Summary: Flag Day celebrates the symbolism and history of the American flag. It is companion a celebration to Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and the Fourth of July, all celebrating the foundation of the United States, and those who dedicate their lives to upholding our basic principals: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."
Latest Update: 12 June, 2024
Today, 14 June 2024, is Flag Day, representing the founding principals of the USA.
Flag Day celebrates the symbolism and the history of the American flag. It is a companion celebration to Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and the Fourth of July, all celebrating the foundation of the United States of America, and those who dedicate their lives to upholding our basic principals: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness" Preamble to the Declaration of Independence
"In 1916 Pres. Woodrow Wilson proclaimed June 14 as the official date for Flag Day, and in 1949 the U.S. Congress permanently established the date as National Flag Day. Although Flag Day is not an official federal holiday... Each year the U.S. president delivers an address that proclaims the week of June 14 as National Flag Week, and all Americans are encouraged to fly U.S. flags during that week." [1] [2]
"When the American Revolution broke out in 1775, the colonists weren’t fighting united under a single flag. Instead, most regiments participating in the war for independence against the British fought under their own flags. In June of 1775, the Second Continental Congress met in Philadelphia to create the Continental Army—a unified colonial fighting force—with the hopes of a more organized battle against its colonial oppressors. This led to the creation of what was, essentially, the first “American” flag, the Continental Colors.
"On June 14, 1777, the Second Continental Congress took a break from writing the Articles of Confederation and passed a resolution stating that “the flag of the United States be 13 stripes, alternate red and white,” and that “the union be 13 stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation.”
"Over 100 years later, in 1916, President Woodrow Wilson marked the anniversary of that decree by officially establishing June 14 as Flag Day." [3]
Sources and Resources
• [1] Flag Day. Britannica, Excerpt
In 1916 Pres. Woodrow Wilson proclaimed June 14 as the official date for Flag Day, and in 1949 the U.S. Congress permanently established the date as National Flag Day. Although Flag Day is not an official federal holiday, Pennsylvania celebrates the day as a state holiday. Each year the U.S. president delivers an address that proclaims the week of June 14 as National Flag Week, and all Americans are encouraged to fly U.S. flags during that week.
[2] A Proclamation on Flag Day and National Flag Week, 2024, White House, 07 June 2024, Excerpts
For people across America, our flag is a reminder of our Nation’s founding principle. It stands for the sacred idea that we are all created equal and deserve to be treated equally throughout our lives. Our flag is also a reminder of our shared calling: to stand for the ideals our country was founded on — democracy, freedom, and justice for all. On Flag Day and during National Flag Week, we take pride in the promise and purpose represented by our Nation’s flag.
[3] What Is Flag Day?, History .com
• Header Graphic: What is Flag Day? A visual guide to the meaning and history of the June 14 holiday. USAToday. 17 April 2024
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