History and Meaning of this National Holiday
Flag Day is a holiday in the United States that celebrates the adoption of the national flag. The day also honors the principles of freedom, unity, and patriotism. Discover the holiday's history, meaning, and interesting facts about the American flag. For instance, the stars on the flag represent the 50 states, and the stripes signify the original thirteen colonies. The colors have meaning as well. Red symbolizes hardiness and valor, White symbolizes purity and innocence, and Blue represents vigilance, perseverance, and justice.
Origins and History of Flag Day
The origins of Flag Day can be traced back to the late 19th century. The idea of establishing a day to honor the flag gained prominence through the efforts of several individuals and organizations. Despite the adoption of the flag in 1777, it took a considerable amount of time before official observances of Flag Day began.
One of the earliest advocates for a national flag day was a schoolteacher named Bernard J. Cigrand. In 1885, Cigrand held the first recognized observance of Flag Day in his classroom in Waubeka, Wisconsin, where he assigned essays to his students about the flag's significance. As time went on, Cigrand's efforts garnered support, and he traveled around the country delivering speeches to promote the idea oa a national Flag Day. His dedication has earned him the distinction of being the "Father of Flag Day" by many.
While several claims exist regarding the first recognized celebration, the most notable claim originates from New York. On June 14, 1889, Professor George Bolch, the principle of a free kindergarten for underprivileged children in New York City, arranged patriotic ceremonies to commemorate the anniversary of the Flag Day resolution. This initiative caught the attention of the State Department of Education, which subsequently ensured that Flag Day was observed in all public schools.
Philadelphia also presents another claim in the history of Flag Day. In 1893, the Society of Colonial Dames achieved the passage of a resolution mandating the display of the flag on all public buildings in the city. Elizabeth Duane Gillespie, who was both a direct descendant of Benjamin Franklin and the president of the Colonial Dames of Pennsylvania, made an attempt that same year to designate June 14 as Flag Day in Philadelphia. Unfortunately, this was not given much attention at the time but contributed to the movement.
In the following years, various local and state celebrations of Flag Day took place across the country. However, it wasn't until May 30, 1916, that President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation establishing June 14 as National Flag Day. The proclamation encouraged all Americans to display the flag on that day and called for patriotic observances.
Finally, on August 3, 1949, National Flag Day was officially recognized by an Act of Congress signed into law by President Harry S. Truman. This legislation established Flag Day as a nationwide observance, encouraging all citizens to display the flag and organizing appropriate ceremonies.
Today, Flag Day is observed throughout the United States. It serves as an occasion to honor the history, significance, and symbolism of the American flag as a symbol of freedom, unity, and national pride. Many communities organize parades, flag-raising ceremonies, and patriotic events to commemorate the day.
