Flag Day

Flag Day marks one of the most important days in United States history. This holiday is wholeheartedly celebrated by Americans for good reasons. So let’s talk about Flag Day.

Flag Day Definition & Meaning

Flag Day, known also as National Flag Day, is a significant US holiday that honors the date that the American flag was adopted.

Flag Day is an American holiday that commemorates the birth and adoption of the star-spangled US flag.

When Is Flag Day?

Flag Day happens on the same date every year which is June 14. This year’s Flag Day falls on Tuesday, June 14, 2022. The reason why Flag Day is observed on the same date yearly is that it was on June 14, 1777, that the US flag was adopted. The adoption happened under the Flag Act which was approved by the Continental Congress.

Flag Day Purpose, Importance

Each country has its own flag and each flag is an icon that represents a nation’s culture and identity. So like many other national flags, the US flag holds deep importance to Americans. That said, let’s discuss why Flag Day is such an important US holiday.

Commemorate the Birth of the US Flag

The main reason Flag Day is celebrated is to commemorate its birth and adoption on June 14, 1777. It’s a special day because, before that time, the US didn’t have an official flag after being declared as an independent country on July 4, 1776. One could even say that Flag Day is the birthday of the American flag.

Celebrate Unity

The US flag doesn’t only represent the country’s foundation. It’s also a symbol of unity. The 50 stars of the flag represent the 50 US states and they’re put together side by side. It’s an indication that every American town, city, and state are united with the country. So every year on Flag Day, Americans celebrate their unity as one nation.

Preserve History and Tradition

The adoption of the US flag is a historic day and one that must be preserved. That’s why Flag Day is a significant holiday to keep the memory of that day alive and pass it on to younger generations. And also, the celebration of Flag Day is a staple American tradition. So, it must be observed and respected every June 14.

Honor the Brave Men and Women

The United States has Memorial Day and Veterans Day to honor the brave men and women who served in the military. However, Flag Day is also a good opportunity to honor them. US military personnel served and fought for the country’s freedom which is one of the things the flag represents. Their valiant efforts are honored on that day through a special tribute ceremony.

What’s On Flag Day?

Flag Day is a grand American celebration that happens yearly in the month of June. On that day, plenty of social gatherings happen across the country. There are parades, concerts, kids wearing star-spangled outfits, US flag tribute ceremonies, patriotic house party gatherings, and more events.

Flag Day History

The story behind Flag Day’s establishment is worth telling. Along the way, you’ll learn important facts about the holiday and the American flag itself. So right now, let’s talk about the significant events that shaped the history of Flag Day.

Creation of the First Flag

The first American flag was designed and sewn by Betsy Ross in 1776. The initial design of the flag had 13 six-pointed stars and 13 red and white stripes. According to some accounts, Betsy was asked by George Washington himself to create the official American flag. She honorably agreed. Later on, she suggested changing the stars from having six points to five points.

Payment from the Pennsylvania State Navy Board

Betsy Ross earned quite a lot of money for her labor and delivery of the flag’s design. She was paid by the Pennsylvania State Navy Board on May 29, 1777 for her efforts in designing and sewing flags. It is, however, unclear how much money she earned.

Adoption of the US Flag

The US flag was adopted on June 14, 1777. The adoption was made possible thanks to the establishment of the Flag Act of 1777 which was passed by the Second Continental Congress. The current version of the flag at that time had 13 alternate stripes of red and white.

Bernard Cigrand Coined the Idea of National Flag Day

Fast forward to June 14 of 1885, Bernard Cigrand, a school teacher in Wisconsin, coined the idea of having an official National Flag Day. He proposed that it should be an annual observance in honor of the day the flag was adopted. Bernard proposed the idea every year in an attempt to make Flag Day a legal holiday.

Declaration of Flag Day

President Woodrow Wilson declared Flag Day as a celebration to be observed every June 14. He declared it in 1916, over three decades after Bernard Cigrand proposed the idea. Two decades later, the State of Pennsylvania became the first state to observe Flag Day as a legal holiday.

Congress established National Flag Day

On August 3, 1949, Congress declared June 14 as National Flag Day. It coincides with the birth date of the US army which is June 14, 1775. Since then, June 14 has been a double celebration for the US.

Flag Day vs. Independence Day

Flag Day is an American holiday honoring the US national flag and its adoption on June 14, 1777.

Independence Day, more popularly known as the 4th of July, is a US federal holiday celebrating the anniversary of the Declaration of Independence which was established on July 4, 1776.

Flag Day Ideas & Examples

As an American citizen, you should proudly fly and celebrate your national flag. Flag Day only comes once a year, so make the most out of it. Check out these amazing Flag Day Templates we’ve combined below. Use them as inspirations to make your own Flag Day clipart, quotes, flyers, posters, and memes.

Vintage Flag Day Clipart Ideas and Examples

For a more rustic design then a Vintage Flag Day Clipart will make an excellent layout for flyers, quotes, or backdrops.

Cute Flag Day Clipart Ideas and Examples

For a more animated look then this Cute Flag Day Clipart will make a fantastic design that can be incorporated into greeting cards, flyers, and other advertising materials.

John Philip Sousa Flag Day Quote Ideas and Examples

Share this impactful John Philip Sousa Flag Day Quote to commemorate flag day.

Ronald Reagan Flag Day Quote Ideas and Examples

This well-designed Ronald Reagan Flag Day Quote is a true reflection of patriotism and honor for the country’s national symbol.

Simple Flag Day Flyer Ideas and Examples

Make use of this Simple Flag Day Flyer and invite everyone to different kinds of activities organized during Flag Day.

Flag Day Ceremony Flyer Ideas and Examples

Honor Flag Day by hosting an event and inviting others to join the festivities with this well-crafted Flag Day Ceremony Flyer that is perfectly designed to attract a lot of attention.

Vintage Flag Day Poster Ideas and Examples

Retailers can use this Vintage Flag Day Poster to advertise and sell their products and services during Flag Day.

Happy Flag Day Poster Ideas and Examples

Expect a lot of fun fare and social gatherings during Flag Day, that said this Happy Flag Day Poster is one way to invite people over.

Flag Day Festival Poster Ideas and Examples

This Flag Day Festival Poster reflects the true essence of the American flag with its red, white, and blue colors which makes a pretty decent advertising tool.

Happy Flag Day Meme Ideas and Examples

Share this witty Happy Flag Day Meme with family, friends, and colleagues on any social media platform.

FAQs

More in Holidays