Flag Day

SAN JOSE, June 14, 2013—  June 14 is a very special day in the history of the United States.  On this date in 1775, the Second Continental Congress formally adopted the rag-tag band of men and boys who had started shooting at the King’s troops in Massachusetts. In addition, on June 14, 1777, the Stars and Stripes, the official flag of the U.S. was born. In each case, an official act of the Second Continental Congress established two powerful foundations for the future nation.

Ironically, any official act of the Second Continental Congress was essentially operating outside of the British law, and not considered completely or legally binding by the British Crown as all such public assemblies ultimately were deemed treasonous at the time. With respect to the adoption of the men and boys fighting around Boston, the Massachusetts Provincial Congress had sent an urgent request to the Second Continental Congress for assistance with and organization and some assumption of authority over the various volunteer militia aggregating in Massachusetts intent on fighting the British.