Why Do We Celebrate Flag Day?

Flag Day not as widely recognized as other major holidays around the world and it does take a “back seat” to July 4. But Flag Day is meant to draw attention to the so-called “stars and stripes” that make up the flag of the United States of America. This flag pattern was created and adopted as the official flag of the U.S. shortly after the country declared its independence from England.

This day became special in the early months of the Civil War. Apparently the first celebration took place in 1861 in Connecticut. Less than two decades later, the federal government declared that all public buildings should display the flag on June 14 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the flag’s adoption (1777-1877). That was the beginning of what is now an annual event. June 14 of each year is very popular now, though it is not an official holiday, as are July 4, Memorial Day etc.

There are several more extravagant Flag Day celebrations around the country each year, though many communities keep the “celebration” rather small. It is common to drive through small towns on June 14 and see United States flags flying from poles every few feet along the main thoroughfare. Public and private buildings that don’t display the flag around the clock throughout the year will generally have their flag on display as well.

According to encyclopedia information, only Pennsylvania has declared June 14 (Flag Day) an official holiday. However, citizens in all states observe this day each year. Illinois began a tradition in the 1890s with a celebration sponsored by an American Flag Day organization. Reportedly, this celebration involved hundreds of thousands of pupils from Illinois schools.

Veterans groups such as the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and the American Legion make a point to have small celebrations in various communities. These groups are usually responsible for lining the main streets with flags as well. In several Southern Illinois towns, for example, veterans who have gathered for a barbecue or picnic will break from their relaxation for a short time to put the flags up and take them down on June 14.

With all of this in mind, it wasn’t until the World War I years (1916) that Flag Day become more widely recognized. The president at the time, Woodrow Wilson, proclaimed the day, giving it a boost in the eyes of U.S. citizens. Yet, nearly 100 years later Flag Day is still not observed with consistency or in any major way. Outside of the individual communities and organizations who put together some activities, Flag Day is sort of a second-class citizen among holidays.

However, the use and display of the United States flag is one of the most regulated activities in the country. There is a code with strict guidelines for when and how to put the United States flag on display. Congress made its statement on the subject in the late 1940s, giving further strength to the idea behind Flag Day on June 14.

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