Why RED, WHITE, AND BLUE?

Do you know what the colors of the U.S. flag stand for? Apparently when the flag was officially adopted in 1777, the resolution read, "Resolved, that the flag of the United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field representing a new constellation." Nothing was said about the colors. That is because there was no significance at that time other than they were most likely borrowed from the colors of the Union Jack of England, since that is what the Founding Fathers were exposed to. Another influence was perhaps the seal that was developed for the country. On July 4, 1776, Congress passed a resolution to develop the new seal (officially adopted on June 20, 1782). At this time, Charles Thomson, Secretary of the Continental Congress presented the seal explaining, "The colors are those used in the flag of the United States of America. White signifies purity and innocence. Red, hardiness & valour, and Blue… signifies vigilance, perseverance & justice." In 1986, President Reagan proclaimed it to be the Year of the Flag. Adding his own point of view, he stated, "The colors of our flag signify the qualities of the human spirit we Americans cherish, red for courage and readiness to sacrifice; white for pure intentions and high ideals; and blue for vigilance and justice." Even though Americans may do not know the specifics about the meaning of the colors, we do know that the American flag evokes patriotism and pride in our country, thanks to our Founding Fathers and all of the battles that have been fought to protect our freedoms. We have seen many interpretations of the flag colors but apparently, over time, the official true colors have been identified as Pantone colors RED 193C and BLUE 281C. The combination of red, white and blue are popular on national holidays such as Memorial Day and 4 th of July (just a few days away!). Homes are decorated, flags are hung, families and friends get together to eat, donning red white and blue attire. So, in honor of our great American flag, we hope that you will be showing your patriotic spirit and wear a fun pair of FOOT TRAFFIC patriotic socks !