[ June 14, 2020 ] Jasper Mayor Steve Lawrence has proclaimed Sunday June 14, 2020 as Flag Day in Jasper following the national observance since Congress set the date by a joint resolution in 1949;

His proclamation, in part, calls us to unity. He writes, ?as we prepare to meet the great tests of our age, let every American draw inspiration from this symbol of our past, our present, and our common dreams for the future.?

Our nation did not have a common flag in the early days of the revolution because they carried state or local flags. General Washington saw the need for a national flag that gave inspiration to the fighting soldiers.

On June 14, 1777 the Second Continental Congress passed a resolution stating ?that the flag of the United States be 13 stripes, alternate red and white,? and that ?the union be 13 stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation.?

Today?s flag was designed by a 17-year-old in the 1950?s and was a history class school project. Ohioan, Bob Heft, believing Hawaii would be the 50th state used his mom?s sewing machine and stitched 50 stars in a proportional pattern making a new flag.

Heft sent his new U.S. flag creation to his Congressman and the design made it to President Eisenhower?s desk and was chosen to be the national symbol. The young man stood with President Eisenhower on July 4, 1960 when his vision of a 50 star flag was first raised.

?Our flag,? says the Mayor, ?reminds us that the fidelity to our nation?s founding principles requires new responses to new challenges and call upon everyone to observe the day with proper pride and due ceremony.?