Did you know that at the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, the USA did not have an "official" national flag. Although the legend of Betsy Ross has the flag in use on this date, it was not until June 14, 1777 that the Second Continental Congress passed the flag resolution actually making this our national flag.

As most of us know, the 13 stripes represent the original 13 colonies and each star represents a state. The last star added to the flag was on July 4, 1960 which welcomed Hawaii as a state.

No one really knows why the colors, stars and stripes were chosen, but some historians have the following suggestions. Stars represented man's desire to achieve greatness plus they are an important icon in Masonry. The use of stripes may have been inspired by other flags at that time. It was reported to congress by one of the designers of the Great Seal, that white was for purity and innocence, red represented hardiness and valor, and blue signified vigilance, perseverance and justice.

The flag has inspired musicians, artists, writers and great deeds. May "Old Glory" fly forever over the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave.

Illustrated is a hand painted and carved patriotic fish decoy.