When is Flag Day 2024?
Flag Day is June 14th, 2024 in case you didn’t get the memo. To celebrate this day, we’re going to reveal several amazing and fun facts about Flag Day.
Flag Day Trivia (navigate to specific sections using the links below to see individual Flag Day Facts)
1) A Wisconsin Town Hosts the Oldest Flag Day Parade
On June 14, hundreds of cities throughout the United States celebrate national Flag Day by hosting parades and other events. However, a small town in Wisconsin is believed to host the oldest Flag Day parade. According to Wikipedia, Appleton, Wisconsin has been hosting Flag Day parades every year since 1950.
2) The United Stated Adopted the Flag on June 14, 1777.
National Flag Day is designed to celebrate the adoption of the American flag, which occurred on June 14, 1777. On this day, the Second Continental Congress passed a resolution, adopting the American flag.
3) Flag Day Isn’t a National Holiday
Unfortunately, Flag Day isn’t considered a national holiday, meaning federal workers will still have to show up to their jobs on June 14. The reason behind this is unknown. Regardless, Flag Day was not included in the 1968 Uniform Holiday Act, which was responsible for designating the national holidays and three-day weekends celebrated in the United States.
4) The American Flag Symbolizes the 13 Colonies and 50 States
As you may already know, the American Flag features 13 stripes that symbolize the original 13 colonies, as well as 50 stars that symbolize the 50 states in the Union.
5) National Flag Day Wasn’t Celebrated Until 1937
Some people assume that national Flag Day began in 1777, when the American flag was adopted. However, it wasn’t until nearly a full century later before this happened. On June 14, 1937, Pennsylvania was credited with celebrating the first Flag Day in the United States. Since then, other states have jumped on board, recognizing June 14 as national Flag Day.
6) The Largest Flag Day Parade is Held in New York
While Appleton, Wisconsin may host the oldest Flag Day parade, another city hosts the largest Flag Day parade. Every year on June 14, the town of Troy, New York hosts a massive Flag Day parade that attracts more than 50,000 people, making this the country’s largest Flag Day parade.
7) National Flag Week
There’s also a national Flag Week, which runs through the week of Flag Day. During national Flag Week, the U.S. President typically encourages citizens to display the American flag. You’ll also see American flags being flown on government buildings and private organizations to honor and celebrate national Flag Week.
What Is Flag Day?
Flag Day is a nationally observed holiday in the United States that celebrates the country’s adoption of the American flag; however it is only a federal holiday in a few states. In 1777, Congress passed a resolution approving the first official American flag. While the American flag has since gone through dozens of changes — the first American flag only had 13 stars, for example — this resolution was critical in establishing the symbolic American flag. To celebrate the adoption of the American flag, Flag Day is held on June 14 each year in the United States.
Ways to Celebrate Flag Day
Because its purpose is to celebrate the adoption of the American flag, it shouldn’t come as a surprise to learn that one of the best ways to celebrate this holiday is to fly an American flag. The U.S. Flag Code even contains a section about Flag Day, as well as other flag-flying holidays. As revealed on The American Legion’s website, the U.S. Flag Code states that the American flag should be displayed on all days of the year, especially on holidays like Flag Day. The only exception is when severe weather is present, in which case the flag may be removed from its pole or mounting surface. Whether it’s in front of your home or at your place of business, you can celebrate this year’s Flag Day by flying the American flag.
In addition to displaying the American flag, you can also attend a parade on Flag Day. Countless cities and communities across the United States hold parades on Flag Day. Fairfield, Washington, for instance, has held an annual parade on Flag Day for over a century. Check your local newspaper to see if there are Flag Day parades taking place in your area and, if so, where exactly they’ll be held.
Other Flag Holidays
Flag Day isn’t the only national flag-flying holiday. Others include the following:
- New Year’s Day
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day
- Presidential Inauguration Day
- Abraham Lincoln’s Birthday
- George Washington’s Birthday
- Mother’s Day
- Armed Forces Day
- Independence Day
- Memorial Day
- Labor Day
- Korean War Veterans Day
- Patriots’ Day
- Thanksgiving
- Father’s Day
- Christmas
- Columbus Day
- Gold Star Mother’s Day
