What is Flag Day All About?

Today is Flag Day! 

• On May 30, 1916, President Woodrow Wilson issued a presidential proclamation establishing a national Flag Day on June 14. 

Many Americans celebrate Flag Day by displaying the Red, White and Blue in front of homes and businesses. The day commemorates the adoption of the Stars and Stripes as the official flag of the United States.

Do you know the flag's history? 

• According to American legend, in June 1776, George Washington commissioned Betsy Ross, a Philadelphia seamstress, to create a flag for the new nation in anticipation of a declaration of its independence.

• On June 14, 1777, John Adams spoke about the flag at a meeting of the Continental Congress in Philadelphia. He said, "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." 

There have been twenty-seven official versions of the flag so far; stars have been added to it as states have entered the Union. The current version dates to July 4, 1960, when Hawaii became the 50th state.''

Do you say the Pledge of Allegiance at your school, perhaps with your hand over your heart? Or sing "The Star Spangled Banner," the national anthem, before a baseball game? Many Americans sing, pledge, and pay respect to the flag, "Old Glory," as a symbol of the country's democracy and independence. Saluting the flag is a way to celebrate and honor the United States of America.

Happy Flag Day to you!

Flag Day! Today!

In the United States Flag Day is celebrated on June 14. 

It commemorates the adoption of the flag of the United States, 

which happened on that day in 1777 

by the resolution of the Second Continental Congress. 

FUN FACTS:

* The idea of an annual day specifically celebrating the Flag is believed 

to have first originated in 1885. 

BJ Cigrand, a schoolteacher, arranged for the pupils in the 

Fredonia, Wisconsin Public School, District 6, to observe June 14 

(the 108th anniversary of the official adoption of The Stars and Stripes) 

as 'Flag Birthday'

* Inspired by these three decades of state and local celebrations, Flag Day - the anniversary of the Flag Resolution of 1777 - was officially established by the Proclamation of President Woodrow Wilson on May 30th, 1916

* Pennsylvania is the first state to observe Flag Day as a state holiday

* Appleton, Wisconsin claims to be the oldest National Flag Day parade in the nation

* The largest Flag Day parade is held annually in Troy, New York

More Important Facts:

* The week of June 14 is designated as "National Flag Week." 

* The flag should also be displayed on all government buildings. 

*  Baltimore, Maryland birth place of the flag that inspired Francis Scott Key to pen his famous poem, has celebrated Flag Day since the inception of a museum on the property in 1927. The annual celebration commemorates the Star-Spangled Banner and its creator Mary Pickersgill.

* The Betsy Ross House has long been the site of Philadelphia's observance of Flag Day.

Treat our flag with respect, honor and dignity.

Blessings!

Sunday Morning Peace

The battle, sir, is not to the strong alone,

It is to the vigilant, the active, the brave!

-- Patrick Henry

Patriotic Blessings!