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During the debates and framing of the Constitution the flag design was most likely the one pictured above by Francis Hopkinson (September 21, 1737 – May 9, 1791) He was a lawyer and the designer of the first official American flag, He was also the first American composer as well as an author of books and articles in favor of the ratification of the Constitution. Besides the flag, Hopkinson also designed several first official symbols of the new republic including the United States Continental paper money and the first United States coin as well as the Great Seal of the United States. As a delegate from New Jersey, he was a signer of the Declaration of Independence in July 1776.
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Constitution Day
Today, September 17th, is Constitution Day. A day that marks the anniversary of a final agreement among learned men of diverse social backgrounds, occupations, and religious beliefs that had a common vision of a central government to bring about a unified country. The fragility of our union in 1787 was evident in a letter from George Washington to James Madison: “Thirteen Sovereignties pulling against each other, and all tugging at the federal head, will soon bring ruin to the whole; whereas a liberal, and energetic Constitution, well guarded & closely watched, to prevent incroachments, might restore us to that degree of respectability & consequence, to which we had a fair claim.”
As others noted, including Thomas Jefferson regarding the Articles of Confederation that had been the form of central government adopted in 1781: “That something is necessary, all will agree; for the situation of the General Government (if it can be called a government) is shaken to its foundations-and liable to be overset by every blast. In a word, it is at an end, and unless a remedy is soon applied, anarchy & confusion will inevitably ensue.”
The enormity of the task to create a framework that would tell the world we are consolidated in our interstate and international trade, strong in our defense, and the people were sovereign was tasked to delegates from the 13 colonies. Twelve colonies complied. Distrusting the idea of a central government overriding state’s rights, Rhode Island declined to attend. Thirty of the 55 delegates were not slave owners.
After more than three months of secret closed door (and window) meetings in Philadelphia in the Assembly Room of the Pennsylvania State House, now known as Independence Hall ( the same place the Declaration of Independence was signed.), a unanimous agreement for the framing of our government was made.
Edmund Randolph’s “Virginia Plan” statement of ”People would replace states as the building blocks of a national republic, and Congress would no longer go hat in hand to the states for everything. On matters of national interests, it would either dictate to the states or deal directly with the people” became the basis for structure of the United States Government. There would two houses in Legislative Branch, a Judicial Branch, and an Executive Branch. Each branch was given their own separate powers.
My thoughts go to what a remarkable accomplishment to set a young nation from a path of instability to a path that was maintainable. A quest that was defined in 1776 as the improbable American Experiment was being manifested. The rancor, divisiveness, and egos that were displayed in a hot, non-air-conditioned closed space must have been exhausting. The signer’s compromised and prevailed to create the Republic we have enjoyed this 200 plus years. When asked what had been accomplished, Benjamin Franklin’s famous answer to an inquiring citizen was, "A republic, madam, if you can keep it.”.
The answer is still a reminder of our fragility and our responsibility.
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Maine Flag and Banner
824 Roosevelt Trail, Unit #4
Windham, ME 04062
(207) 893-0339
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Store Hours
Mon-Fri 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Please give us a call if you
can't see us during regular
hours.
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Maine Flag & Banner is a unique family owned store located in the beautiful Sebago Lakes Region of southern Maine. Our store is full of fun colorful things that blow in the wind. Windsocks, spinners and banners abound.
Looking for flags? Your pride of country, state and heritage can be displayed proudly with U.S., state, military, or foreign flags, all made in America.
If you have a business, the multitude of choices in colors and sizes of OPEN flags lets your customers know you are there and ready to serve. For home owners, a large variety of decorative, seasonal, sports and everyday banners make your home stand out and are in stock for your convenience.
Of course, we carry all the hardware and accessories to show off all the fun stuff. Maine Flag also sells flagpoles from 15' and up to 100'!
Come on in for a friendly, helpful and knowledgeable experience.
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