Blog: Flag Day

Statement

June 14th marks our annual recognition of Flag Day and the anniversary of our U.S. flag. What started as an educational effort in a Wisconsin schoolhouse has become a national celebration of patriotism. From our classrooms, to our athletes' uniforms, to the top of the Capitol building- our flag is a symbol of national pride.

It was on this day in 1777 that the Second Continental Congress passed a resolution adopting the Star-Spangled Banner as our national flag. More than a century later in 1885, a young American schoolteacher recognized the first unofficial Flag Day by displaying our nation's flag in his classroom and educating his students on its importance. Because of nearly 30 years of passionate dedication to the commemoration of our Stars and Stripes from patriots like this young schoolteacher, President Woodrow Wilson called for a national observance of an annual Flag Day in 1916. Formal legislation followed in 1949, designating June 14th a national holiday.

I encourage you to continue to uphold the message of our flag's history and of those who paved the way for this nation. Flag Day is recognized once a year, but we have reason to show our appreciation every day. During the upcoming week, I invite you to join me in the celebration of our flag, a symbol of this great country.

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