50-Star Flag on August 21st.
• The 50-star American flag was designed by seventeen-year-old Robert G. Heft of Ohio. His was one of the more than 1,500 plus designs submitted to the President for consideration. We find the “backstory” on this fascinating. We hope you do too.
See “The High Schooler Who Designed the 50-Star American Flag“.
See also “Who Made the American Flag with 50 Stars” plus “Facts about the United States Flag” by the Smithsonian.
Updated June 17, 2025.
HATTINGDON HORSES 