Early American Flag History

History of "Old Glory"

The United States Flag is the third oldest of the national standards of the world; older than the Union Jack of Great Britain or the tricolor of France. "Old Glory" was first authorized by Congress June 14, 1777. This date is now celebrated throughout the Nation by the observation of Flag Day.

The flag, which had 13 stripes alternations red and white representing the 13 states and the rectangular blue field with 13 white stars forming a circle within it was a development of several flags, which had been used in early Revolutionary battles. It was first decreed that there should be a star and stripe for the early state, making 13 of both; for the States, at that time, had just been formed from the original 13 colonies. The colors of Old Glory may be thus explained:

The red for valor, zeal and fervency; white for hope, purity, cleanliness of heart and rectitude of conduct; the blue, the color of the sky, epitomizing heaven for reverence to God, loyalty, sincerity, justice and truth.

The stars (an ancient symbol of India, Persia and Egypt) symbolize dominion and sovereignty, as well as loyal aspirations. The constellation of the stars within the Union, one star for each State, is emblematic of our Constitution, which leaves to the States their individual sovereignty except as to rights specifically delegated to the Federal government.

Old Glory is said to have been flown for the first time on June 15, 1777, near Bound Brook, New Jersey, over Washington's Headquarters and to have been first under fire in the Battle of Oriskany, August 6, 1777. It first flew over foreign territory on January 28, 1778 at Nassau, Bahama Islands, Fort Nassau having been captured by the Americans in the War of Independence. The first foreign salute to the flag was offered by the French Admiral LaMotte Piquet off Quiberon Bay, February 13, 1778.

In 1795, after admission of Vermont and Kentucky to the Union, the number of stars and stripes was raised to 15. As other states were admitted to the Union during the next few few years it became impractical to add both stars and stripes. Congress, therefore, passed an act on April 14, 1818, restoring the 13 alternate red and white stripes as representing the 13 original states and provided for addition of one star for each state upon its admission to the Union.

The last addition to the American flag was made July 14, 1912, when two stars were added---one for Arizona and one for New Mexico---bringing the number to 48. Of course since than there have been 2 more stars added with Alaska and Hawaii entering the Union.

As the manner in which the stars were to be arranged in a Blue field was not decided by Congress. It was determined jointly by the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of the Navy with the approval of the President of the United States.

The name "Old Glory" was given to our national flag August 10, 1831, by Captain Wm. Driver of the Brig Chas. Doggett.

Old Glory symbolizes national independence and popular sovereignty. It is not the flag of a reigning family or royal house but of a hundred million free people welded into a nation, one and inseparable, united not only by community of interest but by vital unity of sentiment and purpose; a nation distinguished for the clear individual conception of its citizens alike of their duties and their privileges, their obligations and their rights.

Old Glory incarnates for all mankind the spirit of Liberty and the glorious ideal of human freedom; not the freedom of unrestrained or the liberty of license, but a unique ideal of equal opportunity for life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, safeguarded by the stern and lofty principles of duty, of righteousness and of justice and attainable by obedience to self-imposed laws.

Floating from the lofty pinnacle of American idealism, it is a beacon of enduring hope, like the famous Bartholdi Statue of Liberty enlightening the world, to the oppressed of all lands. it floats over a wondrous assemblage of people from every racial stock of the earth whose united hearts constitute and indivisible and invincible force for the defense and succor of the down-trodden.

Old Glory embodies the essence of patriotism. its spirit is the spirit of the American nation. Its history is the history of the American people. Emblazoned upon its folds in letters of living light are the names and fame of our heroic dead, the Fathers of the Republic who devoted upon its altars their lives, their fortunes and their sacred honor. Twice told tales of national honor and glory cluster thickly about it. Ever victorious, it has emerged triumphant from nine great national conflicts. it flew at Saratoga, at Yorktown, at Palo Alto, at Gettysburg, at Manila Bay, at Chateau-Thierry at Mount Suribachi. It bears witness to the immense expansion of our national boundaries, the development of our natural resources and the splendid structure of our civilization. It prophesies the triumph of popular government of civic and religious liberty and of national righteousness throughout the world.

Old Glory first rose over thirteen states along the Atlantic seaboard with a population of some three million people. Today it flies over fifty states, extending across the continent and over great islands of the two oceans; and over two hundred eighty million owe it allegiance. It has been brought to this proud position by love and sacrifice. Citizens have advanced it and heroes have died for it. it is the sign made visible of the strong spirit that has brought liberty and prosperity to the people of America. It is the flag of all of us alike. Lets remember it and accord it honor and loyalty.

First Stars and Stripes, 1777

For over a year after the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the United States did not have an official flag. Meeting in Philadelphia in June, the Continental Congress declared: "Resolved that the flag of the United States be 13 stripes alternate red and white, that the union be 13 stars white in a blue field representing a new constellation."

