June 14th marks Flag Day, a time to commemorate the emblem of America's sacrifice and solidarity.
Each year on June 14, Americans observe Flag Day, the day in 1777 when the Continental Congress officially adopted the stars and stripes as the national flag of the United States. The initial resolution specified a flag with 13 stripes and 13 stars, "representing a new constellation.".
Although Flag Day is not a federal holiday, it has a rich history and remains a significant day of patriotism, commemoration, and national pride.
The tradition of observing Flag Day began in the late 19th century, when a schoolteacher in Wisconsin recognized one of the earliest official celebrations in 1885. Cigrand, who is sometimes called the Father of Flag Day, devoted several decades to trying to get a national observance and delivered more than 2,000 speeches on the subject throughout his life.
It was President Woodrow Wilson who proclaimed June 14 as Flag Day through a presidential proclamation in 1916. It was not until 1949 that Congress enacted a law officially recognizing the day. President Harry S. Truman subsequently signed it into law, which called for Americans to observe the flag and its history.
In 2025, President Donald J. Trump issued a formal proclamation declaring National Flag Week to be observed from June 8 to June 14. The proclamation requests Americans to display the flag proudly, join in community ceremonies, and honor the sacrifices of those who have served under its banner.
Flag Day observances are especially significant in communities such as Waubeka, Wisconsin—where Cigrand taught—and Philadelphia, which holds an annual parade. In Massachusetts, communities such as Dedham and Quincy also organize memorial ceremonies. Such events feature flag-raising ceremonies, parades, Flag Day programs in the schools, and recognition by veterans' groups.
Aside from ceremonies, Flag Day is a strong reminder of the symbolism of the flag. The red represents courage and gallantry, the white purity and innocence, and the blue vigilance, perseverance, and justice.
Wherever it's flown on a front porch, waved in a parade, or carried in a school yard, the American flag is still a living testament to freedom and unity. As citizens come together in observance of National Flag Week, they are reminded that the stars and stripes symbolize not only a nation, but rather an ideal that persists.
June 14th marks Flag Day, a time to commemorate the emblem of America's sacrifice and solidarity.
Each year on June 14, Americans observe Flag Day, the day in 1777 when the Continental Congress officially adopted the stars and stripes as the national flag of the United States. The initial resolution specified a flag with 13 stripes and 13 stars, "representing a new constellation.".
Although Flag Day is not a federal holiday, it has a rich history and remains a significant day of patriotism, commemoration, and national pride.
The tradition of observing Flag Day began in the late 19th century, when a schoolteacher in Wisconsin recognized one of the earliest official celebrations in 1885. Cigrand, who is sometimes called the Father of Flag Day, devoted several decades to trying to get a national observance and delivered more than 2,000 speeches on the subject throughout his life.
It was President Woodrow Wilson who proclaimed June 14 as Flag Day through a presidential proclamation in 1916. It was not until 1949 that Congress enacted a law officially recognizing the day. President Harry S. Truman subsequently signed it into law, which called for Americans to observe the flag and its history.
In 2025, President Donald J. Trump issued a formal proclamation declaring National Flag Week to be observed from June 8 to June 14. The proclamation requests Americans to display the flag proudly, join in community ceremonies, and honor the sacrifices of those who have served under its banner.
Flag Day observances are especially significant in communities such as Waubeka, Wisconsin—where Cigrand taught—and Philadelphia, which holds an annual parade. In Massachusetts, communities such as Dedham and Quincy also organize memorial ceremonies. Such events feature flag-raising ceremonies, parades, Flag Day programs in the schools, and recognition by veterans' groups.
Aside from ceremonies, Flag Day is a strong reminder of the symbolism of the flag. The red represents courage and gallantry, the white purity and innocence, and the blue vigilance, perseverance, and justice.
Wherever it's flown on a front porch, waved in a parade, or carried in a school yard, the American flag is still a living testament to freedom and unity. As citizens come together in observance of National Flag Week, they are reminded that the stars and stripes symbolize not only a nation, but rather an ideal that persists.