Every year on June 14th, American flags are hoisted high across the nation — but do you know why?
While “Flag Day” might not be accompanied with fireworks like the Fourth of July or barbeques like Memorial Day, June 14th marks an important milestone in US history. Commemorating the adoption of the “stars and stripes”, Flag Day marks a pivotal moment in the history of the American identity, playing a starring role in the creation of the nation’s symbol and spirit.
Whether you’re a history buff looking to find out more about the meaning behind Flag Day, a teacher looking for classroom decor inspiration, or just someone who loves a good reason to display your patriotic spirit, this guide will walk you through the origins of Flag Day and offer ideas to celebrate.
What Is Flag Day?
Flag Day is a commemorative day dedicated to honoring the national flag of the United States of America. Flag Day is celebrated every year on the 14th of June, the same day that the United States settled on the stars and stripes design for the first ever national flag back in 1777.
While Flag Day hasn’t been celebrated like it is today for the full 250 (give or take) years, there has always been a patriotic spirit associated with the flag and its iconic design (more on this later).
Flag Day Fact File
Date Celebrated: 14th June, annually
Flag Adopted: 1777
Officially Celebrated From: 1949
Started By: (Debatable) William T. Kerr.
Alternative Flag Names: ‘Old Glory’, ‘Star-Spangled Banner’, ‘Stars and Stripes’.
Flag Colors: Red (valor), White (purity), and Blue (justice and perseverance).
Quick Facts:
- The flag has had 27 different designs since the original in the 1700s.
- The stars represent the 50 states of the union, while the stripes are a symbol of the original 13 colonies.
The History Of Flag Day
As with any historical event, there are multiple sources and versions of events when it comes to how Flag Day began as an observed tradition in the States.
In 1885, a schoolteacher from Wisconsin named Bernard J. Cigrand told his students to celebrate June 14th as a “Flag Birthday” before going on to write an essay for a local newspaper encouraging Americans across the country to do the same.
The “Father of Flag Day”
Three years after Cigrand’s remarks, William T. Kerr, a Pittsburgh local, founded the American Flag Day Association of Western Pennsylvania and dedicated his life to the cause.
Known as the “Father of Flag Day”, Kerr spent upwards of 50 years raising awareness and educating Americans about the importance of celebrating this historic day. And Kerr’s efforts paid off.
National Observance of Flag Day
In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson declared June 14th to be the official Flag Day. Many years later, in 1949, Harry Truman signed an Act of Congress that officially designated the 14th of June as ‘National Flag Day’ — and William T. Kerr was standing next to him.
Of course, there are conflicting accounts of where and how Flag Day was started (and by who first). For example, some people state that a man from Connecticut called George Morris organized the first Flag Day celebration back in 1861, twenty-seven years before Kerr came on the scene. That being said, it’s entirely possible that these smaller, local celebrations were happening simultaneously, both working to lay the commemorative foundations before the day was observed at a national level.
Is Flag Day A National Holiday?
It may shock you to know that, despite its significance and impressive history, Flag Day is not actually a federal holiday.
In 1968, Flag Day was excluded from the Uniform Holiday Act (the piece of litigation that established the federal holidays celebrated in America today) and is not observed in the same way as, say, Memorial Day.
How Do Different States Celebrate Flag Day?
While Flag Day is not celebrated as a national holiday with a day off work, some states choose to do things a little differently, and schools and veterans organizations, in particular, are especially patriotic on this day.
Pennsylvania has struck out on its own and has been celebrating Flag Day as a state holiday since 1937. What a good day to live in PA!
Other towns and cities have been known to celebrate on a large scale by holding events and parades, the most famous of which is in Dedham, Massachusetts. Dedham’s parade is one of the town’s most-loved celebrations and has been running since 1967.
What Does The President Do On Flag Day?
