Yearly on June 14th, American flags are hoisted excessive throughout the nation — however have you learnt why?
Whereas “Flag Day” may not be accompanied with fireworks just like the Fourth of July or barbeques like Memorial Day, June 14th marks an essential milestone in US historical past. Commemorating the adoption of the “stars and stripes”, Flag Day marks a pivotal second within the historical past of the American id, enjoying a starring position within the creation of the nation’s image and spirit.
Whether or not you’re a historical past buff seeking to discover out extra concerning the which means behind Flag Day, a trainer on the lookout for classroom decor inspiration, or simply somebody who loves a great cause to show your patriotic spirit, this information will stroll you thru the origins of Flag Day and provide concepts to have a good time.
What Is Flag Day?
Flag Day is a commemorative day devoted to honoring the nationwide flag of the US of America. Flag Day is well known yearly on the 14th of June, the identical day that the US settled on the celebrities and stripes design for the primary ever nationwide flag again in 1777.
Whereas Flag Day hasn’t been celebrated like it’s at this time for the complete 250 (give or take) years, there has all the time been a patriotic spirit related to the flag and its iconic design (extra on this later).
Flag Day Reality File
Date Celebrated: 14th June, yearly
Flag Adopted: 1777
Formally Celebrated From: 1949
Began By: (Debatable) William T. Kerr.
Different Flag Names: ‘Outdated Glory’, ‘Star-Spangled Banner’, ‘Stars and Stripes’.
Flag Colours: Pink (valor), White (purity), and Blue (justice and perseverance).
Fast Info:
- The flag has had 27 completely different designs for the reason that authentic within the 1700s.
- The celebs symbolize the 50 states of the union, whereas the stripes are a logo of the unique 13 colonies.
The Historical past Of Flag Day
As with every historic occasion, there are a number of sources and variations of occasions in relation to how Flag Day started as an noticed custom within the States.
In 1885, a schoolteacher from Wisconsin named Bernard J. Cigrand advised his college students to have a good time June 14th as a “Flag Birthday” earlier than occurring to write down an essay for an area newspaper encouraging Individuals throughout the nation to do the identical.
The “Father of Flag Day”
Three years after Cigrand’s remarks, William T. Kerr, a Pittsburgh native, based the American Flag Day Affiliation of Western Pennsylvania and devoted his life to the trigger.
Often known as the “Father of Flag Day”, Kerr spent upwards of fifty years elevating consciousness and educating Individuals concerning the significance of celebrating this historic day. And Kerr’s efforts paid off.
Nationwide Observance of Flag Day
In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson declared June 14th to be the official Flag Day. A few years later, in 1949, Harry Truman signed an Act of Congress that formally designated the 14th of June as ‘Nationwide Flag Day’ — and William T. Kerr was standing subsequent to him.
After all, there are conflicting accounts of the place and the way Flag Day was began (and by who first). For instance, some folks state {that a} man from Connecticut referred to as George Morris organized the primary Flag Day celebration again in 1861, twenty-seven years earlier than Kerr got here on the scene. That being mentioned, it’s fully doable that these smaller, native celebrations had been occurring concurrently, each working to put the commemorative foundations earlier than the day was noticed at a nationwide degree.
Is Flag Day A Nationwide Vacation?
It might shock you to know that, regardless of its significance and spectacular historical past, Flag Day will not be really a federal vacation.
In 1968, Flag Day was excluded from the Uniform Vacation Act (the piece of litigation that established the federal holidays celebrated in America at this time) and isn’t noticed in the identical manner as, say, Memorial Day.
How Do Totally different States Have fun Flag Day?
Whereas Flag Day will not be celebrated as a nationwide vacation with a time without work work, some states select to do issues a bit of in another way, and colleges and veterans organizations, specifically, are particularly patriotic on at the present time.
Pennsylvania has struck out by itself and has been celebrating Flag Day as a state vacation since 1937. What a great day to reside in PA!
Different cities and cities have been identified to have a good time on a big scale by holding occasions and parades, essentially the most well-known of which is in Dedham, Massachusetts. Dedham’s parade is among the city’s most-loved celebrations and has been operating since 1967.
What Does The President Do On Flag Day?
