Flag Day

Learn more fun facts on the Flag Day Video Page.

Categories:: Federal
Tags:: American Civic Historical
Where:: United States
Date change rule:: Every June 14
Holiday emoji:: 🇺🇸

Flag Day honors the adoption of the U.S. national flag every June 14. This day celebrates the Stars and Stripes, a powerful symbol of American history and values. Reflect on its significance, display your flag proudly, and educate others on its rich heritage.

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Expected Flag Day Deals

As a day of national recognition rather than commercial celebration, Flag Day typically sees fewer direct retail promotions. However, many businesses and organizations offer special programs that align with patriotic themes. Look for discounts at historical sites and museums, particularly those focused on American history or military service. Retailers specializing in patriotic merchandise, such as flags, apparel, and decor, often run sales. Veteran-owned businesses may highlight special promotions, and some restaurants might offer deals to active military personnel and veterans. Non-profits supporting military families or civic education often launch fundraising campaigns. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as June 14 approaches.

Platform Guide for Flag Day

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #FlagDay. Share historical facts about the flag or photos of flags flying proudly in your community.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #FlagDay. Post stories of what the American flag means to you or your family.

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #FlagDay. Share striking visuals of the flag, from historical depictions to modern displays.

Flag Day Hero

Francis Hopkinson

Francis Hopkinson, a signer of the Declaration of Independence and a delegate to the Continental Congress, is widely credited with designing the first official American flag. His design, featuring thirteen stripes and a circle of thirteen stars, was adopted on June 14, 1777. Hopkinson was a prominent figure in early American history, also known for his contributions as a lawyer, poet, and composer, embodying the spirit of the nascent nation.

Flag Day timeline

1776–1777

First American Flag Created

Continental Congressman Francis Hopkinson designs a United States flag and a flag for the U.S. Navy, however, Hopkinson's naval flag becomes the preferred National flag and the Continental Marine Committee sponsors the U.S. Flag Resolution on June 14, 1777.

1916

President Woodrow Wilson Recognizes Flag Day

Celebrating the selection of the first American flag back in 1777, President Wilson signs off on establishing June 14 of each year as Flag Day.

July 4, 1960

The Current U.S. Flag is Completed

The 50th star, representing Hawaii (not Alaska), completes the flag flown in the U.S. today.

July 20, 1969

The U.S. Flag Sees the Moon

There are now six U.S. flags present on the moon, but the first was placed by Neil Armstrong in 1969.

How Businesses Can Celebrate Flag Day

Local businesses can honor Flag Day by displaying the American flag prominently and correctly, adhering to proper flag etiquette. Consider hosting a small educational event about the flag’s history or significance, perhaps in partnership with a local historical society or veteran’s group. Retailers could offer a special discount to customers wearing patriotic colors or those who can answer a trivia question about the flag. Restaurants might feature American-themed specials or donate a portion of sales to a veteran support organization, demonstrating community spirit and patriotism.

Flag Day FAQs

When is Flag Day?

Flag Day 2026 falls on Sunday, June 14, commemorating the adoption of the first U.S. national flag in 1777. It’s a perfect day for civic reflection and community gatherings.

How many stars and stripes are on the U.S. flag?

The current U.S. flag features 50 stars, representing the 50 states, and 13 stripes, symbolizing the original 13 colonies. This design has been constant since 1960.

Is Flag Day a federal holiday?

No, Flag Day is not a federal holiday, meaning government offices and banks generally remain open. It is a national observance, encouraging public displays of patriotism and flag etiquette.

What is the history of Flag Day?

Flag Day commemorates June 14, 1777, when the Second Continental Congress adopted the Stars and Stripes as the official flag of the United States. President Woodrow Wilson officially established it as a national observance in 1916.

Flag Day Activities

Plan a costume contest as part of a BBQ
The stars and stripes aren't just for flags anymore. Take the opportunity on Flag Day to sport the red, white, and blue on socks, bathing suits, and hairstyles. It's a perfect day to celebrate your patriotism with a fun twist.
Teach your kids or less informed friends a history lesson
An American flag trivia game is a quick and easy way to learn a few tidbits. Most people know that each star represents a state, but do they know that a new star only appears on July 4 following a state's admission to the Union? Trivia - bam!
Make a healthy patriotic snack
Strawberries, blueberries, marshmallows, OH MY! Some of our favorite fruits lend themselves very well to creating flag-themed cakes, so roll with it. Fine, marshmallows aren't a fruit, but they're basically a summer necessity, so we'll let it slide.

5 American Flags — By The Numbers

50 — and counting
We've been at 50 for nearly 60 years. Possible candidates for the 51st star? Puerto Rico, Guam, and Washington, DC.
49
Seven times seven? A perfect square. There's just so much luck in this flag, we need to thank Alaska (January 1959) for joining us. This one had a short reign. Hawaii (August 1959) would soon make it 50.
48
It featured such beautiful symmetry with the addition of New Mexico and Arizona in 1912 and flew proudly for 47 years.
31
The number 31 doesn't easily lend itself to neat patterns. If we didn't actually love California (added in 1850) so much, we'd probably have made it secede after seeing the lack of symmetry. (This flag lasted seven years!)
13
America's original flag, it's the only one that dared defy the straight line pattern of all its successors. If you ask us, the 13 stars in a circle better represent the unity of the, uhhhh, union.

Why We Love Flag Day

A chance to show patriotism
It's easy to get so caught up in our day-to-day lives that we sometimes forget to be thankful for the bigger picture. Flag Day reminds us that we are one country — united — despite our disagreements.
Parades
Americans love to have parades for many events and holidays. Mid-June is the perfect time to set up that camping chair on the street corner and watch the local firefighters, school bands and dance troupes strut their stuff.
It reminds us summer is near
The weather is starting to behave, kids are wrapping up school, and BBQ season is upon us. Flag Day gives us another reason to celebrate outside and enjoy the sunshine.