National Flag Week starts on June 9 every year. It is a day for all Americans to celebrate and honor the flag, its designers, and its makers. The flag represents all the 50 states of the country that together form the United States of America and its citizens. It is a week for citizens to pause and recognize the greatness of their nation and its people. The American flag has a proud and glorious history, and many brave soldiers have died defending it. Some also observe this week as a way to honor veterans and servicemen.
History of National Flag Week
The first American flag was designed in 1775 and was called the Continental Colors. This was a flag created for a nation looking forward to its independence. But, unfortunately, the flag looked very similar to the British flag. Francis Hopkinson of New Jersey, a naval flag designer, and a signer of the Declaration of Independence took it upon himself to design a new flag. So, on June 14, 1777, the Second Continental Congress passed a resolution stating that the flag of the United States of America will have13 stripes, alternating in red and white, while the union of the states would be depicted by 13 stars in a blue field, representing a new constellation. In 1960, the 50-star flag came into being and this is the version of the flag that we see today. On July 4, 2006, it became the longest version of the flag in use.
In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson issued an official decree making June 14 as Flag Day. However, some think that the original Flag Day was celebrated much earlier. They believe that, in 1885, a school teacher named Bernard J. Cigrand in Wisconsin began the practice of celebrating the American flag’s birthday when he asked his class to write essays about the flag and its significance. Although Flag Day has been around for a long time, a presidential proclamation in 1966 announced National Flag Week, and it has been celebrated ever since.
National Flag Week timeline
The U.S. signs the Declaration of Independence on July 4.
Francis Scott Key writes ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’ — it becomes the national anthem of the U.S. in 1931.
Barry Bishop places the flag on the world’s highest peak, on Everest.
Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin place the flag on the Moon’s surface.
National Flag Week FAQs
What does Flag Day symbolize?
The day commemorates the adoption of the Stars and Stripes as the flag of America.
Where did Flag Day start?
Flag Day was reportedly started in Wisconsin in 1885 by a school teacher, Bernard Cigrand.
Which is the only state that celebrates Flag Day?
Pennsylvania is the only state that observes a legal holiday on Flag Day.
How to Observe National Flag Week
Hoist the flag
You can hoist the flag at your home or workplace during National Flag Week. This is the simplest way to observe the week.
Help raise awareness
Some organizations host local events and awareness workshops about the flag. You can attend one to learn more about the Stars and Stripes.
Watch patriotic movies
The American flag also embodies national pride. You can watch your favorite patriotic movies every night of the week for National Flag Week.
5 Facts About Flags That Will Blow Your Mind
Flags are studied
The study of flags is called vexillology, and those who study flags are vexillologists.
Denmark’s flag is the oldest
Denmark’s flag is the oldest in the world and has been around since 1625.
Sudan’s flag is the newest
The Sudanese flag is the newest in the world — it was adopted in July 2010.
Nepal’s flag has a unique shape
Nepal’s flag is the only flag in the world that is neither a rectangle nor a square.
There are only two square flags
Only Switzerland and the Vatican City have square flags.
Why National Flag Week is Important
It is part of being American
The flag is an important part of the American identity. National Flag Week honors the flag and the unity among all American states.
It celebrates American greatness
The flag has made its way to two extreme poles, the peak of Mount Everest and even the Moon! National Flag Week, therefore, also celebrates the greatness of America and the feats of its people.
It honors the armed forces
The flag has been defended by the armed forces and many have even laid down their lives for it. This is a week to honor the brave soldiers who make sure that the American flag always flies high.
National Flag Week dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | June 12 | Sunday |
| 2023 | June 11 | Sunday |
| 2024 | June 9 | Sunday |
| 2025 | June 8 | Sunday |
| 2026 | June 14 | Sunday |
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