Flag Day

History of Flag Day

Have you every wondered what the significance of Flag Day was and why some of us celebrate it?

Bernard J CiGrand has been credited as the Founder of Flag Day. While others came before him, CiGrand was the first to gain enough national attention to turn it into a holiday.

On June 14th, 1885, Cigrand, a 19 year old teacher at Stony Hill School, placed a 10 inch, 38- star flag in a bottle on his desk and then assigned essays on the flag and its significance. This observance celebrated the adoption of the Stars and Stripes as the flag of the United States on June 14, 1777.

CiGrand's desire to celebrate the adoption of the flag grew and gained attention when he spoke in front of Chicago's organization, "Sons of America" in June 1888. After the speech, the organization decided to publish a magazine called "American Standard" and appointed CiGrand as the editor-in-chief. His articles helped grow attention to the flag and the need for it be acknowledged.

Over the years he continued to grow awareness of the flag, gaining the attention of President Wilson who. in 1916, decreed that there would be a nation wide observance of the flag. in 1916. President Truman signed an Act of Congress in 1949 designating June 14th as National Flag Day. 

To commemorate Flag Day:

Fly the American Flag

Recite the Pledge of Allegiance

Visit a National Monument

Attend a Flag retirement ceremony


Click here to learn more flag facts.


Click here to learn more about the man who started it all.