Flag Day in the United States is the celebration of the birthday of the Stars and Stripes. The holiday falls on June 14th, yet for most Americans, Flag Day is not on their radar like the celebration of Memorial Day or Independence Day. Sadly, many Americans may not even realize Flag Day exists, and would not take much time to even reflect on the deeper meaning of the U.S. flag. Yet, there may be many more who fail to realize that prior to the creation of the flag, a formal foundation for the existence of the United States also came on June 14th -- two years before any Betsy Ross moment.
June 14, 1775, is also considered the birthday of the U.S. Army, two years before the Stars and Stripes came into existence, yet 12 years before the United States of America became officially recognized within the community of nations. The chronology may pass with little notice, but it is important. There was no legitimate United States of America for there to be a “U.S.” Army in 1775. This so-called "army" became known as the Continental Army, but it was really not understood as such in that time. However, the assemblage of various colonial militias could be referred to as a genuine band of freedom fighters because freedom was the focus of their daring defense of their right to be respected as a free people.
