The column “How can Betsy Ross flag mean anything but freedom and patriotism?” (July 11) by Lee Elci references the old myth that George Washington visited Betsy Ross in Philadelphia in 1776 with a flag design soon adopted by the Continental Congress. This myth is false.

The flag with a circle of 13 stars never existed until the late 19th century. The first perpetrator of this story was Parson Weems. He is the same tale-spinner that gave us the George Washington cherry tree story.

While the flag with a circle of 13 stars may appear quite eye-catching and inspiring to many Americans, we should always note that it is not an historic design.

It never flew in 1776. It didn't exist in 1776. 

William F. Aldrich

Groton