Grand Union Flag
Bicentennial Flag Memorial
The first national flag is commonly identified as the Grand Union Flag. Although it was never officially approved or recognized, it was this flag that came to symbolize the growing pride in the name America and the strengthening union between the thirteen colonies.
Unlike other flags of the early Revolutionary era, it belonged to no special colony, district or group. The design and color of the canton was taken from the British Flag and the stripes symbolized the bonding together of the colonies. It was an emblem which gained respect from all - the Loyalist and the Patriot, the soldier, the defiant and the fearful. For the first time, the Colonists had a flag of nationalistic overtones; and from January 1776 until the adoption of the first Stars and Stripes on June 14, 1777, the Grand Union Flag served as their emblem of association.
Courtesy hmdb.org