According to federal law, it is up to the discretion of the president to proclaim the observance of Flag Day. As is customary, each year, the president issues a proclamation on June 14th urging Americans to observe the commemoration by flying the flag and celebrating. Alongside this, the flag is flown on all government buildings.
National Flag Week
If one day wasn’t enough for you, there’s actually a National Flag Week, too. Typically, this begins on June 8th, encompassing Flag Day, and ends a few days later. In schools, in particular, National Flag Week offers an opportunity for timely education about US history and American national identity.
How To Celebrate Flag Day
Thinking of celebrating Flag Day yourself? Well, unless you live in Pennsylvania, you won’t be getting the day off work, but there are plenty of fun activities you can do throughout Flag Week and beyond to honor this commemorative transition.
1. Fly The Flag
First up, the best way to celebrate Flag Day is, naturally, by flying the flag. However, there are some unofficial rules you should follow if you want to observe this tradition respectfully. Here are some ‘flag etiquette’ pointers for you:
- ‘The floor is lava’ – Don’t let the flag touch the ground or drape onto the floor.
- Stars and Stripes on top – If you’re flying multiple flags at once, the American flag should always be positioned at the top.
- Keep it illuminated – Typically, on Flag Day, the American flag is flown from sunrise to sunset. But, if you’re flying the flag overnight, it should be illuminated by a light for people to see.
- Avoid bad weather – If the conditions are poor (EG: heavy rain or storms), you should avoid flying the flag.
- Right-side up – You should never fly an American flag upside down, unless signaling great danger.
- Keep it clean – The American flag should never have any markings, drawings, or text on it.
- Free floating – Many say that the flag should only be displayed vertically to float freely, never carried horizontally or flat.
2. Host A Gathering
Another way to celebrate Flag Day is by hosting a gathering with friends or family. Coming together to celebrate, have a party, eat food, or just talk is an excellent way to suitably commemorate flag day.
Invite your loved ones over, decorate with red, white, and blue burning, and serve up some classic American dishes — now that’s a party. If the weather’s good, why not get the grill out? Hotdogs and burgers always go down a treat. Bring some chairs and a speaker into the yard, play some tunes, and even put on some games for the kids.
Whether you have a BBQ in the backyard or meet your friends for burgers at your favorite restaurant, celebrate in a way that’s meaningful to you.
3. Decorate Your Space
Decoration is a core part of Flag Day for many households, but are you following proper flag etiquette when you’re decking out your home? And do you end up using the same decor every year? To stay respectful and fun, follow the tips below.
In 1923, the US National Flag Code was established, becoming public law in 1942 — so pay close attention.
- Do not decorate with dirty or damaged flags. Retire any worn-out flags and display new, clean flags in good condition only.
- Don’t attach anything to the flag. If you’re hanging streamers, bunting, or balloons, it might be tempting to hang them from the same point, but the American flag should be left to hang freely, unobstructed and not overshadowed by other decor.
- Avoid using the flag as clothing, merchandise, bedding, or drapery. If you want to dress up, there are plenty of patriotic costume ideas that use the red, white, and blue colours while avoiding emulating the flag.
- Steer clear of napkins and plates with US flags on them, especially if they are disposable. Instead, opt for on-theme colours and prints.
H4: Why Not Try…
Here are some great alternatives to decorations and merchandise that display the American flag on them:
- Fan bunting with red, white, and blue colours
- Table toppers in patriotic colours
- Red, white, and blue LED lights or reflective streamers
- Balloon arches.
- Flower arrangements in red, white, and blue
- Posters with patriotic designs or red, white, and blue colours.
Celebrate In Style With Displate
On that last point, Displate can help! We’re the durable decor experts, stocking thousands of fun, vivid metal poster designs. If you’re looking to switch up your decor for Flag Day (which could also double up for the Fourth of July), why not explore our range of posters today?
From the Statue of Liberty to Uncle Sam, we’ve got a whole host of American icons on our shelves! For more inspiration, keep up to date with the Displate blog too.
