On June 14, 1777, the Second Continental Congress passed the Flag Resolution, which established the flag of the United States as having 13 red and white stripes, and 13 white stars on a blue background. The stripes represent the original 13 colonies. The stars represent the states, and more were added, of course, with each new state, until the flag had the 50 stars it does today.
Since the late 1800s, school teachers and children celebrated the “Flag Birthday” every June 14, and in 1916 President Woodrow Wilson officially proclaimed June 14 to be Flag Day. In 1949, President Harry Truman signed an Act of Congress officially designating the day National Flag Day.
Flag Day is celebrated with parades in towns and cities around the country. Flags can be seen flying on every flagpole for the whole week of June 14, showing Americans’ patriotism for their country and their pride in the country’s symbol.
Related Links
- The History of Flag Day
Covers the history of the holiday. The site includes information about the history of the American flag. - Holiday Insights: Flag Day
Site geared towards students, includes information about Flag Day, history of the American flag, and games related to the flag.