This 1968 First Day Cover features the 6¢ Grand Union Flag stamp issued on July 4, 1968, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Art Craft cachet depicts Continental Army soldiers with the historic flag in a Revolutionary War encampment scene, part of the Historic Flags Series.
The Grand Union Flag, also known as the Continental Colors, served as the first unofficial national flag of the United States. It was raised by General George Washington on January 1, 1776, at Prospect Hill in Cambridge, Massachusetts, symbolizing the unity of the thirteen colonies under one banner during the fight for independence.
A notable detail is the cachet's accurate portrayal of the flag's design—thirteen alternating red and white stripes with the British Union Jack in the canton—reflecting its role as a transitional standard before the Stars and Stripes. The Pittsburgh postmark ties directly to the first-day city for this issue.
This clean, well-centered cover makes an excellent addition for collectors of American history, Revolutionary War topics, or flag-themed philatelic items, with strong display value in any FDC or topical collection.
