Color Facts: RED, WHITE and BLUE of Old Glory

Published on: Author: Anne Langton

I am intrigued by colors.  In fact I have spent most of my adult life learning how colors are perceived.  It is no secret that the work environment is considerably improved when surrounded by inspired colors.  But have you ever wondered how some common color combinations ever came to exist?  Take for example the American Flag…what are the color facts: RED, WHITE and BLUE?

So legend has it that one day in 1776, George Washington was hanging out with some buddies discussing the need for a flag to represent this new country.  One of his buddies had a relative who was adept at sewing.  Her name was Betsy Ross.  Off they go to Betsy’s house where George reveals a very primitive sketch showing 13 stripes and 13 stars…one for each of the 13 colonies about to become states.  Betsy recommended one change to the drawing.  Instead of 6 pointed stars, she preferred 5 pointed stars.  Betsy knew her stuff…have you ever tried to sew 6 pointed stars?  Anyway when asked if she could rise to the task, she supposedly said…

…” I do not know but I will try”

There are many more versions of the true significance of “Red, White and Blue”.  Here are a few…

Charles Thompson, Secretary of the Continental Congress supposedly recited…

  • White signifies purity and innocence,
  • Red, hardiness & valour,
  • Blue, the color of the Chief, and the placement of the broad band signifies, vigilance, perseverance & justice.
 USFlag.org a website dedicated to the flag of the United States of America reports…
 
  • 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.
 A friend of mine who is a respected student of history insists…
  • Red is for blood shed during the revolution
  • White is for the purity of principles on which this nation was founded
  • Blue is for the oceans traversed by the founding immigrants

Me?  I think there is a very good chance that Betsy had a lot of good quality remnants left over in the shades of red, white and blue!

What ever is the accurate reason for this color combination… one thing we can all agree…it worked…and continues to work.   With the 4th of July just around the corner, its time to take a break from our hectic work schedules.  Just for a moment…try to slow the pace, take in the colors and celebrate.  It can be difficult but in the words of Betsy Ross…

 

…” I do not know but I will try”

 

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