No guidelines, however, were provided for the arrangement of the stars, and an amazing number of variations were created. Perhaps the most popular was to arrange the stars in a circle or wreath.

Credit for this design is usually--and mistakenly--given to Betsy Ross. In fact, no clear author of the "first" American flag can be identified, and the Betsy Ross legend was created by the grandson nearly 100 years after the Congressional resolution. Francis Hopkinson represented New Jersey in the Continental Congress, signed the Declaration of Independence and designed seals for various departments of the government and may well have designed the first flag.

Betsey Ross and the first Stars and Stripes

Although there are many conflicting stories regarding this popular picture, it depicts a woman named Betsey Ross, who at the request of a committee headed by George Washington, designed the first authorized American Flag. The first flag had 13 stars symbolizing the thirteen states of the new Republic. Each color in the flag has a specific meaning: red is for hardiness and courage, white for purity and innocence, and blue for vigilance.


The flag, especially the stars and stripes, symbolizes the loyalty and patriotism of the citizens towards their country. The cloth itself signifies little, but the flag as a symbol of the Republic stands for all of the united hopes of the American people, and has become a symbol throughout the world of the desire of all peoples of the world to be free of the yoke of government oppression.

Rare 13 Star Civil War Period Flag

“U” For Union Configuration

American

1861-1865

Rare and Beautiful 13 Star, Civil War Period Flag With A Perimeter Of Stars That Form The Letter “U” For “Union.” Entirely Hand-Sewn And In A Rare Small Size, 1861-1865:

13-star American national flag of the Civil War period (1861-65), entirely hand-sewn and with an exceptionally rare and interesting configuration of stars, the outer perimeter of which forms the letter “U”. Given the date of its making it can be assumed that this stood for “Union”.

The stars of the flag are quite large compared to most 13 star flags of this period, and point in various directions on their vertical axis. This adds one more folk quality to an already fantastic design. Adding to its desirability is the flag’s extremely small size when compared to others of sewn (versus printed) construction that were made during the 19th century, most of which measure between 8 and 20 feet on the fly.

While this flag has no known specific history, both its size and the manner of its making suggest that it may well have seen maritime use, flown from either the stern of a small craft or the pilot house of a larger boat. It wasn’t customary to fly a flag this small in scale, but examples of this size are sometimes encountered and I have always assumed that they existed due to the special request of a ship’s captain or some other high ranking officer.

Flags that have stars that create anything other than a geometric design are extremely rare and highly sought after by flag enthusiasts. A couple of stars patterns are known that actually spell something with numbers or letters, such as two varieties of printed parade flags, one of which has stars arranged to form “1876 - 1776” in celebration of our nation’s centennial of independence and the other that forms the word “FREE” to promote the end of slavery. Very few sewn flags are known that have stars that spell any such thing, but of the few that do, three examples are known that use 44 stars to spell “U.S.” and another is presumed to form the same two letters, although crudely, with 13 stars. A single 48 star example also exists which has stars that spell out “U.S.A.”.

In addition to the above examples, I have seen a handful of Civil War era flags that have a perimeter of stars that forms a “U”, like this flag, although in different fashions. One of these has a single center star, surrounded by a wreath of stars, all of which are contained within a curve of stars that forms the letter “U”. Another of these has 33 stars and contains an arch that was either intended to be a tombstone, a doorway, or the letter “U”. Those two one-of-a-kind examples are both of sewn construction, but there is also a variety of printed parade flag that has 36 stars with an outer perimeter that forms a “U”. One 34-star example and two or three 36 star examples have surfaced with this star pattern, variations of which also exist in 38 and 42 star parade flags.

Of the aforementioned variations, however, only six in total are sewn examples. This circumstance, accompanied by the fact that the flag is entirely hand-sewn, plus its general overall visual impact and very desirable, small size, make it one of the best Civil War era flags of its kind that I have ever offered for sale.

13 star flags have been used throughout our Nation’s history for a variety of purposes. The U.S. Navy used the 13 star count on small boats, not only in the 18th century, but throughout much or all of the 19th century, particularly the second half. This practice ended in 1916 following an executive order from President Woodrow Wilson. Some private ships also used 13 star flags during the same period as the Navy, and the use of yachting ensigns with a wreath of 13 stars surrounding an anchor, which began in 1848, still persists today. Among other uses, 13 star flags were carried by soldiers during the Mexican and Civil Wars and displayed at patriotic events, including Lafayette’s visit in 1825-26, the celebration of the Nation’s Centennial in 1876, and the Sesquicentennial in 1926. 

