The United States has had quite a few flags in its 200+ year history. The current flag has been with us since 1957, when Hawaii and Alaska entered the union, bringing the number of stars on the field of blue up to 50.

The United States flag consists of thirteen equal horizontal stripes of red alternating with white. These thirteen stripes represent the original thirteen colonies who rebelled against England, fought in the American revolution, and created the United States of America. The blue rectangle, called a canton, consists of fifty stars, each one representing a state in the Union. In 4th of July glassware , it isn’t necessary for the flag to be rendered accurately – everyone around the world recognizes the brilliant and bold colors of a blue rectangle and red and white stripes.

When you hear the National Anthem however, and the phrase Star Spangled Banner, think not of our current flag, but one that actually possessed fifteen stars and fifteen stripes. This flag, now called “The Star-Spangled Banner Flag” or the “Great Garrison Flag” is the garrison flag that flew over Fort McHenry in Baltimore Harbor, during the War of 1812. Francis Scott Key was on board a ship in Baltimore harbor, during the British bombardment of that fort, saw the flag atill waving through the cannon smoke, and was inspired to write the poem “The Defence of Fort McHenry”, which would be named as our national anthem almost a hundred yers later, in 1916. (The poem has four stanzas, only the first is usually sung.)

The flag came about in this way. The commander of the Baltimore garrison expected that the British would attack the city. He ordered two flags to be made, as large as possible, so that the British would be able to see them easily, as a gesture of pride and defiance.

At this time, a new flag and a new star were added whenever a new state entered the Union. The two extra stars and stripes represented the entrance of Vermont and Kentucky. (Contrary to legend, the flag was not sewn by Betsy Ross, but rather by a local flagmaker, Mary Young Pickersgill. She was assisted by her daughter, two nieces, and an indentured servant.)

Our 4th of July glassware notonly features our flag, but also a few glorious fireworks, celebrating the creation of the land of the free and the home of the brave.