Flag Day (United States) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids U.S. Flag Day |
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Poster commemorating the 140th Flag Day on June 14, 1917
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| Observed by | United States |
| Date | June 14 |
| Next time | June 14, 2026 |
| Frequency | annual |
In the United States, Flag Day is celebrated every year on June 14. This day remembers when the American flag was officially chosen. This happened on June 14, 1777, by a decision from the Second Continental Congress.
The Flag Resolution, passed on that day, said: "The flag of the thirteen United States will have thirteen stripes, alternating red and white. Its blue field will have thirteen white stars, representing a new constellation." This meant a new design for the new nation's flag.
The United States Army also celebrates its birthday on June 14. The Army was officially created on June 14, 1775.
In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson made June 14 officially Flag Day. Later, in 1949, a law was passed to make it National Flag Day. Even though it's a national day, it's not a federal holiday where most people get the day off. Pennsylvania was the first state to make Flag Day a state holiday in 1937.
Some towns have long-standing Flag Day traditions. Fairfield, Washington, has held a parade almost every year since 1909 or 1910. Appleton, Wisconsin, claims to have the oldest National Flag Day parade, held annually since 1950. Quincy, Massachusetts, and Troy, New York, also have large, long-running parades.
Contents
How Flag Day Started
Many people and groups helped create Flag Day. Here's how it became a national celebration.
Early Ideas for Flag Day
The idea of a "Flag Day" goes back to 1861. George Morris of Hartford, Connecticut, is often given credit for suggesting it. Hartford celebrated the day in 1861 with patriotic events. However, this celebration didn't become a regular tradition.
Bernard J. Cigrand: The "Father of Flag Day"
In 1885, a school teacher named Bernard J. Cigrand held the first official Flag Day event. This happened at the Stony Hill School in Waubeka, Wisconsin. Today, the school has been restored, and a statue of Cigrand honors him.
Cigrand spent many years traveling and speaking about patriotism. He wanted people to respect the flag and celebrate Flag Day every June 14. This was the day the Continental Congress adopted the Stars and Stripes.
He wrote articles and gave speeches to promote the holiday. In 1894, a huge Flag Day celebration took place in Chicago. Over 300,000 children from public schools participated. Cigrand is widely known as the "Father of Flag Day."
Other Important People and Groups
- William T. Kerr: In 1888, William T. Kerr started the American Flag Day Association in Pennsylvania. He worked for 50 years to promote Flag Day. He was even there when President Harry S. Truman signed the law making it a national observance in 1949.
- George Bolch: In 1889, kindergarten principal George Bolch also celebrated Flag Day.
- Sarah Hinson: A school teacher in Buffalo, New York, Sarah Hinson started Flag Day exercises in 1891. She taught children to salute the flag and say the Pledge of Allegiance.
- Elizabeth Duane Gillespie: In 1893, Elizabeth Duane Gillespie, a descendant of Benjamin Franklin, tried to make all public buildings in Philadelphia display the American flag. Her efforts helped Pennsylvania become the first state to make Flag Day a legal holiday in 1937.
- Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks: This social club has celebrated Flag Day for a long time. In 1907, they officially made June 14 Flag Day for all their lodges. They even encouraged President Woodrow Wilson to recognize the day.
Paterson, New Jersey's Flag Day
In 1913, during a silk workers' strike in Paterson, New Jersey, city leaders declared March 17 "Flag Day." They wanted to show that the strikers were not patriotic. However, the workers marched with American flags too. They carried a banner that said:
WE WEAVE THE FLAG
WE LIVE UNDER THE FLAG
WE DIE UNDER THE FLAG
BUT NOT IF WE'LL STARVE UNDER THE FLAG.
How Flag Day is Celebrated Today
The week of June 14 is called "National Flag Week." During this week, the president asks people to remember the adoption of the Stars and Stripes. The flag should also be flown on all government buildings. Many towns, like Quincy, Massachusetts, hold parades and events to celebrate the flag.
The National Flag Day Foundation holds an annual event on the second Sunday in June. This event includes raising the flag, saying the Pledge of Allegiance, singing the national anthem, and a parade.
The Star-Spangled Banner Flag House in Baltimore, Maryland, celebrates Flag Day every year. This is the home of Mary Pickersgill, who sewed the large flag that inspired Francis Scott Key to write "The Star-Spangled Banner" during the War of 1812.
The Betsy Ross House in Philadelphia, home of the legendary Betsy Ross, is also a popular place for Flag Day celebrations.
Interestingly, June 14 is also the anniversary of the Bear Flag Revolt in California. In 1846, American settlers declared the "Bear Flag Republic" independent from Mexico. They raised a flag with a bear, a red stripe, and a star. This "Bear Flag" later became California's state flag. Some Californians proudly fly both the U.S. and state flags on June 14.
