06/14/2026
🇺🇸 Happy Flag Day from the Historical Society of the Massapequas! 🇺🇸
Today we celebrate one of our nation's most recognizable symbols—the American flag.
Many people immediately think of the famous 13-star flag associated with Betsy Ross. According to tradition, Ross sewed a flag featuring thirteen stars arranged in a circle to represent the unity of the original thirteen colonies. Whether legend or history, the "Betsy Ross Flag" remains an enduring symbol of America's fight for independence.
But did you know that an earlier flag was already flying in 1776? Known today as the Grand Union Flag, it featured thirteen red and white stripes representing the colonies, along with the British Union Jack in the canton. It was carried by American forces during the opening months of the Revolution and is often considered the first national flag of the United States.
As we commemorate Flag Day and continue celebrating America's 250th anniversary, we remember the evolution of our nation's flag and the ideals of liberty, unity, and perseverance that it represents.
Enjoy these photos of our reenactors displaying the Betsy Ross Flag and portraying Betsy at work creating one of America's most iconic symbols! The last photo is of the original flag from 1776.
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