stars and stripes

Flag Day is rarely observed by a large population of the United States, but it is one of the oldest American Holidays dating back to 1861, in all places, my birth place, Hartford Connecticut. Today take time to celebrate Flag Day with a little flag history, a little patriotic music, and show your pride by waving or displaying an American flag not only today but everyday.

Facts About Flag Day

1. George Morris held the first unofficial Flag Day in 1861, but the idea didn’t catch on. (source)
2. In 1885 Bernard J Cigrand from Waubeka, Wisconson held the first recognized Flag Day
3. The Flag Day Association was founded in 1888 in Western Pennsylvania.
4. June 14 was proclaimed as the first Flag Day by President Woodrow Wilson.
5. School teacher Bernard Cigrand is credited by the National Flag Day Foundation for leading the charge, resulting in a Congressional declaration in 1949 by President Harry Truman
6. Pennsylvania is the only state to have Flag Day as a state holiday.
7. Fairfield Washington has the longest running Flag Day Parade and has held it every year (but one) since 1909.
8. Flag Day is also the birthday of the United States Army, founded on June 14, 1775.
9. Only the president and governors of a state can order flags on government buildings to be flown at half staff (23 Facts About the Flag)
10. The original American flag had 13 stars; there have been 27 additions between 1777 and 1960.
11. According to the History Channel., the date was picked according to the date the Second Continental Congress passed a resolution stating that “the flag of the United States be 13 stripes, alternate red and white” and that “the union be 13 stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation.”
12. According to PBS: Red symbolizes hardiness and valor; white symbolizes purity and innocence; blue represents vigilance, perseverance and justice.

Flag Day (Holiday Histories)Flag Day (First Step Nonfiction – American Holidays)

While not necessarily a fact on the American flag I though it interesting that the study of flags is called vexillogy

There shouldn’t be a perfect day, or week, to fly the American flag and show patriotism in the United States. It should be a feeling of every American to show their pride in the country in which they live every day. I am proud to live in this great country of ours. We have freedom and opportunity around every corner if people would just take advantage of their own skills and talent.

The below video includes my photography of average Americans celebrating their pride and patriotism in America. The song was written by my friend Steve Raybine, a jazz musician from Omaha Nebraska.

“America, how I love you, long may our flag ever wave..”

Americans are a gracious and generous people. We are proud of our country and the ideals for which we were founded. Religious freedom, freedom of speech, freedom to bear arms, freedom to congregate, and freedom of free press. The internet and technology has given millions of people a vehicle to exercise that freedom and this is my platform.

Where to Buy American Made Flags

American Flag 3×5 ft. Nylon SolarGuard Nyl-Glo by Annin Flagmakers, 100% Made in USA with Sewn Stripes,Flag Pole Kit: Includes Tangle Free pole – Bracket and American Flag Made in USAHEAVY-DUTY American Flag 4×6′ – 100% Made in the USA – Durable, Long Lasting, Rich Polyester MaterialValley Forge Flag 3-Feet by 5-Feet Nylon Kit with 20-Foot Aluminum In-Ground Pole and Hardware

History of Flag Day