In line with federal legislation, it’s as much as the discretion of the president to proclaim the observance of Flag Day. As is customary, every year, the president points a proclamation on June 14th urging Individuals to watch the commemoration by flying the flag and celebrating. Alongside this, the flag is flown on all authorities buildings.
Nationwide Flag Week
If someday wasn’t sufficient for you, there’s really a Nationwide Flag Week, too. Sometimes, this begins on June eighth, encompassing Flag Day, and ends a number of days later. In colleges, specifically, Nationwide Flag Week affords a possibility for well timed training about US historical past and American nationwide id.
How To Have fun Flag Day
Pondering of celebrating Flag Day your self? Nicely, until you reside in Pennsylvania, you gained’t be getting the time without work work, however there are many enjoyable actions you are able to do all through Flag Week and past to honor this commemorative transition.
1. Fly The Flag
First up, one of the simplest ways to have a good time Flag Day is, naturally, by flying the flag. Nevertheless, there are some unofficial guidelines it’s best to comply with if you wish to observe this custom respectfully. Listed below are some ‘flag etiquette’ pointers for you:
- ‘The ground is lava’ – Don’t let the flag contact the bottom or drape onto the ground.
- Stars and Stripes on prime – Should you’re flying a number of flags without delay, the American flag ought to all the time be positioned on the prime.
- Hold it illuminated – Sometimes, on Flag Day, the American flag is flown from dawn to sundown. However, if you happen to’re flying the flag in a single day, it ought to be illuminated by a lightweight for folks to see.
- Keep away from unhealthy climate – If the situations are poor (EG: heavy rain or storms), it’s best to keep away from flying the flag.
- Proper-side up – It’s best to by no means fly an American flag the other way up, until signaling nice hazard.
- Hold it clear – The American flag ought to by no means have any markings, drawings, or textual content on it.
- Free floating – Many say that the flag ought to solely be displayed vertically to drift freely, by no means carried horizontally or flat.
2. Host A Gathering
One other strategy to have a good time Flag Day is by internet hosting a gathering with pals or household. Coming collectively to have a good time, have a celebration, eat meals, or simply discuss is a wonderful strategy to suitably commemorate flag day.
Invite your family members over, embellish with pink, white, and blue burning, and serve up some traditional American dishes — now that’s a celebration. If the climate’s good, why not get the grill out? Hotdogs and burgers all the time go down a deal with. Carry some chairs and a speaker into the yard, play some tunes, and even placed on some video games for the youngsters.
Whether or not you’ve gotten a BBQ within the yard or meet your mates for burgers at your favourite restaurant, have a good time in a manner that’s significant to you.
3. Enhance Your House
Ornament is a core a part of Flag Day for a lot of households, however are you following correct flag etiquette once you’re decking out your property? And do you find yourself utilizing the identical decor yearly? To remain respectful and enjoyable, comply with the ideas under.
In 1923, the US Nationwide Flag Code was established, turning into public legislation in 1942 — so pay shut consideration.
- Don’t embellish with soiled or broken flags. Retire any worn-out flags and show new, clear flags in good situation solely.
- Don’t connect something to the flag. Should you’re hanging streamers, bunting, or balloons, it could be tempting to hold them from the identical level, however the American flag ought to be left to hold freely, unobstructed and never overshadowed by different decor.
- Keep away from utilizing the flag as clothes, merchandise, bedding, or material. If you wish to costume up, there are many patriotic costume concepts that use the pink, white, and blue colors whereas avoiding emulating the flag.
- Keep away from napkins and plates with US flags on them, particularly if they’re disposable. As an alternative, go for on-theme colors and prints.
H4: Why Not Attempt…
Listed below are some nice options to decorations and merchandise that show the American flag on them:
- Fan bunting with pink, white, and blue colors
- Desk toppers in patriotic colors
- Pink, white, and blue LED lights or reflective streamers
- Balloon arches.
- Flower preparations in pink, white, and blue
- Posters with patriotic designs or pink, white, and blue colors.
Have fun In Type With Displate
On that final level, Displate may help! We’re the sturdy decor consultants, stocking 1000’s of enjoyable, vivid steel poster designs. Should you’re seeking to change up your decor for Flag Day (which may additionally double up for the Fourth of July), why not discover our vary of posters at this time?
From the Statue of Liberty to Uncle Sam, we’ve bought a complete host of American icons on our cabinets! For extra inspiration, hold updated with the Displate weblog too.