Construction: The cotton-muslin stars of the flag are hand-sewn and single-appliquéd. This means that they were applied to one side of the canton, then the blue fabric was cut from behind each star, folded over, and under-hemmed, so that one appliquéd star could be visible on both sides of the flag. While some flag enthusiast have pointed to this construction method as a way of conserving fabric and cutting corners (not having to sew another star to the other side), others suggest that the real purpose was to make the flag lighter in weight. I believe it to be a function of all of the above and I always find single-appliquéd stars more interesting for two reasons; one, because they are more visually intriguing and two, because when executed properly they serve as evidence of a more difficult level of seam-work and stitchery., meaning that they are applied to both sides of the blue canton. The canton and stripes are hand sewn of wool bunting and there is a fine linen sleeve with two whipped-stitched grommets.

There are so many different flags out there and these were the ones I found interesting. I hope you enjoy some of these history facts from early American history on it's flag(s).

Biography of Constitution Signer-

GUNNING BEDFORD, JR. of DELAWARE

Gunning Bedford, Jr., a lawyer and judge, was one of the signers of the United States Constitution for the state of Delaware. After the government of the United States was organized in 1789, Bedford was appointed by President George Washington as the first United States district judge for Delaware.

This distinguished patriot was born in Philadelphia in 1747. His father, Gunning Bedford, Sr., was a Philadelphia architect who served as a captain in the French and Indian War, and also was an alderman in the city of Philadelphia. His mother's maiden name was Susannah Jacquett. He was the fifth of eleven children.

A Princeton classmate of James Madison

When he was twenty years old, Gunning Bedford, Jr., entered the College of New Jersey, now Princeton University. One of his classmates was James Madison, who later became the "Father of the Constitution" and the fourth President of the United States. Perhaps because he was older than his other classmates, Bedford made an excellent scholastic record, graduating at the head of his class and giving the valedictory address.

Bedford also was different from the other members of his class in that he already was married, and at the graduation ceremony his wife was present with their first baby. His wife was Jane Ballaroux Parker, daughter of the editor of the New York Post Boy. Her father, James Parker, had been an apprentice printer with Benjamin Franklin in Boston, and he and Franklin had exchanged the first silver dollars they ever earned. Franklin's first silver dollar was preserved by Parker and made into a punch strainer that later was given to the Historical Society of Delaware by Bedford's daughter.

After his graduation in 1771, Bedford returned to Philadelphia where he studied law with a prominent attorney, Joseph Reed. About eight years later he moved to Dover, Delaware on August 4, 1779, he was admitted to the bar and began practicing law in Dover.

An Aide-de-Camp of George Washington

No authentic record has been found of Bedford's activities during the Revolutionary War. However. in the will of his daughter, Henrietta Jane Bedford, filed in 1871, he was described as an "Aide-de-Camp to General Washington in the Revolutionary War." The will left a pair of pocket pistols to the Smithsonian Institution and gave their history as follows: "During the Revolutionary War, General Washington, desiring my father to go from Trenton to New York on some important secret embassy at night, and fearing that he was not sufficiently armed with the pistols in his holsters, presented him with a pair of pocket-pistols with a view to his protection and greater security."

Bedford has sometimes been confused with a cousin five years older than himself who had the same name. This other Gunning Bedford was born in New Castle, Del., in 1742. He had served in the French and Indian War, and had held the rank of major at the beginning of the Revolutionary War. He rose to the rank of lieutenant colonel with a Delaware regiment and was wounded in the battle of White Plains. In 1795, he was elected governor of Delaware and served in that office until his death in 1797.

By the time the peace treaty had been signed with Great Britain in 1783, Gunning Bedford, Jr., was living in Wilmington, Del. That year he was elected as a member of the Continental Congress where he served until 1785. It is not difficult to imagine that considerable confusion arose over the fact that his cousin of the same name also represented Delaware in the Continental Congress during the same period.

On April 26, 1784, Gunning Bedford, Jr., was appointed as attorney general for the state of Delaware. He held this office until 1789, and is said to have served with distinction.

A delegate from Delaware at the Annapolis Convention

Bedford recognized that the country was in serious difficulty because of the inadequacy of the powers delegated to the national government by the Articles of Confederation, so he was a logical choice as one of Delaware's five delegates to the Annapolis Convention in 1786. That meeting had been called to discuss ways in which trade relationships between states might be improved, and it ended by calling for a Constitutional Convention to revise the Articles of Confederation.

In 1787, Bedford was appointed, with the same delegates who had attended the Annapolis Convention, as a representative of Delaware to the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia. He became one of the most vocal spokesmen for the interests of the small states against the large states. The forcefulness of his arguments and his eloquence have been credited with being important factors in the decision to give each state two senators in the upper house of the national Congress. When he returned home after signing the United States Constitution, Bedford worked diligently and successfully to have Delaware become the first state to ratify the Constitution.

