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On June 14, 2025, the United States Army celebrates its 250th anniversary. Today’s U.S. Army grew from the roots of the Continental Army, established by the Second Continental Congress on June 14, 1775. 

The Army flag introduces the story of “This we’ll defend,” which is pictured near the top of the flag on a ribbon in a rattlesnake’s mouth. The Continental Army, as did many Colonial Americans, knew their rights as British subjects were being trampled upon by the British parliament and King George III. Hence, the rattlesnake and its “Don’t Tread on Me” sentiment on many other flags flying during our Revolutionary War (1775-1783). 

But look closer at the Army’s flag. The rattlesnake and the ribbon are positioned just above an upturned sword upon which is a “Liberty Cap” – a symbol of the Colonial Americans’ quest for freedom from British tyranny. The Continental Army’s battle cry, “This we’ll defend,” refers to our freedom, the liberty that we have come to enjoy in the United States of America.

On June 14, we also celebrate the date that our nation’s flag was born. The Second Continental Congress’ Maritime Committee passed the “Flag Resolution” describing the new flag of the United States on June 14, 1777: “Resolved, that the Flag of the thirteen United States shall be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the Union be thirteen stars, white on a blue field, representing a new constellation.” 

President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed June 14 as “National Flag Day” on May 13, 1916. After that, June 14 was eventually declared our “National Flag Day” by an act of Congress and signed into law by President Harry S Truman on August 3, 1949.

While June 14th is our nation’s official Flag Day, every day is Flag Day at the House of Flags Museum located at 33 Gibson Street in Columbus. The museum (now joined by the Polk County Historical Museum) is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Visit houseofflags.org for more information on the flag of the U.S. Army and about 300 more.

 

 

Submitted by Robert Williamson