The History Of Flag Day
The Fourth of July was traditionally celebrated as America's birthday, but the idea of an annual day specifically celebrating the Flag is believed to have first originated in 1885. BJ Cigrand, a schoolteacher, arranged for the pupils in the Fredonia, Wisconsin Public School, District 6, to observe June 14 (the 108th anniversary of the official adoption of The Stars and Stripes) as 'Flag Birthday'. In numerous magazines and newspaper articles and public addresses over the following years, Cigrand continued to enthusiastically advocate the observance of June 14 as 'Flag Birthday', or 'Flag Day'.
On June 14, 1889, George Balch, a kindergarten teacher in New York City, planned appropriate ceremonies for the children of his school, and his idea of observing Flag Day was later adopted by the State Board of Education of New York. On June 14, 1891, the Betsy Ross House in Philadelphia held a Flag Day celebration, and on June 14 of the following year, the New York Society of the Sons of the Revolution, celebrated Flag Day.
Adults, too, participated in patriotic programs. Franklin K. Lane, Secretary of the Interior, delivered a 1914 Flag Day address in which he repeated words he said the flag had spoken to him that morning: "I am what you make me; nothing more. I swing before your eyes as a bright gleam of color, a symbol of yourself."
Inspired by these three decades of state and local celebrations, Flag Day - the anniversary of the Flag Resolution of 1777 - was officially established by the Proclamation of President Woodrow Wilson on May 30th, 1916. While Flag Day was celebrated in various communities for years after Wilson's proclamation, it was not until August 3rd, 1949, that President Truman signed an Act of Congress designating June 14th of each year as National Flag Day.
MY FLAG DAY PHOTO
This was taken in Charleston, SC. It was hanging off one of the many mansions we saw on a carriage ride.
I am proud to be an American and the flag represents my country in a beautiful way.
GOD BLESS AMERICA.
Love,
JEANNE
Happy Flag Day to all. We fly our flag proudly. And, you get to enjoy the day in a new city. Have fun! ♥
Posted by: Beverly | June 14, 2012 at 11:03 AM
Nice article. Thanks!
Posted by: jeu de voiture | June 14, 2012 at 03:49 PM
Hi Jeanne! Great post and we've flown our flag today!! Glad you've arrived in Houston safely and see you Monday! :)
Be a sweetie,
shelia ;)
Posted by: Shelia | June 14, 2012 at 10:23 PM
THat is a BEAUTIFUL sight... love that flag!
Posted by: Fifi Flowers | June 19, 2012 at 06:27 PM