Flag-making tradition still alive in Philadelphia

Move over, Betsy Ross. There’s a new generation of flag makers in Philadelphia.

A dozen seamstresses who work at a military supply facility are responsible for hand-embroidering all of the nation’s presidential flags.
The dark blue standards are emblazoned with an eagle encircled by 50 stars. Their appearance denotes the presence of America’s leader.

The seamstresses also make vice presidential flags, brigade and battalion flags for the armed forces, and ROTC banners for colleges and high schools.

The sewing room at the Defense Logistics Agency is less than 10 miles from the house where Betsy Ross is believed to have made the first U.S. flag.

Thursday is Flag Day. It marks the date in 1777 when Congress officially adopted the Stars and Stripes.