Flag Day
On June 14, 1777, with the Revolutionary War raging, the Continental Congress passed a flag resolution, making the Stars and Stripes the official flag of the fledgling nation. The resolution called for a flag bearing 13 stars and 13 stripes to represent the original 13 colonies, soon to be states.
While we have long celebrated our country’s birthday on the Fourth of July, the birth of the American flag, the United State’s most recognizable symbol, was largely ignored for many years. In the 1800s, a movement began to designate June 14 as a day to celebrate the creation and adoption of our flag.
Several attempts were made by well known organizations, including Sons of the American Revolution, to make Flag Day official. Smaller community groups and elementary school classes joined in the effort and, in 1877, Congress declared that our flag should be flown over all public buildings on each June 14 to mark the birthday of the flag.
On June 14, 1891, the Betsy Ross held its first Flag Day celebration. However, 25 more years passed before President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed in 1916 that the anniversary of the Flag Resolution be officially recognized as Flag Day. It was not until August 3, 1949 that President Harry Truman signed the Flag Act of Congress, designating the day as National Flag Day.
Today, Flag Day is a national day of recognition, with ceremonies and parades honoring the American Flag. At the Betsy Ross House, the day is marked by a daylong celebration, featuring patriotic observances and fun for the whole family. Check out our event schedule for details about this year’s Flay Day event.
