Grateful American® Foundation

In addition to Flag Day being established today, what two military events occurred?

June 14th

June 14, 1775 — The US Army is born today.Established by the Second Continental Congress, the 130614a_armyBirthdayContinental Army begins to grow; it currently consists of six companies of riflemen. Tomorrow (June 15, 1775), George Washington will be appointed by unanimous vote to command the organization.

June 14, 1777 — Two years later, Flag Day is established. John Adams introduced a resolution before Congress stating, “… the flag of the thirteen United States shall be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white on a blue field, representing a new constellation.” This anniversary has been celebrated each year since.

June 14, 1807 — On the other side of the pond, today Emperor Napoleon I’s French Grande Armee defeated the Russian Army at the Battle of Friedland in Prussia (modern Russian Kaliningrad Oblast), ending the War of the Fourth Coalition.

Words of Wisdom

I am not afraid of an army of lions led by a sheep; I am afraid of an army of sheep led by a lion.

— Alexander the Great (July 356 BC – June 323 BC) succeeded his father, Philip II, to the throne at the age of 20. He spent most of his ruling years on an unprecedented military campaign through Asia and northeast Africa, and by 30 had created one of the largest empires of the ancient world, stretching from Greece to Egypt into northwest India and modern-day Pakistan. He was undefeated in battle and is widely considered one of history's most successful military commanders.

Partners & Supporters