First U.S. district judge for Delaware

Bedford devoted the rest of his life to public service. On October 24, 1788, his name was placed in nomination before the legislature to be one of the state's first U.S. senators, but Richard Bassett and George Read, two other signers of the Constitution, were selected instead. The next year, President George Washington, recognizing Bedford's outstanding legal talents, named him as the first United State's district judge for the state of Delaware, a position he held until his death. Newspaper accounts of the times show that Bedford handled one of the earliest cases ever to be tried in a United States federal court-the conviction of a smuggler in May, 1790.

In 1793, Bedford purchased a 250-acre estate near Wilmington which he named Lombardy. There he and his family lived in a large two-story mansion. Bedford died at the age of sixty-four on March 30, 1812. His wife and two children survived him. Buried in the graveyard of the First Presbyterian Church of Wilmington, Del., Bedford's body lies beneath a marble monument whose inscription says in part:

"His form was goodly, his temper amiable,
his manners winning, and his discharge
of private duties exemplary.
Reader, may his example stimulate you
to improve the talents-be they five or two,
or one-with which God has entrusted you."

As a footnote to Bedford's death, it is interesting to read a letter that was sent four days later to Henry M. Ridgely, one of the U.S. senators from Delaware:

"Dear Sir,

"The Wilmington papers which arrived the evening before last, announced the death of Judge Bedford; -this unfortunate event, unfortunate for his family, happened on Monday last. Several of my friends have urged me to an application for the vacancy occasioned by his demise. I have always thought that a personal application for a judgeship, was a matter of indelicacy and inconsistent with the modesty, which such a candidate ought to profess. I have, however, thought on reflecting how the loaves and fishes are now distributed, that there can be but one rival, and but one man, on the same political side, whose pretensions are in any way superior to mine; but in nothing else can I yield to him. . ."

This eagerness for appointment was exhibited by John Fisher, Secretary of State of Delaware, who shortly afterward received Bedford's judgeship by appointment of President James Madison.

Reference: Whitney, David C.. 1965. Encyclopedia Editor and Historian."Founders of Freedom in America-Biographies of the Signers of the Constitution of the United States." Lives of The Men Who Signed The Constitution of the United States And So Helped To Established The United States of America. Published By J.G. Ferguson Publishing Company. Chicago, Illinois. Pgs. 49-51

Happy Veteran's Day!

ALL GAVE SOME...SOME GAVE ALL -
MARINES, ARMY, AIR FORCE, NAVY, COAST GUARD OFG TEAM.

This posting is dedicated for all U.S. Veteran's who have served, military men and women who are currently serving, and who have died by sacrificing all to protect and serve the United States of America.

Veterans Day

By Taylor Weinman

Representing the red white and blue

The colors of our flag stand out proud and true.

The white stars on blue background with red and white stripes

Remind me of these veterans, who all risked their lives.

Just so the people of the U.S. could all live in peace and be free

These are the heroes that represent you and me.

They stood up strongly, untied as one,

And kept up the fighting until they were done.

And although some have fallen, and lost their lives in war,

We pray for each one of them.

And now that their souls live on forever more,

Above in God's hands.

They watch over our nation,

And give us strength to triumph over others with strong anticipation.

So every year, when this day comes by,

Think of all the veterans that while fighting, had to die.

And remember that they were people

With fire and passion embedded inside.

They die for this country,

So remember and honor them with pride

History of Veteran's Day

World War I – known at the time as “The Great War” - officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, in the Palace of Versailles outside the town of Versailles, France. However, fighting ceased seven months earlier when an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. For that reason, November 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of “the war to end all wars.”



Soldiers of the 353rd Infantry near a church at Stenay, Meuse in France, wait for the end of hostilities. This photo was taken at 10:58 a.m., on November 11, 1918, two minutes before the armistice ending World War I went into effect

In November 1919, President Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day with the following words: "To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…"

The original concept for the celebration was for a day observed with parades and public meetings and a brief suspension of business beginning at 11:00 a.m.

The United States Congress officially recognized the end of World War I when it passed a concurrent resolution on June 4, 1926, with these words:

Wheras the 11th of November 1918, marked the cessation of the most destructive, sanguinary, and far reaching war in human annals and the resumption by the people of the United States of peaceful relations with other nations, which we hope may never again be severed, and

Whearas it is fitting that the recurring anniversary of this date should be commemorated with thanksgiving and prayer and exercises designed to perpetuate peace through good will and mutual understanding between nations; and

Wheras the legislatures of twenty-seven of our States have already declared November 11 to be a legal holiday: Therefore be it Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives concurring), that the President of the United States is requested to issue a proclamation calling upon the officials to display the flag of the United States on all Government buildings on November 11 and inviting the people of the United States to observe the day in schools and churches, or other suitable places, with appropriate ceremonies of friendly relations with all other peoples.

