Flag Day, an annual celebration of the American flag, takes place on the anniversary of its official adoption, June 14.

The emblem we affectionately call the "Stars and Stripes" was designated as the official American flag by the Continental Congress on June 14, 1777, during the Revolutionary War. Colonial troops fought under diverse flags featuring different symbols such as rattlesnakes, pine trees, and eagles, along with various slogans like "Don't Tread on Me," "Liberty or Death," and "Conquer or Die," among others.

Historical Background

• Adoption of the Flag: On June 14, 1777, the Second Continental Congress passed a resolution establishing the United States flag. The resolution stated:
  "Resolved, That the flag of the United States be made of thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation."

• Betsy Ross Legend: According to popular tradition, Betsy Ross, a seamstress from Philadelphia, was credited with sewing the first American flag at the request of George Washington. Though there is little historical evidence to confirm this, her story remains a cherished part of American folklore.

Evolution of the Flag

• Original Design: The original flag featured 13 stars and 13 stripes, representing the original 13 colonies that declared independence from Great Britain. Over time, as new states joined the Union, stars were added to the flag, but the number of stripes remained at 13 to honor the original colonies.

• Current Flag: The current design of the U.S. flag, with 50 stars representing the 50 states, was adopted on July 4, 1960, after Hawaii became the 50th state in 1959. The flag has undergone 27 official versions since 1777, with stars being added as new states were admitted to the Union.

Origin of Flag Day Celebrations

While Flag Day did not become a nationally recognized observance until later, various efforts to celebrate the flag began in the 19th century:

1. First Recorded Celebration (1861): The earliest known observance of Flag Day was held in Hartford, Connecticut, in 1861, during the Civil War. Citizens gathered to honor the Union flag and its meaning amidst the conflict.

2. School Observances: In 1885, a teacher named Bernard J. Cigrand from Waubeka, Wisconsin, held an observance for Flag Day at his school, widely recognized as one of the earliest formal celebrations. Cigrand continued to promote the idea of a national Flag Day.

3. National Recognition: Flag Day was officially established by President Woodrow Wilson on May 30, 1916, through a proclamation calling for June 14 to be set aside as a day to honor the American flag. Later, in 1949, Congress approved legislation designating Flag Day as National Flag Day, and President Harry S. Truman signed it into law.

Flag Day Traditions and Observances

Although Flag Day is not a federal holiday, many communities, organizations, and individuals across the country observe it with various patriotic traditions:

1. Displaying the Flag: On Flag Day, many Americans display the U.S. flag at their homes, businesses, and public buildings. It is a common practice for schools and government offices to fly the flag prominently on this day.

2. Parades and Ceremonies: Parades, flag-raising ceremonies, and other community events are often held in towns and cities across the country. Some of the largest Flag Day parades take place in Troy, New York, and Three Oaks, Michigan.

3. National Flag Day Foundation: The National Flag Day Foundation in Waubeka, Wisconsin (where Bernard Cigrand promoted Flag Day) hosts an annual observance with a flag-raising ceremony, patriotic music, and a parade.

4. Presidential Proclamation: Each year, the President of the United States issues a proclamation encouraging citizens to observe Flag Day and reflect on the values the flag represents.

5. Patriotic Songs and Pledges: Flag Day observances often include the singing of patriotic songs such as "The Star-Spangled Banner" and "America the Beautiful." Reciting the Pledge of Allegiance is also a common part of ceremonies.

Flag Etiquette and Protocol

Flag Day is an opportunity for many Americans to learn and practice proper flag etiquette, which is outlined in the U.S. Flag Code. Some key points of flag protocol include:

• Raising and Lowering: The flag should be raised briskly and lowered slowly and ceremoniously.

• Display at Night: The flag may be displayed 24 hours a day if properly illuminated during hours of darkness.

• Respectful Handling: The flag should never touch the ground, be flown upside down (except as a signal of distress), or be used as a decoration or clothing.

• Disposal of Worn Flags: When a flag is worn or damaged, it should be retired in a dignified manner, typically by burning. Many veterans' organizations, such as the American Legion, conduct flag retirement ceremonies on Flag Day.

Symbolism of the Flag

The colors and design of the U.S. flag are rich with meaning and symbolism:

• Stars and Stripes: The 50 stars represent the current 50 states, while the 13 stripes honor the original 13 colonies.

• Colors: According to legend, the red symbolizes valor and bravery, the white represents purity and innocence, and the blue signifies vigilance, perseverance, and justice.

Related Observances

• National Flag Week: In addition to Flag Day, the week of June 14 is often observed as National Flag Week, during which citizens are encouraged to fly the flag and reflect on its meaning. Government buildings are typically required to display the flag during this week.

• Army Birthday: Coincidentally, Flag Day also shares the same date as the U.S. Army’s Birthday (established on June 14, 1775), adding another layer of significance to the day.

Fun Facts About the U.S. Flag

1. Nicknames: The U.S. flag is often referred to as the "Stars and Stripes," "Old Glory," and the "Star-Spangled Banner."

2. Flag Designers: While the Betsy Ross story is the most famous, another significant figure is Robert G. Heft, who designed the current 50-star flag as part of a high school project in 1958. His design was officially adopted after Alaska and Hawaii became states.

3. Most Flags Flown: The most U.S. flags ever flown in a single place occurred during Super Bowl XLV in 2011, when more than 90,000 fans waved flags during the pre-game ceremony.

4. The Flag on the Moon: The U.S. flag was famously planted on the surface of the moon by astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin during the Apollo 11 mission in 1969.

Conclusion

Flag Day serves as a day for Americans to reflect on the history and symbolism of the U.S. flag and its place as a symbol of national unity, pride, and values. Although it may not be a federal holiday, its observance is deeply ingrained in American patriotic culture. Through the display of flags, community events, and educational efforts, Flag Day continues to remind citizens of the ideals the flag represents—freedom, democracy, and the enduring spirit of the United States.