Everything you need to know about Flag Day
HISTORY. National Flag Day is celebrated June 14 every year. It commemorates the resolution of the Second Continental Congress on June 14, 1777, which first introduced the United States flag. In 1916, Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation that instituted June 14 as Flag Day. In August of 1949, Harry Truman urged Congress to pass an act to permanently establish the day as National Flag Day. It is at the President's discretion whether or not to proclaim the observance each year.
COMPETING CLAIMS. There are at least three competing claims about how Flag Day originated. The most popular is that of a Wisconsin school teacher, Bernard J. Cigrand. He and his students observed a "flag birthday" every June 14, beginning in 1885. He continued to promote the event, which reached a summit in 1894, when 300,000 children gathered in parks throughout Chicago to celebrate.
OLD GLORY. The original U.S. flag, recognized and instituted by the Flag Resolution of June 14, 1777, consisted of 13 stripes and 13 stars, which represented the 13 original colonies. The stars were arranged and sewn on the flag to represent a new constellation.
NEW GLORY. The current U.S. flag consists of 13 horizontal stripes -- seven red alternating with six white. The stripes represent the 13 original colonies. The colors of the flag are likewise symbolic: red signifies hardiness and valor, white signifies purity and innocence and blue represents vigilance, perseverance and justice. The flag gained its 50th star July 4, 1960, when Hawaii was added to the union.
FLAG FESTIVALS. The largest Flag Day parade is held each year in Troy, NY. The city of Troy hosts a three-day festival that draws nearly 100,000 people. The parade, held June 13, includes some 5,000 marchers and 20 marching bands.
HOW TO FLY THE FLAG. The union, or blue square portion, is to be at the top and the end of the pole -- away from the building. The flag is always flown at the top of the pole.
WHEN TO FLY THE FLAG. The flag should be flown June 14 from sunrise to sunset, though it is recommended to be flown as often as possible. Any flag flown at night is required to be properly lit.
WEATHER PERMITTING. The flag should not be flown in rain or inclement weather, unless it is an all-weather flag.
AGED FLAGS. When a flag is worn or tattered, it should be ceremoniously disposed of, preferably by burning. Local Boy Scout troops and Veterans of Foreign Wars posts carry out flag-retiring ceremonies.
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