| American Flag Day, celebrated annually on June 14, commemorates the adoption of the U.S. flag on June 14, 1777, and evolved into a national observance through the efforts of educators, civic leaders, and presidential proclamations.
Origins of the Flag.
The United States flag, known as the Stars and Stripes, was officially adopted by the Second Continental Congress on June 14, 1777, during the Revolutionary War. The Flag Resolution stated: "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 design symbolized the original thirteen colonies, and the first flag was likely created by Francis Hopkinson, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, though folklore credits Betsy Ross with sewing early flags.
The flag first flew in battle on September 11, 1777, at the Battle of Brandywine.
Jay and Joyce chose Flag Day as the time to replace the American Flag that has guarded the doorway to their home with a new American Flag.
Click on any picture to enlarge it
Materials prepared for the flag changeover
Old flag down! New flag up!
Hand . . . SALUTE!
"HAPPY FLAG DAY 2026!"
Some yard decorations for celebrating America's 250th Anniversary.
Early Celebrations
The idea of celebrating the flag began in the 19th century. In 1861, Hartford, Connecticut, held one of the earliest known observances during the Civil War, inspired by patriotism and the Fort Sumter Flag.
- In 1885, Bernard J. Cigrand, a Wisconsin schoolteacher, organized the first formal Flag Day observance at Stony Hill School in Waubeka, instructing students to write essays on the flag’s meaning. Cigrand spent decades advocating for a
 national holiday, earning the title "Father of Flag Day."
- Other early promoters included William T. Kerr, founder of the American Flag Day Association of Western Pennsylvania, George Bolch, a New York principal, and Elizabeth Duane Gillespie, who petitioned for public display of the flag.
Official Recognition
Flag Day gained momentum through local and state observances. Pennsylvania became the first state to officially celebrate Flag Day in 1937.
- National recognition began when President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation in 1916, encouraging Americans to observe June 14 as Flag Day.
- The observance was codified by Congress in 1949, with President Harry Truman signing it into law, establishing June 14 as National Flag Day. Despite this, Flag Day is not a federal holiday, and banks and government offices remain open.
Traditions and Observances
Flag Day is celebrated with parades, educational programs, and public ceremonies. Schools, civic organizations, and towns like Waubeka, Wisconsin, hold events to honor the flag and teach its history.
- The week of June 14 is designated as National Flag Week, during which the president issues
 a proclamation urging citizens to display the flag
- The holiday also honors the evolution of the flag, from the original 13 stars and stripes to the current 50-star design, standardized in 1960 after Hawaii’s statehood, with contributions from high school student Bob Heft, who designed the 50-star flag.
Significance
Flag Day serves as a reminder of national unity, patriotism, and the historical journey of the United States. Each element of the flag—the 13 stripes and 50 stars—represents the country’s origins and growth, while the colors symbolize valor, purity, and vigilance.
- The holiday encourages Americans to reflect on the values and freedoms the flag embodies, fostering civic pride and historical awareness.
Cinny also wanted to celebrate Flag Day.
The U.S. Army celebrates its birthday on June 14 every year.
In 2026, it is the Army's 251st birthday, honoring its establishment in 1775 and centuries of service to the nation.
The U.S. Army was officially established on June 14, 1775, more than a year before the Declaration of Independence, making it older than the  nation it defends. The Army has played a pivotal role in American history, from the Revolutionary War to modern operations, embodying values of courage, loyalty, and dedication. The 251st birthday marks a continuation of this legacy, celebrating Soldiers past and present, and highlighting the Army's contributions to national defense and global missions
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