Every year on June 14, Americans celebrate Flag Day, a holiday that honors the adoption of the Stars and Stripes as the official flag of the United States. While it’s not as widely observed as Independence Day, Flag Day holds a special place in the hearts of those who reflect on the enduring symbol of the nation and what it represents—freedom, unity, and resilience.

The Origins of the American Flag
The story of the American flag begins during the American Revolution. As the colonies fought for independence from British rule, they needed a unifying symbol. On June 14, 1777, the Second Continental Congress passed the Flag Resolution, stating:

“Resolved, 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.”

This resolution established the basic design of the American flag, although it has evolved over the years with the addition of new stars to represent each state that joined the Union. The original flag featured 13 stars and 13 stripes to represent the original 13 colonies.

The Birth of Flag Day
Despite the flag’s early adoption, the idea of dedicating a specific day to honor it took more than a century to gain traction. The first recognized observance of Flag Day occurred in 1885, when Bernard J. Cigrand, a Wisconsin school teacher, held a flag ceremony with his students on June 14 to commemorate the flag’s birthday. Cigrand spent much of his life advocating for a national Flag Day, writing articles and giving speeches.

Over the following decades, many schools and communities across the country began to hold their own Flag Day celebrations. In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation officially establishing June 14 as Flag Day, encouraging Americans to celebrate the flag and what it symbolizes.

However, it wasn’t until 1949 that Flag Day was recognized by Congress as an official national observance, thanks to the efforts of President Harry S. Truman, who signed it into law. While Flag Day is not a federal holiday—meaning government offices and most businesses remain open—it is still widely observed with parades, flag-raising ceremonies, and educational programs.

How Flag Day is Celebrated Today
Flag Day serves as a reminder of the values and history tied to the American flag. Communities celebrate in a variety of ways, from patriotic parades and public speeches to lessons in schools about flag etiquette and American history. In some places, especially in Philadelphia, where the flag was first sewn (according to tradition, by Betsy Ross), celebrations can be particularly elaborate.

The week of June 14 is often designated as National Flag Week, during which Americans are encouraged to display the flag on homes and businesses. The U.S. government also urges public buildings to fly the flag proudly.

A Symbol of Unity
At its heart, Flag Day is more than just a celebration of fabric and color. It’s a reflection of national identity. The flag tells the story of a country’s struggle, growth, and ideals. As Americans look at the Stars and Stripes on June 14, they are reminded of the unity and freedom the flag has come to symbolize for over two centuries.