Our Nation’s Flag Day: June 14
Flag Day’s origins differ from source to source. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the first observation of Flag Day was during the summer of 1861 in Hartford, Connecticut. And, according to History.com, the first observation was in 1885 when a Wisconsin school teacher came up with the idea to fly the flag every June 14.
However, despite who established Flag Day first, it started to gain popularity in 1889, when George Balch, a kindergarten teacher in New York City, began celebrating Flag Day with his students every June 14. His festivities caught the attention of the State Board of Education, who decided to follow his lead and have Flag Day observed annually in all New York public schools.
While various people and schools were observing Flag Day, it wasn’t officially established as a national observance at that point. In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson wanted to mark the anniversary of the day the Second Continental Congress passed a resolution depicting how the American flag would be designed. On June 14, 1777, they determined that the flag would be “13 stripes, alternate red and white, and that the union be 13 stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation.” But, despite President Wilson’s idea of making Flag Day a national observance, it was not officially signed into law by him. In 1927, President Coolidge issued another proclamation for Flag Day, but it wasn’t signed into law at that point either. Then, on August 3, 1949, Congress finally approved the national observance of Flag Day, and President Harry Truman signed it into law.
How Flag Day Is Celebrated Today
Communities celebrate Flag Day in lots of different ways. Some towns have parades or annual picnics. Schools that may be in session during Flag Day may hold essay contests or special assemblies. No matter how you and your town choose to celebrate, you can honor Flag Day by proudly displaying your American flag at your own home.
In Need Of A Flag For Flag Day?
Respect and honor the US Flag this upcoming Flag Day by decorating your home or office with a 100% made in the USA American flag. We have both bunting and cloth flags in stock and ready to ship.
Upcoming National Events
- Fourth of July: July 4, 2020
- Democratic Convention: August 17, 2020
- Republican Convention: August 24, 2020
- US Flagmaker Mugwump Sale: Coming in August!