On June 14 we honor Old Glory on National Flag Day.  This day commemorates the adoption of the United States flag on June 14, 1777.

On National Flag Day, Americans show respect for the U.S. Flag and what it represents.  Representing independence and unity, the Star Spangled Banner has become a powerful symbol of Americanism and is flown proudly. 

While Betsy Ross has been given credit for stitching together the first American flag, there isn’t any sound evidence supporting the story.  At the same time, there isn’t any to disprove it, either. Part of the conflict is that there were several designs being considered at the same time, many flag makers and more than one claim to the first. During Ross’s Revolutionary time, several standards were carried bearing red and white stripes and varying symbols where the blue field and stars now reside.

Another who laid claim to the first design was Francis Hopkinson. His request for compensation for his design was denied because others contributed to the design final design. 

Since 1777, the design of the flag has been officially modified 26 times.  For 47 years, the 48-star flag was in effect.  In 1959, the 49-star version became official on July 4.  President Eisenhower ordered the 50-star flag on August 21, 1959.

Seventeen-year-old Robert G. Heft of Ohio designed the 50-star American flag.  His was one f the more than 1,500 designs that were submitted to President Dwight D. Eisenhower.

HISTORY

On May 30, 1916, President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation deeming June 14 as Flag Day.  President Wilson stated, “It is the anniversary of the day upon which the flag of the United States was adopted by the Congress as the emblem of the Union.” He also wrote, “On that day rededicate ourselves to the nation, ‘one and inseparable’ from which every thought that is not worthy of our fathers’ first vows in independence, liberty, and right shall be excluded and in which we shall stand with united hearts.”     

More to Explore…

• Armed Forces Day
• Memorial Day
• Army Birthday
• Navy Birthday
• Air Force Birthday
• Marine Corps Birthday
• Navy Day
• 4th of July
• Independence Day
• Patriot Day
• V J Day
• National Guard Birthday
• Armistice Day
• Labor Day
• Veterans Day
• Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day
• Military Spouce Appreciation Day
• Maritime Day
• Gold Star Mothers Day
• Flag Day
• POW/MIA Recognition Day
• National Airborne Day
• Loyalty Day
• Remembrance Day
• Wreaths Across America Day
• National PTSD Awareness Day
• USO Birthday
• Coast Guard Reserve Birthday
• Navy Reserve Birthday
• National Forget Me Not Day
• Hug a G. I. Day
• Seabees Birthday
• Rosie the Riveter Day
• Medal of Honor Day
• Vietnam War Veterans Day
• Gold Star Spouces Day
• Former POW Recognition Day
• Airforce Reserve birthday
• Purple Up For Military kids Day
• Army Reserve Birthday
• National Military Brat’s Day
• Military Appreciation Month
• Silver Star Service Banner Day
• Month of the Military Child
• V E Day
• D Day
• Freedoms Ring

HOW TO OBSERVE

Many people have died protecting our country.  On National Flag Day, raise the flag and fly it proudly. Use #NationalFlagDay to post on social media.