Flag Day - June 14th
And the History of the Christian Flag
On June 14th, 1777, The United States Officially adopted the Stars and Stripes as the National Flag. In 1885. BJ Cigrand, a schoolteacher, arranged for the pupils in Fredonia, Wisconsin to observe June 14 as 'Flag Birthday'. In 1889 George Balch, a kindergarten teacher in New York City, organized activities to celebrate "Flag Day".
Later, his idea of observing Flag Day was later adopted by the State Board of Education of New York. On June 14, 1891, the Betsy Ross House in Philadelphia held a Flag Day celebration. Over the years more and more popularity was gained for celebrating Flag day, and finally it was officially established by the Proclamation of President Woodrow Wilson on May 30th, 1916. However, it was not until August 3rd, 1949, that President Truman signed an Act of Congress designating June 14th of each year as National Flag Day. Many communities and organizations now celebrate Flag Day by hanging flags on public buildings and town squares.
For United States Citizens, this is an important patriotic event to remember and celebrate. However, for Christians, there is also a flag to remember. I am sure that many of you have seen it at the front of churches and chapels.
The Christian Flag was conceived at Brighton Chapel, Coney Island, New York, on Sunday, September 26, 1897. A distinguished speaker was to have spoken there that day, but for some reason did not show up. Charles C. Overton, the Superintendent ad-libbed a short homily discussing the American Flag and its symbolism., as there was one standing near the alter. As Overton was speaking he thought - "Why not also a Christian flag?" He then proceeded to discuss what a Christian Flag could look like, and later designed the Flag as seen to the right.
So, while we are paying respect to the Flag of the United States, or to the flag of your respective country, let us also remember the Christian Flag, and what it symbolizes for Christians around the World.
sores: http://christianteens.about.com/od/h.../a/flagday.htm
http://www.window-cling.com/USA-Star...ripes-Flag.gif
congrats and happy birthday to the most loved and hated image in the world! :01:
