MIDLAND, Texas (KOSA) – On Friday, July 4, the Bush Family Home State Historic Site invited the community to visit and learn about the history of the American flag.
“We decided to do something very patriotic and talk about the history and evolution of the American flag,” said Troy Gray, the Site Manager for the Bush Family Home State Historic Site
The United States has had 27 official flags.
The first being adopted on June 14, 1777, now celebrated as Flag Day.
That flag featured 13 stripes and 13 stars to represent the 13 colonies.
When the next flag was made, after Kentucky and Vermont gained their statehood, the flag featured 15 stripes and 15 stars, the only one with more than 13.
That flag, known as the flag of 1812, was also the one that inspired the writing of our national anthem.
“The flag was what was carried into battle. It was really a way for all of the soldiers to rally around a symbol. Of course, that’s how we got our own national anthem as well. Francis Scott Key wrote it about how the flag was still standing,” Gray said.
From there, flags were changed just to reflect the addition of new states.
Our current flag was adopted in 1959 and is officially America’s longest serving flag.
“I think just respect for the flag and understanding that there have been a lot of problems in America from the start of history but the flag is something that all Americans can rally around and really stand for,” said Gray.
After learning the history of the flag, participants were invited to make their own flag.
As always people could also buy admission to tour the house.
Before leaving, attendees were invited to pick a flag or patriotic decoration off the lawn to use during this evening’s fireworks.
The Texas Historical Commission took over the site two years ago, so even if you’ve been to the house before they invite you to revisit it.
“We offer a lot more than they were able to in the past, but also just to learn about how Midland became the start of two presidents, two governors and a first lady,” Gray said.
The Bush Family Home State Historic Site is open every Tuesday through Saturday, from 10 to 5.
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