Every year onĀ June 14th, Americans across the country pause to celebrateĀ Flag Dayāa tribute to one of our nationās most enduring symbols: the United States flag.
š The History Behind Flag Day
Flag Day commemorates the adoption of theĀ Stars and StripesĀ as the official flag of the United States onĀ June 14, 1777, by the Second Continental Congress. The resolution stated:
āResolved, 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.ā
Though itās not a federal holiday, Flag Day holds deep patriotic significance. It was officially established by President Woodrow Wilson in 1916, and later President Harry Truman signed it into law in 1949 as a national observance.
šØ What the Flag Represents
The U.S. flag is more than just cloth and color. It stands forĀ freedom, resilience, and unity. Each element of the flag carries meaning:
- Red: Valor and bravery
- White: Purity and innocence
- Blue: Vigilance, perseverance, and justice
- Stars and Stripes: The 50 states and the original 13 colonies
šŗšø How Americans Celebrate
Flag Day is a chance to reflect on our shared values and national heritage. Here are a few ways people honor the flag:
- Flying the American flagĀ at homes, businesses, and public buildings
- Community paradesĀ andĀ patriotic ceremonies
- Educational eventsĀ in schools about the flagās history and symbolism
- VolunteeringĀ or supporting veteransā groups and civic causes
In some places likeĀ Quincy, Massachusetts, andĀ Waubeka, WisconsinĀ (the hometown of the āFather of Flag Day,ā Bernard J. Cigrand), celebrations include festivals, speeches, and pageantry.
š A Day to Reflect
Flag Day reminds us of the sacrifices made to protect the freedoms we enjoy and the unity that binds us as a nation. Whether itās by displaying the flag, teaching children its history, or simply taking a quiet moment to reflect, June 14th is a day for all Americans to come together in gratitude and pride.
Happy Flag Day!
Long may she wave. šŗšø
Richter Publishing 