An Act (52 Stat. 351; 5 U. S. Code, Sec. 87a) approved May 13, 1938, made the 11th of November in each year a legal holiday—a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be thereafter celebrated and known as "Armistice Day." Armistice Day was primarily a day set aside to honor veterans of World War I, but in 1954, after World War II had required the greatest mobilization of soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen in the Nation’s history; after American forces had fought aggression in Korea, the 83rd Congress, at the urging of the veterans service organizations, amended the Act of 1938 by striking out the word "Armistice" and inserting in its place the word "Veterans." With the approval of this legislation (Public Law 380) on June 1, 1954, November 11th became a day to honor American veterans of all wars.

Later that same year, on October 8th, President Dwight D. Eisenhower issued the first "Veterans Day Proclamation" which stated: "In order to insure proper and widespread observance of this anniversary, all veterans, all veterans' organizations, and the entire citizenry will wish to join hands in the common purpose. Toward this end, I am designating the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs as Chairman of a Veterans Day National Committee, which shall include such other persons as the Chairman may select, and which will coordinate at the national level necessary planning for the observance. I am also requesting the heads of all departments and agencies of the Executive branch of the Government to assist the National Committee in every way possible."

President Eisenhower signing HR7786, changing Armistice Day to Veterans Day. From left: Alvin J. King, Wayne Richards, Arthur J. Connell, John T. Nation, Edward Rees, Richard L. Trombla, Howard W. Watts

On that same day, President Eisenhower sent a letter to the Honorable Harvey V. Higley, Administrator of Veterans' Affairs (VA), designating him as Chairman of the Veterans Day National Committee.

In 1958, the White House advised VA's General Counsel that the 1954 designation of the VA Administrator as Chairman of the Veterans Day National Committee applied to all subsequent VA Administrators. Since March 1989 when VA was elevated to a cabinet level department, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs has served as the committee's chairman.

The Uniform Holiday Bill (Public Law 90-363 (82 Stat. 250)) was signed on June 28, 1968, and was intended to ensure three-day weekends for Federal employees by celebrating four national holidays on Mondays: Washington's Birthday, Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and Columbus Day. It was thought that these extended weekends would encourage travel, recreational and cultural activities and stimulate greater industrial and commercial production. Many states did not agree with this decision and continued to celebrate the holidays on their original dates.

The first Veterans Day under the new law was observed with much confusion on October 25, 1971. It was quite apparent that the commemoration of this day was a matter of historic and patriotic significance to a great number of our citizens, and so on September 20th, 1975, President Gerald R. Ford signed Public Law 94-97 (89 Stat. 479), which returned the annual observance of Veterans Day to its original date of November 11, beginning in 1978. This action supported the desires of the overwhelming majority of state legislatures, all major veterans service organizations and the American people.

Veterans Day continues to be observed on November 11, regardless of what day of the week on which it falls. The restoration of the observance of Veterans Day to November 11 not only preserves the historical significance of the date, but helps focus attention on the important purpose of Veterans Day: A celebration to honor America's veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.

Here is the official site of United States Department of Veteran's Affairs for observing Veteran's Day, November 11, 2010:

http://www1.va.gov/opa/vetsday/

The Veterans Day National Ceremony is held each year on November 11th at Arlington National Cemetery . The ceremony commences precisely at 11:00 a.m. with a wreath laying at the Tomb of the Unknowns and continues inside the Memorial Amphitheater with a parade of colors by veterans’ organizations and remarks from dignitaries. The ceremony is intended to honor and thank all who served in the United States Armed Forces.

The Veterans Day National Committee also selects a number of regional sites for Veterans Day observances throughout the country. From stirring parades and ceremonies to military exhibits and tributes to distinguished veterans, these events serve as models for other communities to follow in planning their own observances.

While I was working on this special posting I found a site of some great poems dedicated for Veteran's Day and our current serving military men & women. I'm going to select my favorites of this site on here. There is one near the beginning of this posting and below.

This picture is one of my favorites. This one is for all of the Native American Veteran's out there. I dedicate this one for the code talkers in World War 2 and present service men & women! I have a special love for the Native American culture. Thanks for serving and I'm forever in your debt! You are truly heroes to me!

Heroes Die for Me

by Jamie Burns

I am the flag

I look down upon this land called America .

I have been here since this great nation was formed,

I have seen each battle fought

I have seen the heroes die for me, for my country

Thank you all those of you

Who have kept me flying in the breeze

Keeping this country united as one.

Thank you those of you who have sacrificed your lives,

Giving up all that I may still fly,

Watching over the citizens of this nation.

Thank you all those of you who have ever fought,

I am ever grateful for you.

You risked everything; you faced death each day,

Faced fear, faced many terrible things.

And because of you, my thank you's ring out,

Filling the sky, echoing from the hills

They find their way to the graveyards,

And to all of you still living,

You are a special kind of person.

