06/14/2026
The story of Flag Day began in Philadelphia on June 14, 1777, when the Second Continental Congress passed a short but momentous resolution: "Resolved, that the flag of the thirteen United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation." With those few words, a new nation gave itself a new symbol. There was no ceremony, no fanfare, no holiday. Just a young country, at war, deciding what it would fly.
It wasn't until 172 years had passed when in 1949, President Harry S. Truman signed an Act of Congress designating June 14 as our National Flag Day.
Although Flag Day is not a federal public holiday where banks close, mail ceases to run, or a day off from work for many Americans, it is still an important day of recognition; as Flag Day asks nothing of us except our attention and adoration for a glorious symbol, flying freely above us, that is older than almost anything else we share as Americans.
As we approach our country's 250th birthday celebration, let us pause for a moment to reflect on what the "Stars and Stripes" means to each one of us, and how it has stood proudly for 249 years as enduring symbol of hope, liberty, and freedom to so many. ❤️🤍💙
