Happy Flag Day

 

Just make sure your butts are at work tomorrow.

    “Resolved, that the flag of the United States be made of thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white on a blue field, representing a new constellation.”

    Thus proclaimed the Second Continental Congress on June 14, 1777.

    Fun Fact:  The original name, Continental Congress, The Sequel-This Time It’s Personal, was deemed too harsh.

    NOTE:  Yeah, that’s not true.  I would think that, by now, most of what you read in Penwasser Place is taken with a huge grain of salt.  But, it does sound pretty cool, huh?

    What this means, and trust me, I have a point, is that tomorrow is Flag Day.

    No, it’s not one of the eleven recognized Federal holidays (or Canadian Thanksgiving), but since it’s on a Sunday this year, banks and the post office are closed, it sorta kinda is like one.

    On the downside, since it’s not part of a three day weekend, you have to go to work Monday.

    Except me.

Good news:  retired
Bad news:  nothing works anymore

    Fun Fact #2:  It’s also the same day as the birthday of the United States Army, who this year will be 251 years old.

    Fun Fact #3:  After 1795, soldiers were no longer able to use their hands and feet to count birthdays.

    Sad to say, more than a few people won’t even realize it’s Flag Day in the first place.  Therefore, I decided to use my blog to get the word out far and wide.

"What do you mean by 'far and wide'?"
"A couple people."

    The concept of setting a day aside to recognize the flag and rally support for the Union was first proposed by Congress after the attack on Fort Sumter.

    Their first attempt, Abraham Lincoln bobble-heads, was a miserable failure.

    In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson the Racist issued a Presidential Proclamation that designated June 14 as “Flag Day.”

    Because, you know, June 14^th was first picked by Congress.

    In 1777.

"Hey, I've been busy keeping us out of the war.  Until I get re-elected.  Up yours."

    On June 14, 1937, Pennsylvania became the first state to recognize Flag Day.

    On August 3, 1949, taking inspiration from Pennsylvania, National Flag Day was officially established by Congress.  Which then took a one-month vacation.

    So you see, Congress was just as worthless back then as now.

    NOTE:  Incidentally, Congress wasn’t much better during the American Revolution, either.  Another post for another day.

    Fun Fact #4:  June 14-20 is considered National Flag Week.  And, yes, that conflicts with Juneteeth, which is a Federal holiday.  And part of a three-day weekend. 

    Some locales will have events or some other such ways to celebrate the flag.  Although, I’m sure that the bulk of the observances will consist solely of making sure the flag will be properly displayed throughout the week.

    Incidentally, while Betsy Ross is given credit for designing the flag, there is no credible evidence that she did so.  

"So, your Excellency, this blue field will be where we put a depiction of your face."
"Oh, screw that.  What kind of an ego-maniac do you take me for?  General Nathan Trump?"

     I’ve no doubt she sewed one, though.

    Before going to the Poconos for a three-day weekend.
   

BONUS PENWASSER PLACE:

    I was going to edit this out.  The first flag used by the Continental Army was called the Grand Union Flag.  But, it was rejected because troops tended to be confused.

You think?