To anyone who has ever served this country,

And to those serving today

Thank you.

As I watch life from atop my flagpole,

As I think of all you've done,

My feelings become too powerful for words

And all I can say is thank you.

Here is the site: http://www.fifeschools.com/cjh/news/newsitems/VeteransDayPoems.htm

Watch this video dedication to ALL Veterans:

Freedom Isn't Free - Veterans Day 2010

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r2RwRi2TjA0

GOD BLESS UNITED STATES OF AMERICA!

Happy 235th Birthday United States Marine Corps !

BIRTH OF THE UNITED STATES MARINE CORP:

The legacy of the United States Marine Corps was born on November 10, 1775, when Congress commissioned Robert Mullan, the proprietor of Tun Tavern, located on Philadelphia’s historic waterfront to raise the first two battalions of Marines, under the leadership of Samuel Nicholas, the first appointed Commandant of the Continental Marines. The U.S. Marines have been the first branch of the armed forces to serve in every war since that day, and have mounted over 300 assaults on foreign shores, from the arctic to the tropics. - excerpt from the usmarinesbirthplace.com.

U.S. Marine Corps celebrates 235 years of service

By Joe Newby

Spokane Conservative Examiner

Today, November 10, 2010, marks the 235th birthday of the United States Marine Corps.

The Continental Marines was formed by an act of the Continental Congress in 1775 at Philadelphia's Tun Tavern. The original act called for two battalions of Marines to serve aboard ships during the Revolutionary War.

Samuel Nicholas was named the first Commandant of the Corps, and Robert Mullan, owner of the Tun Tavern, was named the first Captain and recruiter for the newly-formed service.

Since then, Marines have distinguished themselves around the world.

At the beginning of the 19th Century, Marines were instrumental in winning America's first foreign war against the Barbary Pirates.

Marine Lt. Presley O'Bannon raised the American flag for the first time over foreign soil at the Battle of Derne. In gratitude for his service, he was presented with the Mameluke sword, which became an official part of the Marine officer's uniform in 1825 and is still carried by Marine officers today.

In 1847, Marines fought in the Mexican-American War, and stormed the fortress at Chapultepec - also known as the "Halls of Montezuma".

Those two battles are memorialized in the first line of the Marine Corps Hymn - "From the Halls of Montezuma to the Shores of Tripoli..."

During World War I, Marines fought the Germans in France. In 1918, they faced the Germans just outside Paris, France, in a place called Belleau Wood. After suffering heavy casualties and running low on grenades and ammunition, the Marines fixed bayonets and assaulted the German positions. After twenty days of intense fighting, the Marines prevailed. German survivors of the assault nicknamed the Marines "Teufelhunden", or "Devil Dogs". Marines to this day refer to themselves as Devil Dogs with pride.

Marines served with distinction during World War 2, defeating the Japanese on island after island in some of the most intense combat recorded in military history. The most recognizable image of the Corps is the raising of the flag at Mount Surabachi on Iwo Jima.

They also served in Korea, Vietnam, and in conflicts around the world with the same dedication and distinction.

Shortly after the 1983 Beirut bombing, General Paul X. Kelley, then Commandant of the Marine Corps, visited a wounded Marine in the hospital. After shaking the General's hand, he scribbled the phrase "Semper Fi" on a piece of paper. It was his way of saying “Semper Fidelis.” - the Marine Corps motto, which means "Always Faithful". The General became emotional over this display and asked, "Lord, where do we get such men?" The incident was picked up by the press, and the phrase "Semper Fi" is now used as a greeting between Marines - although older Marines remember the phrase a bit differently.

Today, Marines are serving in trouble spots around the world fighting the global War on Terror, and they still serve aboard ships and provide security for American embassies worldwide.

Becoming a Marine is no easy task. Recruits must undergo an intense 12-week training program that includes basic infantry training, including bayonet and rifle skills. Recruits are not allowed to use personal pronouns such as "I", or "you". Every minute of every day in a recruit's life is mapped out and overseen by highly skilled and professional drill instructors.

The reason for this training is simple - every Marine, regardless of his or her primary job, or MOS, is a basic combat rifleman. When the enemy comes "over the hill", he does not differentiate between infantry and administrative clerks.

During recruit training, potential Marines are taught leadership, discipline and learn to work together as a team. This training culminates in a grueling 54-hour course known as "the Crucible."

Those who complete the course are then presented with the signature emblem - the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor - of the Corps. At that time, they have earned the title, Marine.

That title does not go away, even after one has completed his or her tour of duty in the Corps. There is no such thing as an "Ex-Marine", or even a "former Marine". There is a saying - "Once a Marine, always a Marine". Those who have served still remain part of the family known as the Marine Corps.

