- What does Flag Day celebrate?
Flag Day marks the official adoption of the American flag. The Flag Resolution of 1777 declared, in part: “Resolved, That the flag of the thirteen United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation.”
- How did Flag Day originate?
In 1885, BJ Cigrand, a Wisconsin schoolteacher, decided that the 14th of June should be dedicated to the United States flag. From then on, states all across the nation began to mark their calendars.
- When did Flag Day become a National Holiday?
In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson made a presidential proclamation, which officially established Flag Day. It was not until 1949, however, that President Harry Truman signed an act of Congress designating June 14th as Flag Day.
- How can I celebrate Flag Day?
Most Americans celebrate Flag Day by displaying an American flag outside of their homes or business. Don’t have an American flag? That’s okay too! Simply displaying any type of flag (like one of our garden flags ) works as well!
Displaying flags outside of our homes on June 14th is just one of the ways we can display our nationalism. Through American flag cufflinks, pins, or even ornaments, we can show off our American pride.
But, the patriotic sentiment behind Flag Day should not be limited to just one day. The American flag, and all of the virtues behind it, stands for something greater, something more significant; under this one flag, we are all united as citizens of America. Regardless of our race, religion, gender, or sexuality, we all identify ourselves as Americans. And that statement alone, deserves to be celebrated each and every day of the year.
