Is There Meaning in Old Glory’s Colors?

The House of Representatives, in 1989 published a book called, “Our Flag” and here’s what it said about the red, white and blue that we so often take for granted: 

“On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress passed a resolution authorizing a committee to devise a seal for the United States of America. This mission, designed to reflect the Founding Fathers’ beliefs, values, and sovereignty of the new Nation, did not become a reality until June 20, 1782. In heraldic devices, such as seals, each element has a specific meaning. Even colors have specific meanings. The colors red, white, and blue did not have meanings for The Stars and Stripes when it was adopted in 1777. However, the colors in the Great Seal did have specific meanings. Charles Thompson, Secretary of the Continental Congress, reporting to Congress on the Seal, stated:

‘The colors of the pales (the vertical stripes) are those used in the flag of the United States of America; White signifies purity and innocence, Red, hardiness and valour, and Blue, the color of the Chief (the broad band above the stripes) signifies vigilance, perseverance & justice.’ ”

From a book about the flag published in 1977 by the House of Representatives, this statement can be found:

“The star is a symbol of the heavens and the divine goal to which man has aspired from time immemorial; the stripe is symbolic of the rays of light emanating from the sun.”

In these days of a troubled economy, political correctness, division within our government and unrest among the citizens, and its classes, it is comforting to see the many ways that our colors, and the true meaning of our great country is displayed. Even the simplest of signage stands up and shouts, through the red, white and blue, “Happy Birthday and God Bless America!”