We all know about the more popular holidays that celebrate America, like July 4th which celebrates our independence from Great Britain. Then there’s Presidents Day that celebrates both George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, and of course Veterans Day that rightfully celebrates all those who served in one of the 5 branches of the military, however what is Flag Day, and what does it represent to all Americans?
Flag Day, also called National Flag Day is a day honoring our national flag and is observed on June 14. The main motivation behind this holiday is to commemorate the date in 1777 when the United States approved the design for its first national flag.
However, like most of our more minor holidays (see Arbor Day) there are many other little-known facts about this day and here are some that will make you the smartest citizen around the water cooler.
- It is believed that the idea of celebrating Flag Day in the United States originated with a teacher in 1885 in Wisconsin.
- In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson is recorded as officially setting June 14, as Flag Day. Even with Wilson’s act, on a federal level the holiday was not passed by Congress until 1949 under then President Harry Truman.
- Only one state celebrates Flag Day as a state holiday. Since 1937, Pennsylvania is the only state to establish June 14 as a state holiday.
- The largest Flag Day parade is held in Troy, New York. It is estimated the approximately 50,000 people attend this parade each year. Talk about American pride!
- Do you know what the colors of the flag stand for? The red stands for valor and hardiness. Blue stands for justice, perseverance, and vigilance. White stands for innocence and purity.
- June 14th, 1775, is also the date that congress formally authorized the enlistment of soldiers into what was then called the Continental Army.
So, there you have it, all you will ever need to know about Flag Day.
Happy Flag Day!