HISTORY
The “Stars and Stripes” was designated the national symbol of the United States of America by congress on June 14, 1777-the fifth item on that day's agenda. It was resolved in the Journal of the Continental Congress “that the flag of the thirteen United States be thirteen stripes alternate red and white: that the Union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation.” In 1885, a school teacher named Bernard J. Cigrand encouraged his students to reflect on the real meaning and majesty of this symbol.
I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
What Is Flag Day?
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—a unified colonial fighting force—with the hopes of more organized battle against its colonial oppressors. This led to the creation of what was, essentially, the first “American” flag, the Continental Colors.
For some, this flag, which was comprised of 13 red and white alternating stripes and a Union Jack in the corner, was too similar to that of the British. George Washington soon realized that flying a flag that was even remotely close to the British flag was not a great confidence-builder for the revolutionary effort, so he turned his efforts towards creating a new symbol of freedom for the soon-to-be fledgling nation.
On June 14, 1777, the Second Continental Congress took a break from writing the Articles of Confederation and passed a resolution stating that “the flag of the United States be 13 stripes, alternate red and white,” and that “the union be 13 stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation.”
Over 100 years later, in 1916, President Woodrow Wilson marked the anniversary of that decree by officially establishing June 14 as Flag Day. As you celebrate the anniversary of the Stars and Stripes, here are some fast facts about “Old Glory.”
Why is Flag Day celebrated?
Flag Day honors a June 14, 1777, Second Continental Congress resolution about a flag for the country.
"Resolved, that the Flag of the thirteen United States shall be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the Union be thirteen stars, white on a blue field, representing a new constellation," it said.
What is the history behind Flag Day?
A number of figures in the 1800s led the charge to recognize the flag's importance.
Hartford, Conn., resident George Morris in 1861 got his town "to undertake a patriotic celebration on behalf of the Union," according to a Philly.com report, which added that the idea failed to become popular.
However, the flag was honored on June 14, 1877: "As instructed by Congress, the U.S. flag was flown from all public buildings across the country," History.com says.
One of the more famous figures was Wisconsin teacher Bernard Cigrand.
He "placed a 10” 38 star flag in an inkwell and had his students write essays on what the flag meant to them," National Flag Day Foundation says online of a 1885 incident.
Cigrand would spend decades championing the flag, according to the foundation.
Another person, William Kerr, was involved in setting up the National American Flag Day Association in 1889, TribLive.com reports.
The article says that Kerr would meet multiple U.S. presidents as part of the years he spent trying to make Flag Day be recognized.
Philly.com reports that George Bolch, a New York City principal, made his school have events in 1889, before Elizabeth Duane Gillespie fought for flags to be waved from public Philadelphia buildings in 1893.
10 THINGS YOU DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT THE AMERICAN FLAG
When was a proclamation for Flag Day issued?
That happened on May 30, 1916.
"I therefore suggest and request that throughout the nation and if possible in every community the fourteenth day of June be observed as Flag Day with special patriotic exercises," President Woodrow Wilson wrote in the document.
Wilson had been stirred after speaking with Kerr, according to TribLive.
President Harry Truman later signed Flag Day's permanent observance into law in 1949, according to publications.usa.gov.
Is Flag Day a federal holiday?
No. However, Flag Day is a state holiday in New York and Pennsylvania.
What are some Flag Day traditions?
Some places in the United States hold Flag Day parades. Presidents have also issued proclamations for National Flag Week.
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