Flag Day

America’s Flag Day marks the adoption of the first national flag of the United States by the Second Continental Congress on June 14th, 1777. The first flag had the same 13 red and white stripes we see today. However, the number and arrangement of stars changed as the number of states increased over the centuries. The current flag remains the same from 1960.

History of Flag Day

The idea of ​​spending a day honoring the national flag comes from a number of sources. Bernard J. Cigrand, a teacher at a Wisconsin school, in 1885 encouraged his students to regard June 14 as the "Birthday of the Flag". He later wrote an essay in a Chicago newspaper calling on Americans to declare this day as flag salute. In 1888, William T. Kerr of Pennsylvania founded the American Flag Day Association of Western Pennsylvania, an organization to which he devoted his life. A lesser known claim is that of George Morris of Connecticut, who is said to have celebrated the day's first official celebration in Hartford in 1861.

In 1916 Pres. Woodrow Wilson declared June 14th the official day for Flag Day, and in 1949, the United States Congress permanently established the day as National Flag Day. Although Flag Day is not an official federal holiday, Pennsylvania celebrates it as a state holiday. Each year, the president of the United States sends a speech declaring the week of June 14 as National Flag Week and that all Americans are encouraged to fly the American flag during that week.

5 American Flags by the numbers

• 50 and counting

We have been in our 50s for almost 60 years. Is it possible candidates for the 51st star? It is Puerto Rico, Guam and Washington, DC.

• 49

Is it seven times seven? It is a perfect square. A lot of luck in this flag, we have to say thank to Alaska (January 1959) for joining us. This person had a short reign. Hawaii (August 1959) will soon hit 50.

• 48

It has such beautiful symmetry with the additions of New Mexico and Arizona in 1912 and has flown proudly for 47 years.

• 31

The number 31 doesn't easily fit into neat stereotypes. If we hadn't really loved California (added in 1850) so much, we might have abandoned it after noticing the lack of symmetry. (This flag lasts seven years!)

• 13

The first flag of the United States, it was the only one that dared to defy the straight line pattern of all its successors. If you ask us, 13 stars in a circle better represent the unity of union.

How to celebrate Flag Day

• Plan a costume contest as part of the barbecue

The stars and stripes are not only for flags as before. Take the opportunity on Flag Day to show off red, white and blue in socks, bathing suits and hairstyles. Flag Day is a perfect day to celebrate your patriotism with a fun twist.

• Teach your child or less knowledgeable friends a history lesson

The American chess trivia game is a quick and easy way to learn a few tidbits. Most people know that each star represents a state, but did they know that a new star only appears on the 4th of July after the state is admitted to the Union? Side story - bam!

• Make a patriotic healthy snack

Strawberries, blueberries, marshmallows, OH MY! Some of our favorite fruits are great for creating flag-themed cakes, so roll with it. Fine, marshmallows aren't fruit, but they're basically summer essentials, so we'll let it slide.

Why we love Flag Day

• An opportunity to show patriotism

It's so easy to get so caught up in our daily lives that we sometimes forget to give thanks for the bigger picture. Flag Day is a reminder for us about a country - united - despite our differences.

• Parade

Americans love to organize parades for many events and holidays. Mid-June is the perfect time to set up camp benches on the corner and watch local firefighters, school bands and dance troupes prepares their gear.

• It reminds us of the approaching summer

The weather is starting to change, the kids are getting ready for school, and BBQ season is upon us. Flag Day gives us a chance to take part in outdoor activities and enjoy the sun.