Flag Day

Origins and early campaigns

The idea of honouring the flag gained strength during the American Civil War after the 1861 clash at Fort Sumter, transforming the military banner into a widespread civilian emblem. Mass printing on single sheets of cloth soon made flags widely accessible. Decades of grassroots promotion followed. Schoolteacher Bernard J. Cigrand organized an 1885 school observance in Wisconsin and spent thirty years delivering thousands of speeches nationwide. Other educators, including Sarah Hinson in Buffalo, introduced flag salutes to schoolchildren. After persistent public campaigning by individuals and civic groups, President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation in 1916, leading to formal congressional recognition in 1949.

Community parades and customs

Towns across the country hold long-running parades and gatherings around June 14. Fairfield in Washington has held an annual procession since about 1910, while communities like Appleton, Wisconsin, and Quincy, Massachusetts, host widely attended marches. Three Oaks, Michigan, stages a three-day celebration centered on the holiday. Ceremonies typically include hoisting the Stars and Stripes, reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, and singing the national anthem. Fraternal groups like the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks hold mandatory flag rituals. Across the nation, presidents issue proclamations encouraging public buildings and residences to display the national colours during National Flag Week.

Historic sites and connections

Key historic landmarks serve as focal points for the day. In Philadelphia, the Betsy Ross House holds regular Flag Day ceremonies. In Baltimore, the Star-Spangled Banner Flag House celebrates the creation of the 1813 banner that inspired the national anthem. The date also coincides with other milestones in American history. On June 14, 1775, the Continental Army was established, making the day the official birthday of the United States Army. In California, the date also marks the 1846 Bear Flag Revolt, leading some residents to display both the state and national flags together.

How Flag Day is kept

Civic groups, schools, fraternal orders, and towns organize public gatherings and parades. The President issues an annual proclamation encouraging government offices and citizens to display the national flag throughout National Flag Week. Public programs generally feature ceremonial flag raisings, recitations of the Pledge of Allegiance, and performances of the national anthem. Historic sites such as the Betsy Ross House in Philadelphia and the Flag House in Baltimore hold special public commemorations. Fraternal lodges, notably the Elks, conduct mandatory observances honoring the emblem.

When and where

Flag Day is observed every year on June 14, matching the date of the 1777 congressional flag resolution. National Flag Week spans the calendar week surrounding the date. While most observances occur on June 14 itself, New York state designates the second Sunday of June as its official holiday.

Flag Day is observed throughout the United States. Prominent annual parades and gatherings take place in communities including Fairfield in Washington, Appleton in Wisconsin, Quincy in Massachusetts, and Three Oaks in Michigan. In 1937, Pennsylvania became the first state to establish it as a legal state holiday.

What Flag Day means

The tradition commemorates the Continental Congress resolution describing thirteen alternating red and white stripes with thirteen white stars in a blue field. Originally used primarily on military forts and naval vessels, the flag became a broad emblem of democratic unity and public devotion during the Civil War, representing national continuity and shared civic commitment.

Questions people ask about Flag Day

See also

Independence DayThe United States' national day of parades, barbecues and fireworks, kept each July 4Bastille DayFrance's national day marking the storming of the Bastille and the unity of the people on 14 July.Martin Luther King Jr. DayAn American federal holiday honouring the civil rights leader with service and remembranceLabor DayA national American holiday honouring the working class with parades and picnics

Good reading and sources

• Encyclopaedia BritannicaArticle
• Unhappy Flag DayThe New York Times, Article
• Library of Congress CatalogLibrary of Congress, Article
• California’s Bear Flag Revolt begins | June 14, 1846History.com, Article
• Unhappy Flag DayThe New York Times, Article
• Library of Congress CatalogLibrary of Congress, Article
• California’s Bear Flag Revolt begins | June 14, 1846History.com, Article

• Flag Day (United States) on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos and video
• Wikidata recordOpen data

It may contain mistakes. Traditions differ from one family, village and community to the next, and the people who keep them know them best. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-04.