The American flag is a symbol of freedom and sacrifice for United States citizens. Although we typically picture cloth versions of this national emblem, it can be anything that the observer acknowledges. Therefore, a Christmas tree adorned in red, white, and blue could be considered an American flag. Examples can be made from any material or placed on any object. The tragic events of September 11th resurrected a since of patriotism within the United States. The result has been a desire to display the American flag in front of homes, office buildings, and everywhere possible.
The historic tale of Betsy Ross painstakingly sewing the first American flag is widely known. However, many of the details of that extraordinary event, along with the circumstances leading up to it have been overlooked. To begin with, the colonies had adopted several flags as a representation of their new American beliefs. The Dont Tread on Me version incorporated red and white stripes with a snake across it. A popular option used by George Washington, which signified the unification of the colonies, was similar to the British emblem. Washington raised this particular version at Prospect Hill. The...