The Esther Reed Chapter is named for a young English woman, Esther de Berdt Reed.  She fell in love with an American colonist studying law in London.  Upon her marriage and arrival to the American colonies, her young husband’s fight for freedom became Esther Reed’s fight.  She recruited volunteers to sew needed garments for the soldiers before the oncoming winter.  She successfully contacted every financier within the colonies for money and support for the cause of freedom. She was tireless in her effort.  Even when her body grew weak, her spirit led her to continue sewing and raising money for the revolution.

Esther named her youngest son George Washington Reed after the general with whom her husband served.  The boy grew up to join the Navy and died as a prisoner of war in Jamaica in 1813.  Her husband Joseph, was a delegate to the Continental Congress and signed the Articles of Confederation. 

Esther Reed and her husband are buried in the Arch Street Presbyterian Cemetery in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  Sarah Franklin Bache, Benjamin Franklin's sister, took up the cause of completing the shirts for the Continental Army after Esther's death in 1780. 

On June 14, 1900, Esther Reed Chapter was chartered. Because of the June 14th Flag Day date, it is nationally known as the “Flag Chapter.” Through the years the chapter has commemorated Flag Day with many significant memorials and monuments.