Flag Day

The Flag Day that we celebrate today originated in 1916 when President Woodrow Wilson designated it as an official holiday. Early celebrations date back to 1885, when Bernard J. Cigrand, a schoolteacher, held the first known Flag Day. This holiday commemorates the resolution of the Second Continental Congress, which allowed the adoption of the U.S. flag in 1777. Betsy Ross created the first American flag, featuring thirteen stars and thirteen stripes. Today, the flag has fifty stars, symbolizing all states.

Interesting Facts About Flag Day

• There have been 27 different American flags.
• The current U.S. flag became the national emblem in 1960.
• Only the President and state Governors can order flags on government buildings to be flown at half-staff.
• When a U.S. flag is beyond repair, it should be destroyed respectfully, typically by burning.
• The flag’s 13 stripes represent the original colonies, while the 50 stars symbolize the states. Red stands for valor and hardiness; white for innocence and purity; and blue for vigilance, perseverance, and justice.

Flag Day Jokes

• A visitor from Holland joked about the red, white, and blue in their flag: “Our flag symbolizes taxes—we get red talking about them, white seeing the bill, and blue after paying.” The American replied, “Same here, but we see stars, too!”.
• What would you get if you crossed the Stars and Stripes with a cookie? A Flag Newton!.
• Teacher: “How did the Founding Fathers decide on our country’s flag?” Student: “They took a flag poll!”.
• What did one flag say to the other flag? Nothing. It just waved!.

Flag Day Quotes

• “Patriotism consists not in waving the flag, but in striving that our country shall be righteous as well as strong.” — James Bryce.
• “I’m proud of the U.S.A. We’ve done amazing things. Wearing our flag in the Olympics is an honor.” — Shaun White.
• “The American flag represents all of us and all the values we hold sacred.” — Adrian Cronauer.

Flag Day Destinations

• Attend a Flag Day ceremony in your area.
• Visit the Betsy Ross House to learn about the first U.S. flag.
• See the original Star-Spangled Banner at the National Museum of American History.
• Honor worn flags by attending a respectful flag-burning ceremony.

The Pledge of Allegiance

• 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.

Alternative titles for this holiday include: National Flag Day, Flags Day, and International Flag Day.

When is Flag Day in 2025?

Flag Day is observed on June 14 each year.

Observations