If you know a Marine - shake his or her hand and wish him or her a Happy Birthday.

Semper Fi, Marines! Carry on!

The Marine Corps Hymn

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sm-3y17uuJU

Lyrics:

From the halls of Montezuma to the shores of Tripoli,
We fight our country’s battles in the air, on land, and sea.

First to fight for right and freedom and to keep our honor clean, we are proud to claim the title of United States Marines.

Our flag’s unfurl’d to every breeze from the dawn to setting sun; we have fought in every clime and place where we could take a gun.

In the snow of far-off northern lands and in sunny tropic scenes,you will find us always on the job the United States Marines.

Here’s health to you and to our Corps which we are proud to serve; in many a strife we’ve fought for life and have never lost our nerve.

If the Army and the Navy ever look on Heaven’s scenes, they will find the streets are guarded by United States Marines!

Articles from the Marine Corps Code of Conduct:

I am an American, fighting in the forces which guard my country and our way of life. I am prepared to give my life in their defense.

I will never forget that I am an American, fighting for freedom, responsible for my actions, and dedicated to the principles which made my country free. I will trust in my God and in the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

ONCE A MARINE, ALWAYS A MARINE:

Once a Marine, Always a Marine: This truism was adopted as the official motto of the Marine Corps League. The origin of the statement is credited to a gung-ho Marine Corps Master Sergeant, Paul Woyshner. During a barroom argument he shouted, “Once a Marine, always a Marine!” MSgt. Woyshner was right. Once the title “U.S. Marine” has been earned, it is retained. There are no ex-Marines or former-Marines. There are (1) active duty Marines, (2) retired Marines, (3) reserve Marines, and (4) Marine veterans. Nonetheless, once one has earned the title, he remains a Marine for life. - excerpt from the usmarinesbirthplace.com. For more great information about the U.S. Marine Corps, please visit their site!!


Here is another website link to read more about today, November 10, 2010 United States Marines 235th Birthday! I hope you enjoy!

http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978683177

I just want to say:

Happy 235th Birthday United States Marine Corps! Thanks for all that you do to protect and serve the American people! Much love and respect! God bless America and the USA Marines! You are in my thoughts and prayers! Semper Fi, Marines!

Biography of Constitution Signer-

RICHARD BASSETT of DELAWARE

Richard Bassett, a lawyer and statesman, was one of the signers of the United States Constitution for the state of Delaware. A friendly, wise, and conservative man, Bassett was one of Delaware's first two United States senators. He started a unique dynasty in which he, his son-in-law, two grandsons, his great-grandson, and his great-great-grandson all became U.S. senators from Delaware. Bassett was active in the establishment of the Methodist church in the United States, and was a close friend of Francis Asbury, the first Methodist bishop.

Inherited an estate of six thousand acres

Bassett was born in Cecil County, Maryland, on April 2, 1745. He was the son of a tavern-keeper, but at an early age he was adopted by a wealthy lawyer by the name of Lawson. His adopted father educated him and trained him to be a lawyer. Upon Lawson's death, his adopted son inherited a six-thousand-acre estate known as Bohemia Manor on the Elk River near the Delaware-Maryland boundary line.

Basset married twice. His first wife was Ann Ennals, a member of a prominent Maryland family. When his first wife died, he married again; this time, the attractive daughter of the Bruff family of Talbot County, Maryland. Bassett had only one child, a daughter.

Although Bassett maintained his estate of Bohemia Manor in Maryland as chief residence, his law practice largely was in Delaware where he had houses at both Dover and Wilmington.

During the Revolutionary War, Bassett was captain of the Dover troop of light-horse militia. He was not particularly active in the fighting, however, because he was elected to the state legislature in 1776. He served in the legislature for the next ten years and also was a delegate to the state constitutional convention.

A distinguished record of government service

Bassett took as his protege a young law student by the name of James Bayard who married Bassett's only daughter. Bassett and his son-in-law, who was more than twenty years his junior, developed a close family, professional, and political friendship that lasted until their deaths in the same year. They are reported to have carried on many friendly arguments with Bassett's saying, "All you know I taught you;" and Bayard replying, "You taught me all you knew, and I know besides, I taught myself." Bayard became Delaware's first member of the U.S. House of Representatives in 1789 while Bassett served in the U.S. Senate; and Bayard provided the decisive Federalist vote that gave the presidency to Thomas Jefferson in his contest with Aaron Burr in 1801. Bayard later served as U.S. senator from Delaware from 1805 to 1813. Bassett's grandsons Richard Bayard and James Bayard II both represented Delaware as U.S. senators. His great-grandson Thomas Bayard served in the U.S. senate from 1869 to 1885, then became Secretary of State under President Grover Cleveland. His great-great grandson Thomas Bayard II served in the U.S. Senate from 1922 to 1929.

