National Flag Day commemorates the adoption of the flag of the United States on June 14, 1777. This holiday is a time to celebrate America's history and all that our flag represents. Whether you're waving your flag with pride or watching a parade, be sure to take some time to appreciate this important symbol of our nation. Happy National Flag Day!

History of National Flag Day

In June of 1775, the Second Continental Congress gathered in Philadelphia to establish the Continental Army—a unified colonial fighting force—with the objective of increased military coordination against its British colonizers. This led to the development of what many historians consider to be the first "American" flag, the Continental Colors.

For others, this flag's design, which included 13 red and white alternating stripes and a Union Jack in the corner, was too similar to that of the British. George Washington quickly realized that employing a flag that was even somewhat similar to the British flag wasn't a great morale builder for the Revolution, so he concentrated his efforts on devising a new symbol of liberty for the yet-to-be-born nation.

On June 14, 1777, the Second Continental Congress took a holiday from writing the Articles of Confederation to pass a resolution stating that "the flag of the United States be 13 stripes, alternating red and white," and that "the union be 13 stars, white in a blue field, signifying a new constellation."

The idea for National Flag Day was first conceived in 1885 by schoolteacher Bernard J. Cigrand. Cigrand was a 19-year-old teacher at Stony Hill School in Waubeka, Wisconsin when he placed a small American flag on each student's desk. He asked his students to write essays about the flag and its meaning. Cigrand continued to celebrate Flag Day in various ways throughout his life. In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson established June 14 as National Flag Day with a proclamation. Congress followed suit in 1949, passing an act designating June 14 as National Flag Day. Since then, Americans have celebrated this holiday by flying the flag, attending parades and other events, and taking part in other patriotic activities.

How to Celebrate National Flag Day

There are many ways to celebrate National Flag Day. Here are a few ideas:

Share your love of country with others

One of the best ways to celebrate National Flag Day is to share your pride in America with others. Why not take this opportunity to teach your kids about what the flag represents, or to have a discussion with your friends or family about what it means to be patriotic?

Learn about the history of the American flag

The flag of the United States has a long and interesting history. Take some time to learn about the evolution of Old Glory, and share what you've learned with others.

Celebrate with a picnic or barbecue

What better way to show your love of the country than by gathering together with friends and family for a traditional picnic or barbecue? Make sure to fly the flag proudly, and don't forget to sing some patriotic songs!

Attend a Flag Day parade

Many towns and cities across America hold Flag Day parades each year. These events are usually packed with patriotic fun, including marching bands, floats, and more. Check your local listings to see if there's a parade happening near you.

Visit a national monument or park

Another great way to celebrate Flag Day is to visit one of America's many national monuments or parks. This is especially appropriate, as June 11th is National Get Outdoors Day. So get out there and explore all that America has to offer.

Do something nice for a veteran

One of the best ways to show your support for America is to do something nice for those who have served in the armed forces. If you know a veteran, take them out for lunch or coffee, or simply send them a thank-you card. Veterans have sacrificed so much for our country, and it's important to show them our appreciation.

Make a patriotic meal

Why not cook up a patriotic feast to celebrate Flag Day? There are plenty of recipes out there for red, white, and blue dishes. Try your hand at making an American flag cake, or some star-spangled cookies. 

Fly the flag proudly

One of the simplest yet most effective ways to celebrate Flag Day is to simply fly the American flag. If you don't have a flag of your own, you can usually purchase one at your local department store. Just make sure to fly it properly, and be respectful of the flag's symbolism.

Fun Facts About The American Flag

Did you know that the American flag has been around for over 200 years? And in that time, it has undergone quite a few changes. Here are some fun facts about Old Glory:

1. The first official American flag was approved by the Second Continental Congress on June 14, 1777. It had 13 stripes (representing the 13 colonies) and 13 stars (representing the new nation).

2. The current American flag was designed by a high school student named Robert Heft as part of a class project. His design was chosen from among 1,500 entries.

3. There have been 27 official revisions to the flag so far, each with a different number of stars.

4. Betsy Ross is often credited with creating the first American flag.

5. The largest American flag ever made, Superflag, weighed in at 30,000 pounds and measures 505 feet by 225 feet. It was unfurled at a football game in 1994.

6. The Star-spangled banner, the flag that inspired Francis Scott Key to write the national anthem, is currently on display at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History.

7. Currently, there are 13 stripes and 50 stars on the American Flag. They represent the 13 colonies and the 50 states in the Union. The order of the stars in the flag is decided by the date each state joined the Union.

8. The colors of the American flag have a special meaning. Red stands for valor, white represents purity and innocence, and blue signifies loyalty and justice.

9. The American flag is sometimes referred to as “Old Glory”.

10. When an American flag is worn out, it should be destroyed in a dignified way, such as by burning.

Conclusion

The American flag is a symbol of our nation that has been around for centuries. It has undergone many changes throughout the years, but it remains an important part of our history. Today, the flag is a reminder of our country’s values and the sacrifices made to protect them. This National Flag Day, take a moment to appreciate all that it stands for.