National Flag Day: 100 Year Celebration

History:

National Flag Day was established to honor the American flag and this day celebrates the adoption of the U.S. flag on June 14, 1777. In 1916 President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation announcing June 14 as the official date for Flag Day. In 1949 an Act of Congress designated June 14 as National Flag Day. Each year the President declares the week of June 14 National Flag Week and encourages all Americans to fly the flag to respect our unity and independence as a nation.

The American flag has a proud history and is often called “Old Glory”. The flag has lead every American battle fought and many have died defending it. It stands proudly on the moon as a symbol of freedom. As Americans we fly the flag to show we are proud of our country, our culture and our history.

The red, white and blue:

The vertical stripes are the pales and the broad blue band is the chief.

White stripes signify purity and innocence. The red stripes stand for hardiness and valour and the blue signify vigilance, perseverance and justice.

The star is a symbol of the heavens.

Flag Etiquette:

The American flag represents our country and should always be respected.

• The flag is flown from sunrise to sunset

• The flag should not be flown at night without a light shining on it

• The flag should not be flown in the rain

• Never ever let the flag touch the ground

• Fold the flag carefully when storing

• When a flag is old and worn it should be burned or buried. Boy Scout troops hold special ceremonies for retiring a flag and will allow you to attend.

For complete rules of etiquette visit USFlag.org

Days to display:

New Year’s Day – January 1

Inauguration Day – January 20

Martin Luther King Jr’s Birthday – third Monday in January

Lincoln’s Birthday – February 12

Washington’s Birthday – third Monday in February

Easter Sunday – (variable)

Mother’s Day – second Sunday in May

Armed Forces Day – third Saturday in May

Memorial Day (half-staff until noon) – last Monday in May

Flag Day – June 14

Independence Day – July 4

National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day, July 27

Labor Day – first Monday – September 1 – 7

Columbus Day – second Monday in October

Navy Day – October 27

Veterans Day – November 11

Thanksgiving Day – fourth Thursday in November

Christmas Day – December 25

Other days as can be proclaimed by the President of the United States

Birthdays of States (date of admission)

State holidays

Fun Food idea:

It’s Flag Day, it’s summer, the flags are flying, and the grills are heating up. Celebrate the day with a berry delicious cake.

You will need:

A sheet cake frosted with vanilla frosting

Strawberries cleaned and halved

Whole blueberries

Start decorating the cake at the bottom by laying a row of strawberries. Leave a line of frosting and start another row of strawberries creating the red and white stripes. In the left corner of the cake make a square using the blueberries. Leave small spaces to represent the white stars.

Craft idea:

Recycle magazines to make a flag mosaic. Just have the kids cut or tear red, white and blue objects from the magazines and glue on to cardboard to make a flag.

Reading ideas for kids:

Our American Flag by Mary Firestone

Ultimate Sticker Book: Flags by DK Publishing

F is for Flags by Wendy Cheyette Lewison

Writing idea for kids:

When we celebrate “Old Glory” we join millions of Americans that came before us in honoring our flag. What will the 200-year celebration be like?

Fun fact:

If you like to study flags you are a Vexillologist.

The flag is a powerful symbol of Americanism. Raise your flag today and every day with Pride!

https://youtu.be/v_W0xUgGILY