On June 14, Americans across the country commemorate Flag Day, a celebration of the birth of the United States flag and the values it represents – freedom, unity, and resilience. You may wonder how this tradition began and what it truly signifies. Flag Day has been celebrated in the United States for over 100 years. Below is the history of Flag Day and how it evolved into the observance we know today.
The Birth of the American Flag
The story begins on June 14, 1777, when the Second Continental Congress passed the Flag Resolution, stating:
“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.”
This resolution established the basic design of the flag, though its exact appearance and number of stars would evolve as new states joined the Union. The original design is widely attributed to Betsy Ross, a Philadelphia seamstress, though this claim remains part of American folklore rather than documented history.
The First Observances
Although the flag itself was adopted in 1777, the idea of a national Flag didn’t begin for quite a while. The earliest known observance occurred in 1885, when Bernard J. Cigrand, a 19-year-old schoolteacher in Waubeka, Wisconsin, celebrated the flag’s birthday at his school. Cigrand became a passionate advocate for a National Day of Recognition, writing articles and giving speeches to promote the idea.
Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Flag Day observances gained popularity, particularly in schools and patriotic organizations. However, it still lacked official national recognition.
President Wilson’s Proclamation
In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation officially establishing June 14 as Flag Day, recognizing the flag as a symbol of national unity, particularly in the shadow of World War I. Though this helped popularize the observance, it was still not a federal holiday.
Official Recognition
In 1949, President Harry S. Truman signed an Act of Congress designating June 14 of each year as National Flag Day. At this time, the U.S. was flying a 48-star flag. As we continue to grow as a country, stars have been added to represent new states.
How Flag Day is Celebrated
Flag Day is an ideal day to fly your American Made U.S. flag as well as other flags that are meaningful to you. It is often celebrated in various ways across the country, including:
- Flag-raising ceremonies
- Parades and patriotic concerts
- Educational programs in schools
- Community service and historical reenactments
In Waubeka, Wisconsin, where Bernard Cigrand held the first known observance, residents proudly host one of the largest Flag Day celebrations in the United States, featuring a parade and ceremonial tributes.
Why Flag Day Matters
Flag Day is more than just a celebration of a piece of cloth. It serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices, struggles, and dreams that the U.S. flag represents. For many Americans, it’s a time to reflect on American ideals and to promote civic pride and unity.
As President Wilson once said, the flag is “the embodiment, not of a sentiment, but of a history.” And on June 14, Americans come together to remember and honor that history.
Final Thoughts on the History of Flag Day
Flag Day has been celebrated in the United States for over 100 years, providing an opportunity to reflect on the United States Flag, a symbol that has stood the test of time. Let us know if we can help you recognize and celebrate Flag Day this year and every year with our Made in the U.S.A. flags.
