The American Flag. It’s more than the symbol of our country. It’s the symbol of our pride, our personality, our unity.
Old Glory was adopted as the official flag of the United States on June 14, 1777. Today, the stars and stripes fly just as bravely and boldly as ever. The flag represents us; the American people. And today we can proudly stand beneath our flag and salute more than 200 years of freedom.
History Of Flag Day
The Second Continental Congress formed in 1775. This group included delegates from the original 13 colonies. Their mission was to help manage and run the American Revolution.
Within two years, members of the Second Continental Congress made many monumental decisions. Chief among them were establishing the Declaration of Independence, ratifying the Articles of Confederation and adopting the American flag.
But it would take more than 100 years and the support of several key figures before June 14 was recognized as Flag Day.
Flag Day Supporters
The first known advocate of Flag Day was a man named George Morris. He is credited as the person who originated the idea to celebrate the anniversary of our flag. His efforts led to a celebration in Hartford, Connecticut in 1861, but unfortunately the occasion was not repeated.
The concept developed further in 1885 when a teacher named Bernard J. Cigrand created the first formal observance of Flag Day at Stony Hill high school. From there, Cigrand toured the county, calling for an annual celebration of the flag. He gave speeches, wrote articles and supported his cause as president of the National Flag Day Society.
Thousands of Americans helped build the tradition of Flag Day, and in 1907 a group called the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks took on the cause. They decreed a mandatory observance for every member of their organization, and encouraged President Woodrow Wilson to officially recognize Flag Day. Their efforts helped spread the word and generate support.
In 1916 President Wilson issued a proclamation declaring June 14 to be nationally observed as Flag Day.
Today we celebrate Flag Day with parades, performances and patriotism. Will you be honoring the stars and stripes today? Leave us a comment to share your thoughts on this American tradition.
At PeopleFinders, we’re proud to have helped millions of Americans find and reconnect with family, friends or anyone else for more than 2 decades. Because we believe in the American spirit, and the people who keep it alive. Happy Flag Day, America. Stay connected, free and proud – and thank you for reading the PeopleFinders people search blog.