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Flag Day Facts

Flag Day Facts
Flag Day in the United States falls on June 14th each year. On June 14th, 1777 the Second Continental Congress adopted the United States flag. It wasn't until 1916 that Flag Day was officially declared, by Woodrow Wilson who was the United States president at the time. In 1949 National Flag Day was established in Congress, but it is not a federal holiday. Pennsylvania became the first state to make Flag Day and official state holiday in 1937. The week of June 14th is considered National Flag Week in the United States and the U.S. president urges Americans, via proclamation, to fly the American flag all week.
Interesting Flag Day Facts:
It is believed that the idea of celebrating Flag Day in the United States originated with a teacher in 1885 in Wisconsin.
The colors of the American flag are symbolic. The red stands for valor and hardiness. Blue stands for justice, perseverance, and vigilance. White stands for innocence and purity.
People sometimes refer to the American flag as 'Old Glory'. The term was first used by Captain William Driver in 1831. He was a shipmaster from Salem, Massachusetts and called the flag Old Glory after being given a flag by friends.
The American flag is also referred to as 'Stars and Stripes', which is a common nickname referring to the flag's design.
The design of the American flag has changed 27 times.
Rules exist for displaying the American Flag. They include: 1) display the flag from sunrise to sunset - if displayed at night it should be illuminated; 2) the flag should never touch the floor or the ground; 3) the blue field should be in the upper left hand corner when displayed on a window or wall; 4) when raising the flag it should be done quickly and when lowering it, it should be done ceremoniously.
Despite the rule of raising the American flag at sunrise and lowering it as sunset, it is flown 24 hours at several locations, which is done by law or by presidential proclamation.
There are six American flags located on the moon. Apollo crews 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, and 17 planted the flags on the moon.
Despite the fact that Flag Day is not a federal holiday many places around the United States hold parades and festivals to honor the American flag.
Flag Day is also the same day as the birthday of the United States Army.
Fairfield, Washington is home to the oldest continuous Flag Day parade in the United States. The parade has been held every year except for 1918, since 1909.
The largest Flag Day parade is held in Troy, New York. It is estimated the approximately 50,000 people attend this parade each year. Other large parades are held in Quincy, Massachusetts, and in Three Oaks, MI.
On the second Sunday in June the National Flag Day Foundation holds their Flag Day ceremonies including a ceremonial flag raising, a Pledge of Allegiance recitation, singing of America's national anthem, a parade and other activities.


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