The U.S. Flag waves in the sky (Photo: U.S. Air Force TSgt. Brian Kimball)
This year, Flag Day falls on Friday, June 14. The American Legion offers resources for Legionnaires to use on social media and during community celebrations or ceremonies, including:
- A prepared Flag Day speech that can be personalized.
- A series of social media graphics for Facebook, Instagram, and X, featuring “Voices of Our Flag,” “Rally Around the Flag,” and “Know Your Code.”
- The “I Pledge Allegiance” comic book for elementary students, explaining the Pledge of Allegiance and the significance of the flag.
- The “Our Country’s Flag” comic book for elementary students, highlighting the flag’s importance, how to respect it, and the protection of our freedoms.
- Additional resources, such as flag FAQs, myths, flag-folding procedures, and videos, are available at legion.org/flag
The annual Pause for the Pledge will take place at 4 p.m. PDT. Legionnaires conducting Flag Day events are encouraged to share their photos and stories on Legiontown under the “Rally Around the Flag” section.
The History of Flag Day: 1777 to today
Flag Day, also known as National Flag Day, is a U.S. observance held on June 14 to honor the national flag. This date commemorates the adoption of the first American flag design in 1777.
The concept of dedicating a day to celebrate the flag has many origins. In 1885, Bernard J. Cigrand, a Wisconsin schoolteacher, encouraged his students to observe June 14 as “Flag Birthday” and later promoted the idea through an essay in a Chicago newspaper. William T. Kerr of Pennsylvania established the American Flag Day Association of Western Pennsylvania in 1888, devoting his life to the cause. Additionally, George Morris of Connecticut is credited with organizing the first formal celebration in Hartford in 1861.
In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed June 14 as Flag Day, and in 1949, Congress officially established it as National Flag Day. While it is not a federal holiday, Pennsylvania recognizes it as a state holiday. Each year, the U.S. president declares the week of June 14 as National Flag Week, encouraging Americans to display the flag.
Read our article: What is Flag Day?
Author: Rikki Almanza
Rikki is a Web Content Coordinator for the American Legion, Department of California. With a deep-rooted connection to the military, a spouse who is a Navy veteran, a father who served in the Air Force for 25 years, and a grandfather who proudly served, Rikki is committed to using her skills and knowledge to provide valuable assistance and resources to servicemembers and veterans.