Why Do We Celebrate Flag Day? Exploring the Roots and Significance

Flag Day in the United States is more than just a date on the calendar. It’s a day filled with historical significance and patriotic spirit. On June 14th, Americans come together to celebrate the adoption of their national flag by the Continental Congress in 1777. In this article, we’ll delve into the roots of Flag Day, its historical context, and the traditions that make it a cherished occasion.

Why June 14th? Unraveling the Historical Threads:

Flag Day finds its roots in the year 1777 when the Continental Congress officially approved the design for the first national flag of the United States. This resolution came on the heels of a special committee’s recommendations for the flag’s design, and the chosen flag made its inaugural appearance in the Battle of the Brandywine on September 11, 1777.

Early Advocates and the Road to Recognition:

The idea of setting aside a specific day to honor the national flag gained momentum through various sources. One notable figure, Bernard J. Cigrand, a Wisconsin schoolteacher, proposed observing June 14th as the “Flag Birthday” in 1885. William T. Kerr of Pennsylvania took it a step further by founding the American Flag Day Association in 1888. The journey toward national recognition had begun.

Related: Why do we celebrate Independence Day?

Presidential Proclamations and Congressional Recognition:

June 14th was proclaimed Flag Day by President Woodrow Wilson in 1916. It wasn’t until 1949 that the U.S. Congress solidified this date as National Flag Day. Although not a federal holiday, Pennsylvania celebrates it as a state holiday, and each year, the U.S. president encourages Americans to fly the flag during National Flag Week.

The Birth of the Stars and Stripes

On June 14, 1777, the Second Continental Congress passed a resolution defining the design of the United States flag. It read:

“Resolved, That the flag of the 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 historic decree marked the official birth of the Stars and Stripes. Over a century later, in 1916, President Woodrow Wilson established June 14 as Flag Day, commemorating this pivotal moment in American history.

Why Flag Day Matters Today?

Flag Day holds a special place in American history, reminding us of the roots of the nation and the symbol that unites its people. Despite its humble beginnings, Flag Day has become a day of national pride, marked by displays of the flag, parades, and patriotic observances.

The Colors of Freedom

The red, white, and blue of our flag hold deep significance. While the original flag didn’t assign meanings to these colors, the Great Seal of the United States, adopted in 1782, clarified their symbolism:

• Red: Valor and bravery
• White: Purity and innocence
• Blue: Vigilance, perseverance, and justice

Proper Flag Etiquette

To honor our flag, we must follow proper etiquette:

1. Display: Always fly the flag from sunrise to sunset. If displayed at night, ensure proper illumination.
2. Position: Never let the stars touch the ground. Display it freely, but never flat or horizontally.
3. Weather: Avoid flying the flag during bad weather unless it’s an all-weather flag.
4. Dignified Disposal: When the flag becomes unfit to fly, retire it with dignity.

How to Fold the Flag

The traditional triangular fold is a solemn process. Here’s how it’s done:

1. Begin by holding the flag parallel to the ground.
2. Fold it in half lengthwise, aligning the stripes.
3. Fold it again, creating a smaller rectangle.
4. Start folding from the striped end, forming a triangle.
5. Tuck the loose end into the folds to secure it.

Flag Day reminds us of our shared heritage, resilience, and unity. As we raise our flags on June 14, let’s honor the sacrifices of those who fought for freedom and cherish the enduring symbol that binds us—the Stars and Stripes.