06/14/2026
What is Flag Day?
Flag Day is a celebration of the American flag that occurs each year on June 14, the anniversary of the flagʼs official adoption. What we know fondly as the “Stars and Stripes” was adopted by the Continental Congress as the official American flag on June 14, 1777, during the Revolutionary War. Colonial troops fought under many different flags with various symbols—rattlesnakes, pine trees, and eagles—and slogans—”Donʼt Tread on Me,” “Liberty or Death,” and “Conquer or Die,” to name a few.
The Declaration of Independence made the adoption of an American flag necessary. Previously, each colony or special interest had its own flag. On that 14th of June, Congress made the Flag Resolution of 1777, stating: “The flag of the United States shall be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white, with a union of thirteen stars of white on a blue fi eld …” Official announcement of the new flag was not made until Sept. 3, 1777.
”Flag Day” has been celebrated as a patriotic occasion for many decades, but President Woodrow Wilson made the observance official on May 30, 1916, by a presidential proclamation.
Who Made the First American Flag?
The origins of the Stars and Stripes have become part of American folklore. Although many people believe that Betsy Ross designed and sewed the first flag, there is no true proof of this.
However, records do indicate that Betsy Ross most definitely made ensigns and pennants for the Philadelphia Navy during the war, and she certainly inspired the design of the current flag.
Based on colonial folklore, it has also been stated that the American flag was first flown in battle during the Revolutionary War at the Battle of Cooch’s Bridge in 1777. This may also be the stuff of legend.
However, what we do know is this:
• The original 1777 flag was designed to represent the 13 original colonies. It had 13 white stars on a blue field and 13 alternating red and white stripes.
• One of the first flag designs had the stars arranged in a circle, based on the idea that all colonies were equal.
• In 1818, after a few design changes, the United States Congress decided to retain the flag’s original 13 stripes and add new stars to reflect each new state that entered the union.
• Each time a state was added to the union, a star was added. Today, there are 50 stars, one for each state in the union, but the 13 stripes remain.
Interestingly, the current American flag was designed by a high school student from Lancaster, Ohio, named Bob G. Heft! Even though Bob’s history teacher gave him a “B-” for not knowing how many states the Union had, Bob submitted his design to the White House (unprompted) in anticipation of Hawaii and Alaska joining the Union. To his surprise, President Eisenhower called him! Today, it’s Bob Heft’s 1958 design—showing 50 stars in a field that included five rows of six stars and four rows of five stars—which is now our 50-star American flag (and history teacher changed his grade to an “A”!).
Why is the American Flag Red, White, and Blue?
The Continental Congress left no record as to why it chose these colors. However, in 1782, the Congress of the Articles of Confederation chose the colors for the Great Seal of the United States with these meanings:
• white for purity and innocence
• red for valor and hardiness
• blue for vigilance, perseverance, and justice
According to the End of the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center, the colors originated with the British flag, which is called the Union Jack and was a combination of the Scottish cross of St. Andrew (white on blue) and the English cross of St. George (red on white) at the time. (The modern British flag also incorporates the Irish cross of St. Patrick into its design.)
Five rules for displaying the American flag include never dipping it to honor anything or anyone, displaying it upside down only as a distress signal, ensuring it doesn’t touch the ground or anything beneath it, not using it for advertising or wearing apparel, and never adding markings, letters, or designs to it.
Elaboration:
1. Never Dip the Flag: The flag should never be dipped to any person or thing, even state flags, regimental colors, and other flags may be dipped as a mark of honor.
2. Display Upside Down Only as a Distress Signal: The flag is flown upside down only to indicate a signal of distress.
3. Avoid Touching the Ground or Anything Beneath It: The flag should never touch the ground, floor, water, or merchandise.
4. No Advertising or Wearing Apparel: The flag should not be used for advertising or promotion purposes, printed on items like napkins or boxes, or used as part of a costume or athletic uniform.
5. No Markings or Additions: The flag should never have any markings, insignia, letters, words, figures, designs, or drawings of any kind placed on it or attached to it.
The title of “Father of Flag Day” is commonly attributed to Bernard J. Cigrand. He was a school teacher who, in 1885, initiated the first formal observance of Flag Day at the Stony Hill School in Waubeka, Wisconsin, celebrating the anniversary of the adoption of the American flag. Cigrand is credited with campaigning for years to get Congress to officially recognize Flag Day, and he was a strong advocate for patriotism and respect for the flag.
Trivia
In honor of Flag Day, here are a few interesting pieces of trivia about our great Red, White, and Blue:
• Did you know that Francis Scott Key wrote the words to “The Star-Spangled Banner” on the back of an envelope?
• A vexillologist is an expert in the history of flags.
• When is it appropriate to fly the flag upside down? The flag should never be displayed with the union down, except as a signal of dire distress in instances of extreme danger to life or property.
