Flag Day

Flag Day, observed on June 14th, commemorates the anniversary of the Second Continental Congress's 1777 adoption of the Stars and Stripes as the official flag of the United States. The observance's origins trace to grassroots efforts by several individuals and organizations advocating for a dedicated flag observance in the late 19th century, including Wisconsin schoolteacher Bernard Cigrand, who organized early flag birthday celebrations with his students starting in 1885 and spent much of his life campaigning for national recognition of the day. President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation establishing June 14th as Flag Day in 1916, though it did not become an official, permanent national observance until 1949, when President Harry Truman signed legislation formally designating the date, notably stopping short of making it a federal holiday with a paid day off. The American flag's design has changed 27 times throughout U.S. history as new states joined the Union, with the current 50-star design in use since 1960, following Hawaii's admission as the 50th state. Flag Day traditions include displaying the American flag at homes and businesses, parades in some communities, and educational programs about flag history, etiquette, and proper display and disposal procedures, with the week containing June 14th also designated as National Flag Week.