Flag Day June 14
On June 14, all across the United States, people commemorate Flag Day. This day celebrates the birthday of the United States flag, which was first adopted on June 14, 1777. This day also coincides with the U.S. Army's Birthday, founded on June 14, 1775.
Flag Day is not a public holiday in the United States so schools and businesses remain open as usual. However, Pennsylvania is the only state that observes this day as a holiday.
The meaning of the American Flag
The American flag can be immediately recognized anywhere in the world. It is also important to learn about each part of the flag which has symbolism and meaning.
· The red and white stripes: Thirteen in total, these stripes represent each of the original British colonies, which were New York, Georgia, Delaware, New Hampshire, Rhode Island Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, North Carolina, South Carolina, New Jersey, Maryland, and Virginia.
· The Stars: Fifty stars on a blue background are found in the top left corner of the flag. This section of the flag is also known as the 'canton'. These stars represent each of the fifty states.
· The colors of the flag carry significance too: blue represents justice, white represents purity, and red represents courage and strength.
· The colors of The American flag also reflect a connection to The United Kingdom and a mirroring of the colors used in The Union Jack (The British flag).
The Evolution of the Flag
There have been many versions of the American flag, as it has evolved and emerged through the growth of our nation. Our country may have fifty states now, but that has not always been the case, and so the flag design we use to reflect this number has only remained the same since 1959, the year that Hawaii joined as the 50th state.
History of Flag Day
The first known celebration of Flag Day happened in 1885 when a dentist and school teacher named Bernard Cigrand organized a celebration with his students at Stony Hill School. Cigrand advocated for patriotism and respect for the flag and lobbied with the United States Congress to create an annual Flag Day celebration on June 14.
In 1886, Cigrand wrote an article for the Chicago Argus that proposed the establishment of an annual observance of the American flag's birthday. He is credited by many as being the Father of Flag Day.
Officially, it was in 1916 that President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed June 14 as Flag Day, to be observed every year. Every year, the President in office should call on government officials and U.S. citizens to display the American flags outside buildings and their homes.
Celebrate Flag Day
· Celebrate Flag Day by displaying or waving the American Flag around your house or workplace.
· The National Museum of American History is a website where you can test your knowledge about the American Flag through a fun quiz.
· Many official ceremonies, parades, and concerts are held on this day. Show your true American spirit by taking part in these celebrations.
· You can visit history museums such as The Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia which hosts special exhibitions and themed events on this day.
Some Facts About the American Flag
The flag is nicknamed Old Glory and Star-Spangled Banner. The latter is the title of America's national anthem.
Although this is not confirmed, it is thought that Betsy Ross, a seamstress who made the flags for the Pennsylvania Navy, had a hand in creating the design for the American Flag and made the first one.
Although the Flag started with 13 white stars representing the 13 original colonies of the United States, one star was added for every state that joined the country. The American flag currently has 50 white stars.
The Flag Protection Act was passed during the Vietnam War making it illegal to burn or destroy the American Flag. However, it was later ruled that this violated the First Amendment.
The Flag Code states that representations of the American Flag should not be reproduced on apparel items, such as clothing, bedding, or decorative items.
Read about Independence Day to know about its history, significance, and celebration. Independence Day is celebrated twenty-one days after Flag Day and this period is known as 'Honor America Days'.
https://www.calendarr.com/united-states/flag-day/