In the United States, Flag Day is celebrated on June 14. It commemorates the adoption of the flag of the United States, which happened on that day in 1777. It started with a resolution by the Second Continental Congress.
The Declaration of Independence made the adoption of an American flag necessary. Previously, each colony or special interest had its own flag.
When the American Revolution broke out in 1775, the colonists weren’t fighting united under a single flag. Instead, most regiments participating in the war for independence against the British fought under their own flags. In June of 1775, the Second Continental Congress met in Philadelphia to create the Continental Army. Basically, to unify the colonial fighting force with the hopes of a more organized battle against its colonial oppressors. This led to the creation of what was, essentially, the first “American” flag, the Continental Colors.
The First Flag
On that 14th of June, Congress made the Flag Resolution of 1777, stating: “The flag of the United States shall be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white, with a union of thirteen stars of white on a blue field …” Official announcement of the new flag was not made until Sept. 3, 1777.
Flag Day was first celebrated in the late 1800s by educators around the U.S., according to the National Constitution Center. Subsequently, in May 1916, President Woodrow Wilson declared that June 14 would be forever known as the day of the flag.
The Day of the Flag
Flag Day became a national holiday some thirty years after Wilson left office. President Harry Truman signed that congressional legislation into law. Truman also directed, in a proclamation, that the U.S. flag be displayed on all government buildings on that day.
It is not an official federal holiday, but the president of the United States traditionally proclaims its observance each year. On Flag Day, many towns and cities hold parades and events to celebrate the flag. Also, the colors are to be flown at all government buildings.
America has honored the adoption of both stars and stripes in several ways since, from displaying the pennant outside of homes and federal buildings to incorporating it in patriotic parades or processions. The country’s armed forces have also incorporated the well-recognized insignia on uniforms and in ceremonies.
When is Flag Day? And how is it celebrated?
Americans celebrate Flag Day, which falls on June 14, in many ways. These include parades, ceremonies and educational events designed to encourage respect for the flag and its significance.
Why is the American Flag Red, White, and Blue?
The Continental Congress left no record as to why it chose these colors. However, in 1782, the Congress of the Articles of Confederation chose the colors for the Great Seal of the United States with these meanings:
- white for purity and innocence
- red for valor and hardiness
- blue for vigilance, perseverance, and justice
Flag Etiquette
When flags are taken down from their poles, care must be taken to keep them from touching the ground. In fact, the American flag should always be kept aloft, meaning that rugs and carpets featuring the Stars and Stripes are barred by the Flag Code.
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