Stars & Stripes Forever

     For more than 200 years, the American Flag has been the symbol of our nation’s strength and unity.  It’s been a source of pride and inspiration for millions of citizens.  And the American Flag has been a prominent icon in our national history.  Below are some of the highlights of its unique past:

     On January 1, 1776, the Continental Army was reorganized in accordance with a Congressional resolution which placed American forces under George Washington’s control.  On that New Year’s Day the Continental Army was laying siege to Boston which had been taken over by the British Army. Washington ordered the Grand Union flag hoisted above his base at Prospect Hill. It had 13 alternate red and white stripes and the British Union Jack in the upper left-hand corner (the canton).

     In May of 1776, Betsy Ross reported that she sewed the first American Flag.

     On June 14, 1777, in order to establish an official flag for the new nation, the Continental Congress passed the first Flag Act: “…Resolved, that the flag of the United States be made of thirteen (13) stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen (13)  stars, white in a blue field, representing a new Constellation.”

     Below is an excerpt from the lyrics to Stars & Stripes Forever written by John Phillips Sousa, that embodies the meaning of the American Flag:

The emblem of the brave and true
Its folds protect no tyrant crew;
The red and white and starry blue
Is freedom’s shield and hope.

Hurrah for the flag of the free!
May it wave as our standard forever. 

     Today the flag consists of thirteen (13) horizontal Stripes, seven (7)  red alternating with six (6) white.  The Stripes represent the original 13 Colonies, the Stars represent the 50 States of the Union. The colors of the flag are symbolic as well: Red symbolizes Hardiness and Valor, White symbolizes Purity and Innocence and Blue represents Vigilance, Perseverance and Justice.

     As the newest part of the Empire State Liberty Tour, it is our hope that Stars & Stripes 5k Twilight Run will draw particular attention to the celebration of those that have given, and continue to give their lives, so that we can remain a Free and Safe people, able to have the many opportunities to pursue Happiness!

     There are no “Records” to review, as this was the inaugural running for this event, but if you scroll down, you will see the thumbnails of those that won in their respective Age Divisions.  Please remember that for the Master’s Age Divisions, the times were Age Graded.   To view the “Results” from the 2010 Stars & Stripes 5k Twilight Run, just click “Results” from the navigation bar.

     We look forward to having everyone back next year, and with many more!