"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 field of blue, representing a new constellation." With those words, the Second Continental Congress approved the design of the Stars and Stripes, although, of course, it later underwent several design changes.
This Friday, June 14, that proclamation of June 14, 1777 is celebrated, accessible online thanks to the Library of Congress. One hundred years had to pass, however, for the insignia to have its own celebratory date. The first national celebration of Flag Day occurred in 1877.
Until then, some citizens and states commemorated the birth of the flag with their own initiatives. Its nickname, in fact, is attributed to Bernard J. Cigrand, known as the Father of Flag Day. On June 14, 1885, Cigrand organized a celebration among his students at the Stony Hill School in Waubeka, Wis.
Nuestra bandera ha representado históricamente el gran bastión de la libertad y la democracia.
¿Qué otros valores crees que representan a América en la actualidad? 🇺🇸#FlagDay #FlagDay2023 pic.twitter.com/3I1Z7t0Q4s
— VOZ (@VozMediaUSA) June 14, 2023
The 19-year-old teacher planted a small flag on his desk and invited his students to write essays inspired by it. From then on, Cigrand dedicated himself to commemorating the occasion and campaigning to spread this spirit to his fellow citizens. He wrote opinions in newspapers, claims he gave over 2,000 public speeches and even chaired both the American Flag Day Association and the National Flag Day Society. The latter continues to commemorate Cigrand and the flag every June 14.
In 1916, the Wisconsin-based teacher's wish was granted: Woodrow Wilson issued a presidential proclamation for the national observance of Flag Day. In 1949, Congress made the date a permanent holiday. Harry Truman, then president, signed the norm, recognizing that "this flag has become the beloved symbol of our way of life, our achievements as a people, and the many blessings which Providence has heaped upon us."
Today is #FlagDay! On this day in 1777, the Second Continental Congress adopted the Stars and Stripes as the flag of the United States. In 1949, President Truman signed an Act of Congress designating June 14 as Flag Day.https://t.co/TPnOPQyw4m pic.twitter.com/ySTWGXJuNT
— US National Archives (@USNatArchives) June 14, 2024
Although it was not then or ever made a non-working day, the flag is commemorated by being raised on government buildings, homes, schools and other establishments. It is also celebrated in ceremonies where the anthem is sung as well as in the Pledge of Allegiance: I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands...
Happy Flag Day! You don't have to look far to see an American flag on the National Mall. 50 flags ring the Washington Monument and Old Glory flies above each military memorial. You might also notice an American flag draped over Abraham Lincoln's chair in the Lincoln Memorial. pic.twitter.com/B112Mfmbmz
— National Mall NPS (@NationalMallNPS) June 14, 2024
Happy #FlagDay today – the day we celebrate the official adoption of the American Flag. Whether snapping sharply on parade, or peacefully lowered during solemn evening colors, the Stars and Stripes is a magnificent symbol and sight. Old Glory certainly is a Grand Old Flag! #USA pic.twitter.com/o8f9bJnlxC
— Dr. Buzz Aldrin (@TheRealBuzz) June 14, 2024
On June 14, the United States celebrates its Flag Day to honor and commemorate the approval of the 🇺🇸national flag's first design in 1777. Happy #FlagDay! 🎉 pic.twitter.com/gikvx2nJ08
— U.S. Embassy Finland (@usembfinland) June 14, 2024
The United States adopted our nation’s flag 247 years ago.
Happy Flag Day, Texas! 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/sANIMfeCCJ
— Gov. Greg Abbott (@GovAbbott) June 14, 2024
I am thankful to live in the greatest country on God’s green earth. Today, we commemorate Old Glory, a symbol of American values: freedom, hope, and strength! #FlagDay pic.twitter.com/2dvEzSRqij
— Tim Scott (@SenatorTimScott) June 14, 2024
On this Flag Day, the #USNavy proudly honors our nation’s symbol of freedom, unity and strength. Thank you to all who continually serve to protect it! 🇺🇸⚓ pic.twitter.com/9iLKqpnvl0
— U.S. Navy (@USNavy) June 14, 2024
Long may she wave! Happy Flag Day, America!#NavySEALFoundation pic.twitter.com/zLRMUbwWSL
— Navy SEAL Foundation (@NavySEALfnd) June 14, 2024
