# 4954a FDC - 2015 $2.00 Imperf Patriotic Wave

4954a- Imperforate
2015 $2 Patriotic Waves

 

The red and blue intersecting lines on the Patriotic Waves stamps were designed to look like billowing flags. 

 

Early in the Revolutionary War, colonial ships flew the Red Ensign, a flag then used by British merchant seamen. The Colonies, newly united against the crown, needed a banner to distinguish themselves from the British. The first U.S. Navy Ensign was created in 1775 when white stripes were added to the red field of the British ensign. The Continental Colors, as the flag became known, was soon adopted by the Continental Army as well. It became the first, though unofficial, flag of the United States. 

 

The 13 alternating red and white stripes represented the 13 Colonies. The Union Jack was kept on the flag as a symbol of loyalty to British rule. At the time, most Patriots were not fighting for independence, but simply for fair representation. But as the Revolution progressed, the Colonies grew more distant from mother England. As desire for independence grew, so did the need for a new flag.  

 

In 1777, the Second Continental Congress approved an official flag design based on the Colors. There was one significant difference – the British Union Jack was removed. It was replaced by a blue field dotted with 13 white stars representing “a new constellation.” A nation was born, and with it a symbol of dedication to the liberty of mankind.

 

 

Issue Date: January 30, 2015
City: Norcross, GA, at the Southeastern Stamp Expo

Category: Definitive
Printed By: Ashton Potter USA Ltd.
Printing Method: Lithographed in sheets of 100, with 10 panes of 10 per sheet
Perforations: Serpentine Die Cut 11