The Flags Of The Memorial Flag Court

Cross of Saint George (Far Right)

The first English flag used on North America, it was flown by John Cabot in 1497, under the reign of King Henry VII. (In 1620, when the Mayflower landed in America, a new flag was used for the Colonies. King James I, took the Cross of Saint George, and superimposed it onto the Scottish flag of Saint Andrew, calling it the King's Colors.)

Grand Union Flag (Second From Right)

In 1776, the Colonies adopted the Thirteen Stripes, representing the Thirteen Colonies, and kept the Kings Colors in the Canton (Corner Square), illustrating their allegiance to England, but their willingness to fight for their rights and justice. George Washington personally raised this flag at Cambridge, Massachusetts as his men were advancing on the British in Boston. This flag is also called the Cambridge or Continental Flag.

Star Spangled Banner (Second From Left)

The 15 stars and stripes, our second National Flag, was flown from 1795 to 1818. This flag was flown during the War of 1812 and during the the United States War with the Barbary States.

It was this flag that inspired Francis Scott Key to write the "Star Spangled Banner." It also inspired a heated debate in the Congress over the change from 13 to 15 stripes in the banner. Between 1795 and 1818, five new States were admitted to the Union, the a new flag was needed. A navy Captain redesigned the flag and returned to the 13 original stripes, but added a star for each new state. Congress adopted this idea and also stipulated that on July 4th, following the admission of a new state, a new start would be flown in the flag to represent that state.

36 Stars, 13 Stripes Old Glory (Far Left)

During the Civil War, the Union Forces used four official flags ... with 33,34,35 and 26 starts. The 36 star flag, our 18th National Flag, was flown from 1865 to 1867. The Confederate States of America were in their last hours when Nevada was admitted to the Union as the 36th. state.

50 Star Old Glory (Center)

This flag, with 50 stars, has been flown since 1960. On March 18, 1959, Hawaii became our 50th. state and the last star in the flag up to the present time.

Please visit the following link for information on organizatons and individuals sponsoring these flags.

About Flags