Short summary for the below paragraphs: Red, white, and backed by a narrative almost as long as the nation—the official tri-colored, star-spangled banner that tops government buildings and citizen homes across the United States first waved on June 14, 1777 (albeit in a different configuration). To celebrate the American flag, June 14 is thus known as Flag Day. Although Flag Day is observed on a smaller scale than neighboring patriotic holidays like Memorial Day and Independence Day, the observance has its own rich history. Here's what to know about how Flag Day got started—and how the flag has changed through the years.
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Flag Day is a holiday in the United States that celebrates the official flag of the United States. It is observed on June 14, which is the date in 1777 when the Second Continental Congress adopted the design for the first national flag. The flag has changed several times over the years, but it has always been a symbol of American patriotism and unity.
The History of Flag Day
The idea for Flag Day was first proposed by Bernard J. Cigrand, a school teacher in Waukegan, Illinois, in 1885. He believed that a day should be set aside to honor the flag and teach children about its history and meaning. Cigrand's idea was met with enthusiasm, and Flag Day was soon being celebrated in schools and communities across the country.
In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation officially recognizing Flag Day. The following year, Congress passed a resolution making Flag Day a national holiday. However, Flag Day was not widely observed as a federal holiday until 1949, when President Harry Truman signed a bill making it a permanent fixture in the American calendar.
How the Flag Has Changed
The American flag has changed several times over the years. The original flag, adopted in 1777, had 13 stripes and 13 stars, representing the 13 original colonies. As new states were added to the Union, the number of stars on the flag was increased. The number of stripes has remained at 13, however, as a reminder of the original 13 colonies.
The current design of the American flag was adopted in 1960, when President Eisenhower signed a bill adding a 50th star to the flag to represent the admission of Hawaii as the 50th state. The American flag is a symbol of American patriotism and unity. It is a reminder of the sacrifices that have been made to build and defend this country. Flag Day is a day to celebrate the flag and to reflect on the meaning of American freedom.
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