Amata Celebrates the U.S. Flag
Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is highlighting the 246th anniversary of the United States Flag for U.S. Flag Day and National Flag Week. This special day and week are officially proclaimed each year by the President based on resolutions of Congress in 1949 and 1966.
The US flag is prominent in this historic 1957 photo of Gov. Uifa'atali Peter T. Coleman in Tutuila
“On June 14, the beautiful U.S. Flag is 246 years old, and it remains an enduring emblem of freedom throughout the world,” said Congresswoman Amata. “Since the historic day the U.S. flag was raised in Tutuila then Manu’a, American Samoa has been proud of our part in the United States, and our people have built a strong tradition of military service.”
The flag, often known with affection as “Old Glory,” along with other references such as “the Stars and Stripes” and “the Red,White and Blue” still looks much like the first flag of 1777, but over the years, 37 stars have been added to the original 13, changing the patterns in the field of blue each time. Hawaii and Alaska were the last two stars added, and these states helped emphasize the permanent role of the U.S. in the Pacific, giving the flag the symmetry of 50 stars after having 48 stars from 1912-1959, including during World War II.
“The flag stands for the best ideals of freedom,” concluded Amata. “We honor the flag, all those who have fought under the U.S. flag, and the patriotism that the flag inspires.”
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