Flag Day, celebrated on June 14th of every year, is a significant day in American history that commemorates the adoption of the United States flag. The history of Flag Day dates back to 1777 when the Second Continental Congress passed a resolution stating that "the flag of the United States be made of thirteen alternate stripes red and white, that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation." This resolution marked the beginning of the American flag's evolution, with thirteen stripes and thirteen stars representing the original thirteen colonies.
History of Flag Day
The concept of Flag Day was first introduced by Bernard J. Cigrand, a schoolteacher from Wisconsin, in 1885. Cigrand, who is often referred to as the “Father of Flag Day,” organized a celebration at his school to commemorate the 108th anniversary of the flag’s adoption. He continued to advocate for a national Flag Day, and in 1916, President Woodrow Wilson officially proclaimed June 14th as Flag Day. However, it wasn’t until 1949 that Congress passed a law making Flag Day a permanent national observance.
Evolution of the American Flag
The American flag has undergone numerous changes since its adoption in 1777. The number of stripes and stars has been adjusted to reflect the admission of new states to the Union. The flag’s design has been modified a total of 27 times, with the most recent change occurring in 1960 when the 50th star was added to represent Hawaii. The flag’s color scheme, consisting of red, white, and blue, has remained relatively consistent, with the colors symbolizing hardiness and valor (red), purity and innocence (white), and vigilance, perseverance, and justice (blue).
| Year | Number of Stripes | Number of Stars |
|---|---|---|
| 1777 | 13 | 13 |
| 1795 | 15 | 15 |
| 1818 | 13 | 20 |
| 1960 | 13 | 50 |
Flag Day Traditions
Flag Day is celebrated across the United States with various traditions and events. Many communities organize parades, flag-raising ceremonies, and patriotic events to commemorate the day. The United States Army also celebrates Flag Day as its birthday, as it was founded on June 14, 1775. In addition, the Flag Day ceremony is an important tradition, where the American flag is raised and lowered with respect, and the Pledge of Allegiance is recited.
Flag Etiquette
Flag Day is also a reminder of the importance of proper flag etiquette. The American flag should be treated with respect and dignity, and its display should follow specific guidelines. The flag should be hoisted briskly and lowered ceremoniously, and it should never be allowed to touch the ground or be stepped on. The flag should also be illuminated at night, and it should be repaired or replaced if it becomes worn or damaged.
- Hoist the flag briskly and lower it ceremoniously
- Never allow the flag to touch the ground or be stepped on
- Illuminated the flag at night
- Repair or replace the flag if it becomes worn or damaged
What is the significance of Flag Day?
+Flag Day commemorates the adoption of the United States flag on June 14, 1777, and is a celebration of American history and national pride.
How many times has the American flag been modified?
+The American flag has undergone a total of 27 modifications since its adoption in 1777, with the most recent change occurring in 1960.
What is the proper way to display the American flag?
+The American flag should be displayed with respect and dignity, and its display should follow specific guidelines, including being hoisted briskly, lowered ceremoniously, and illuminated at night.
