Flag holidays are excellent opportunities to educate people about America’s history. Flag Day and other flag-related holidays are essential because they remind us of the path this country has taken. For instance, Flag Day is the anniversary of when the United States selected its official flag. Here’s some basic information about Flag Day and other flag-related holidays in the US.
Flag Day: 64 Years in the Making
On June 14, 1885, a 19-year-old teacher named Bernard J. Cigrand planned for his students to observe the US flag’s “birthday.” When the media learned about this, other people were inspired to do the same, and just two short years later, the New York Board of Education officially recognized Flag Day as a holiday.
Then, in 1916, President Woodrow Wilson officially made June 14 Flag Day; his announcement was meant to inspire all Americans to observe Flag Day. But even so, Congress failed to officially establish the holiday. Nonetheless, many communities celebrated Flag Day for many years, but not until 1949 did President Harry Truman signed an Act of Congress to make June 14 of every year an official holiday.
Citizenship and History
Flag-related holidays in the United States are opportunities to use the flag to educate people about American history, including the history behind the flag itself. The American flag is a symbol of freedom, sacrifice, unity, and patriotism. The red stripes represent bravery and the blood of the people who have died fighting for the country, while the 50 stars represent each state in the Union.
How To Display Your Flag
On Flag Day and other flag-related holidays, consider displaying a flag outside your own home with one of our
outdoor US flag kits. Whether your flag is a temporary addition to your decor or a long-term installment, there are a few guidelines for displaying your national pride by flying a flag. For instance, when you hang a flag horizontally or vertically against a wall, the Union—or the blue field of stars—should be on uppermost lefthand corner, to the observer. You should also never fasten, display, use, or store the flag in such a way that it might be easily torn, soiled, or damaged.
Some citizens also believe that wearing the flag on clothing is unacceptable, but according to the US Flag Code, you can wear flag clothing as long as it’s not made from an actual American flag. These holidays give you a reason to break out your star shorts or red, white, and blue hat.
Celebrating America
Flag Day, Memorial Day, and other holidays such as these are important because they remind us of the sacrifices other citizens made to achieve freedom and justice for all Americans. A true patriot knows how to honor their country by respecting its national symbols and being proud of their heritage. These days are celebrations of America’s independence as well as opportunities to learn more about this beautiful country.
