June 14 is Flag Day, which commemorates the adoption of the flag of the United States in 1777. Our nation"s first official flag had 13 stars and 13 red and white stripes to represent the original 13 colonies that broke from British rule. The stars were arranged on a blue background to represent a "new constellation." In 1795, two more stars and two stripes were added to reflect the entry of Vermont and Kentucky to the Union. Then in 1818, Congress passed a plan to go back to 13 stripes and add only stars for new states. The current version of the flag has been in effect since 1960, after Hawaii became a state the prior year. The flags we"re looking at here are flying in New Jersey"s Liberty State Park, with the Statue of Liberty in the background.
Celebrating Flag Day
Today in History
More Desktop Wallpapers:
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In praise of the pipes
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Hoisting a flag for seafarers
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National Fossil Day
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Atop the Needle of Chamonix
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San Francisco’s City Hall illuminated by the iconic colors of Pride
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Protecting endangered giants
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A long path to freedom
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European Day of Parks
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Aw shucks, it’s oyster season in Galway
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Gauchos showcase Argentina’s independent spirit
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World Childrens Day
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Bathing boxes at Brighton Beach, Australia
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International Museum Day
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A magnificent monolith
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The old guard at Old San Juan
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Talk like a pirate—or walk the plank
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Into the woods
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Let’s go mothing
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We have liftoff!
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Celebrating 78 years of Everglades National Park
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International Zebra Day
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Daiichi Tadami River Bridge, Fukushima, Japan
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Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness
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Southern right whales sail home to South Africa
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A keel-billed toucan in Costa Rica
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Zelenci Nature Reserve, Slovenia
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World Oceans Day
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Vernazza, Cinque Terre, Liguria, Italy
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In honor of those we ve lost
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Madame Sherri Forest, New Hampshire
Bing Wallpaper Gallery

