Flag Day Celebration: A Brief History

Flag Day Origins

Flag Day in the United States is celebrated on June 14. It commemorates the adoption of the flag of the United States on June 14, 1777, by resolution of the Second Continental Congress.
The first time the stars and stripes flew in a Flag Day celebration was on June 14, 1861, in Hartford, Connecticut. This event took place during the first summer of the Civil War, symbolizing unity and patriotism during a tumultuous time in American history.

National Flag Day Observance

On June 14, 1877, the first national observance of Flag Day was held on the centennial of the original flag resolution. As instructed by Congress, the U.S. flag was flown from all public buildings across the country. This marked a significant moment in recognizing the importance of the American flag as a symbol of freedom and unity.

Advocacy for Official Flag Day

Following the 1877 observance, there was advocacy for making Flag Day the official holiday that it is today. The efforts to establish Flag Day as a recognized national holiday gained momentum over the years, leading to its designation as an official observance in the United States.