Flag Day

Flag Day History

Flag Day commemorates the adoption of the national emblem, the Stars and Stripes as the official flag of the country. The purpose of the day is to honor and recognize the symbol of national pride, unity, and freedom, which has been a constant presence in moments of triumph and hardship.

The history of Flag Day can be traced back to June 14, 1777, when the Second Continental Congress passed the Flag Resolution. This established the national flag's design that features 13 stars and 13 stripes to represent the 13 colonies. The idea of a day to celebrate the flag gained traction in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It was particularly championed by individuals like Bernard J. Cigrand, a Wisconsin teacher who organized the first formal observance in 1885. After several decades of various communities holding their own Flag Day celebrations, President Woodrow Wilson officially established June 14 as Flag Day in 1916, and Congress later solidified this proclamation in 1949.

Communities observe Flag Day by hosting parades, ceremonies, and special events to pay tribute to this influential icon. Many people choose to display the flag proudly on this day, engaging in heartfelt tributes that showcase their love and respect for this symbol of the United States. Flag Day is observed annually on June 14th, providing an opportunity for Americans to reflect upon the history and significance of the flag.

Top 10 Facts for Flag Day in 2026

• The current 50-star design of Old Glory was created by 17-year-old high school student Bob Heft for a class project, for which he famously received a "B-" grade before his design was eventually adopted by the White House.
• Flag Day coincides with the official birthday of the United States Army, which was established by the Continental Congress on June 14, 1775, exactly two years before the flag itself was adopted.
• There are five American flags still standing on the moon from various Apollo missions, though they have likely been bleached completely white by ultraviolet radiation and extreme lunar temperatures.
• Pennsylvania remains the only state in the country that recognizes Flag Day as a legal state holiday, whereas it is a day of national observance but not a federal holiday elsewhere.
• The original 1777 Flag Resolution described the arrangement of stars as "representing a new constellation," a phrase that has inspired various interpretations of the stars' layout, including the circular Betsy Ross pattern and the staggered rows of the Grand Union Flag.
• The period of 21 days starting on Flag Day and ending on Independence Day is officially designated as Honor America Days, a time intended for public gatherings and activities that celebrate national heritage.
• While folklore often credits Betsy Ross with sewing the first flag, many historians believe the true designer was Francis Hopkinson, a signer of the Declaration of Independence who also designed the Great Seal of the United States.
• In 2026, Flag Day serves as a major milestone in the national countdown to the sestercentennial, marking 250 years since the birth of the United States.
• The 15-star and 15-stripe version of the flag, known as the Great Garrison Flag, is the specific ensign that flew over Fort McHenry and inspired Francis Scott Key to write the lyrics for The Star-Spangled Banner.
• Renowned artist Jasper Johns famously utilized the American flag as a primary subject to explore the boundaries of encaustic painting and representation in his 1958 masterpiece, Three Flags.

In the News and Trending for Flag Day

Top things to do for Flag Day

• Fly the American Flag.
• Recite the Pledge of Allegiance.
• Visit a National Monument or National celebration.
• Attend a Flag retirement ceremony.