In 1778, Bassett first met Francis Asbury at the home of Judge Thomas White in Maryland. At the time, Methodists were generally regarded as Tories, and Bassett was alarmed that White would invite a Methodist to be a guest in his house. However, after conversing with Asbury, Bassett became impressed with the wisdom of the English missionary and was convinced that principles of Methodism had no bearing on the political struggle with Great Britain.

Repulsed mob violence

The story is told that in 1779 White came to visit Bassett at his home in Dover; a crowd gathered in front of the house demanding that White be turned over to them for punishment because he was a known Methodist and consequently that made him a Tory. Bassett put on his uniform as a captain in the militia and went to the door carrying his sword and pistols. He told the mob that White was not a Tory and that they would have to kill him first if they wanted to take White. Upon hearing this, the mob dispersed.

Asbury wrote of a visit he made to Bassett's home in February, 1780: "Went home with Lawyer Bassett, a very conversant and affectionate man, who from his own acknowledgment appears to be sick of sin."

Bassett financed the construction of a Methodist church in Dover in 1784, and himself became a Methodist lay preacher. In his sermons he vigorously attacked skeptics who refused to have faith in anything they could not see or touch. He said he could not understand "how a man could believe by this rule that he had a back, as he could not see it unless he had a neck like crane or a goose."

Favored a stronger national government

After the Revolutionary War, Bassett became a leader of those in his state who believed it was necessary to revise the Articles of Confederation in order to strengthen the national government. In 1786 he attended the Annapolis Convention as a delegate from Delaware, and the next year he was elected as a representative to the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia. After helping write and signing the United States Constitution, Bassett took an important role in the Delaware state convention that ratified the Constitution in December, 1787, the first state to do so.

On October 24, 1788, Bassett and George Read, another signer of the Constitution, were chosen as the state's first two U.S. senators. The new senate was supposed to convene on March 4, 1789, but many of the senators, including Bassett, were late in arriving. It was not until April 6, 1789, that enough senators were present to make a quorum.

Cast the first vote in favor of Washington as capital

Bassett took part in many important committees in the Senate as laws were established under which the new government of the United States would operate. He was one of eight members appointed to a committee to draw up a bill "organizing the judiciary of the United States." The committee made the important decision to establish federal lower courts instead of relying on state courts as lower courts. Bassett also was active in the consideration of whether the President should be given the power to remove from office persons that he had appointed. Bassett favored the addition of a clause granting the President this right in bills establishing the executive departments. Opponents of the measure felt that the President inherently had the power through his right of appointment, and that the addition of the clause would indicate that the Senate could withdraw the power of Presidential removal if they desired to do so. In close vote, Bassett viewpoint won out. Bassett also was an advocate of moving the capital from New York City, and, when the measure to establish the District of Columbia on the Potomac River was voted upon the Senate, Bassett had the privilege of being the first senator to cast his vote in favor of the bill.

Served as governor of Delaware

Retiring from the U.S. Senate in 1793, Bassett devoted the rest of his life to affairs within the state of Delaware. In 1793, he was appointed chief justice of the court of common pleas of Delaware, a position that he held for six years. During this period, he served as a presidential elector in 1797, casting his vote for John Adams for President. At the age of 53, Bassett received the highest honor the state of Delaware could confer, being elected governor for the term of 1799 to 1801.

Bassett played a minor role in the famous case of Marbury vs. Madison that established the power of the Supreme Court to rule on the constitutionality of congressional legislation. President John Adams, in one of his last acts before turning the presidency over to Thomas Jefferson in 1801, appointed Bassett and a number of other Federalists as circuit court judges. These appointees became known as "midnight judges" because of their last-minute appointments, and Jefferson refused to recognize their rights to the offices. In the case of Marbury vs. Madison, the Supreme Court upheld Jefferson's right to refuse to recognize the appointments, and, more importantly, it ruled that Judiciary Act 1789 was unconstitutional.

In the last years of his life, Bassett spent most of his time at his Bohemia Manor estate. In 1808 and 1809 he held two large Methodist camp-meetings on his estate. He particularly enjoyed listening to Negro spirituals at the camp meetings. Bassett had become partially paralyzed and found in difficult to travel. Methodist Bishop Asbury, who visited him in 1815, wrote: "My long-loved friend Judge Bassett, some time past a paralytic, is lately stricken on the other side and suffers much in his helpless state." Shortly after, on September 15, 1815, Bassett died at the age of 70.

Reference: Whitney, David C.. 1965. Encyclopedia Editor and Historian."Founders of Freedom in America-Biographies of the Signers of the Constitution of the United States." Lives of The Men Who Signed The Constitution of the United States And So Helped To Established The United States of America. Published By J.G. Ferguson Publishing Company. Chicago, Illinois. Pgs. 45-48