Thomas Paine Quote Of The Day

Men who are sincere in defending their freedom, will always feel concern at every circumstance which seems to make against them; it is the natural and honest consequence of all affectionate attachments, and the want of it is a vice. But the dejection lasts only for a moment; they soon rise out of it with additional vigor; the glow of hope, courage and fortitude, will, in a little time, supply the place of every inferior passion, and kindle the whole heart into heroism.

-Thomas Paine, The American Crisis No. IV

The Stars And Stripes Increased

On this date in 1794, President George Washington signed a measure making the first changes to the American flag, by ordering the stars and stripes to be increased by two each, to symbolize the admissions of Vermont and Kentucky to the Union. The 15-star, 15-stripe flag would remain the standard for the United States for 23 years, until the admission of five more states would bring the next changes to the flag, reverting the number of stripes to a permanent 13 but increasing the stars for each state admitted thereafter.

John Hancock

Today is the birthdate of John Hancock, patriot and statesman, who was president of the Continental Congress at the time of the passage of the Declaration of Independence and the first to sign (boldly) the Declaration, and later governor of Massachusetts.

"There! His Majesty can now read my name without glasses. And he can double the reward on my head!" -Hancock, following his signing of the Declaration of Independence

Alexander Hamilton

Today is the traditional birthdate of Alexander Hamilton, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, who signed the Constitution, authored many of the Federalist Papers in support of the Constitution's passage, was Secretary of the Treasury under George Washington, and whose portrait is currently on the U.S. $10 bill. He died in 1804 following a duel with Aaron Burr.

"The fabric of American Empire ought to rest on the solid basis of THE CONSENT OF THE PEOPLE. The streams of National power ought to flow immediately from that pure original fountain of all legitimate authority." -Hamilton, Federalist No. 22

Connecticut Statehood

On this date in 1788, Connecticut became the fifth state to ratify the United States Constitution and join the new union. Today we raise the flags of Connecticut and the 13-star United States flag.

The Battle Of New Orleans

Today marks the anniversary of the Battle of New Orleans, the final major battle of the War of 1812, fought in 1815 after the signing of the Treaty of Ghent in Europe but before this fact was discovered by forces in this battle. The American victory over the British in this battle raised American morale in the final days of the war and also made Andrew Jackson a household name. In honor of the American victory, we raise the Star-Spangled Banner today, the flag of 15 stars and 15 stripes which was the standard during the War of 1812.

Israel Putnam

Today is the birthday of General Israel Putnam, one of the important figures of the early part of the Revolutionary War and one of the commanders of colonial forces at the Battle of Bunker Hill. Counties, towns and other places have been named for Putnam since his service. In honor of his birthday as well as the brave colonials he commanded, today we raise the Bunker Hill flag.

The 47th State Joins

Today in 1913, New Mexico joined the Union as the 47th state, leaving Arizona as the only territory remaining in the contiguous United States. New Mexico's star would join the flag as part of the 48-star flag, which would remain the standard of the United States for more than 45 years. We raise both the New Mexico and the 48-star flag in the state's honor today.

Thomas Paine's Common Sense

"Society in every state is a blessing, but Government, even in its best state, is but a necessary evil; in its worst state an intolerable one..." -Thomas Paine, Common Sense, 1776

Utah Statehood

Today is the anniversary of the admission of Utah to the United States. The 45th state joined the Union on this date in 1896. The 45-star flag, raised on July 4th, 1896, would remain unchanged for the next 12 years.

The Last Frontier

Alaska gained statehood on this date in 1959 as the 49th state in the Union. We salute the independent spirit of its people by raising the unique Alaska state flag and the 49-star standard, in use only one year before being replaced with our current, 50-star flag following the admission of Hawaii in August of 1959.

By law, changes to the United States flag are officially made on July 4th following admission of a new state. Because of that, the 49-star flag was in service from July 4th, 1959 to July 4th, 1960, when Hawaii's star was added.

Georgia Joins The Union

Today is the celebration of the statehood of Georgia, the fourth state to ratify the United States Constitution in 1788. In their honor, we fly the Georgia state flag and the 13-star United States flag.

Betsy Ross

Today, the first day of the New Year, is also the birthday of Betsy Ross, the Revolutionary-era seamstress credited with creating the first 13-star flag of the United States, although the stories concerning her creation of the flag have been in dispute almost from the beginning. However, no matter the creator, the 13-star United States flag is a powerful symbol of rebellion, hope and the freedom of a new nation.

Words Of John Adams

"There is nothing which I dread so much as a division of the republic into two great parties, each arranged under its leader, and concerting measures in opposition to each other. This, in my humble apprehension, is to be dreaded as the greatest political evil under our Constitution." - John Adams

Don't Mess With Texas

On this date in 1845, the Republic of Texas was annexed by the United States and becomes the 28th state in the Union, the only independent country which became a state in the United States. Today we raise the Texas flag as well as the 28-star flag.

Iowa Statehood

Today is the anniversary of the statehood of Iowa, which was admitted to the Union in 1846 as the 29th state. Today, in their honor, we raise the Iowa state flag and the 29-star United States flag.

Washington's Delaware Crossing

Today marks a turning point in the Revolutionary War with General George Washington's crossing of the Delaware River in 1776 and engaging a Hessian garrison in the Battle of Trenton, where the Continental Army pulled off a major victory, capturing nearly the entire garrison while suffering few losses. This victory lifted the morale of soldiers and colonists alike and gave patriots new hope for the Revolution's chances in the long road to victory and freedom.

Christmas Day

Today is Christmas Day, celebrated around the world. It also marks the day of planning and preparation on the part of George Washington and the Continental Army as they prepared to board boats to cross the Delaware River...

War Of 1812: Treaty Of Ghent

On December 24, 1814, the Treaty Of Ghent was signed in the Netherlands by delegates from the United States and Great Britain, beginning the process of ending the War of 1812. While signalling the end of the war, the treaty still had to be ratified by Congress and Parliament (which would come in February 1815), and several battles fought before peace was established, including the Battle of New Orleans, which would take place on January 8, 1815.

Thomas Paine and The American Crisis

Today marks the anniversary of the publication of one of Thomas Paine's most celebrated works, The American Crisis, a series of pamphlets published over a span of seven years during the Revolutionary War. The first pamphlet was published on December 23, 1776, and contained some of Paine's most memorable work. A few of those words from the first pamphlet include:

"These are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph."
　"I love the man that can smile in trouble, that can gather strength from distress, and grow brave by reflection. 'Tis the business of little minds to shrink; but he whose heart is firm, and whose conscience approves his conduct, will pursue his principles unto death."

(from WikiQuotes)