The Meaning of Flag Day
Did you know that Wednesday is Flag Day?
Do you know what Flag Day is?
While it is not an official federal holiday where banks and schools are closed for observing the commemoration, it is an important day to remember the birth of the nation and how colonists from all walks of life came together to fight for freedom. “When the American Revolution broke out in 1775, the colonists weren’t fighting united under a single flag. Instead, most regiments participating in the war for independence against the British fought under their own flags. In June of 1775, the Second Continental Congress met in Philadelphia to create the Continental Army—a unified colonial fighting force—with the hopes of a more organized battle against its colonial oppressors. This led to the creation of what was, essentially, the first ‘American” flag, the Continental Colors,’” according to www.history.com/news/what-is-flag-day.
The first flag was created in 1877, 100 years after the Continental Congress adopted the flag, according to this news article, What is flag day? Here's when and how to celebrate the summer holiday (usatoday.com), but the United States didn’t have an official standard flag until 1912. Flag Day was established in 1916 with President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation establishing June 14 as the day to commemorate the nation’s flag and President Harry Truman made Flag Day a National Day of Observance in 1949.
Many people honor Flag Day by hanging their flags out and leaving them up through Independence Day on July fourth. This Wednesday, the Gloversville Senior Citizens Center at 53 Church Street will be hosting a Veteran’s Lunch in honor of the holiday. A short program for Flag Day will be held.
Be sure to notice the flags flying around Downtown Gloversville! And if you fly your own, follow the etiquette and rules of flag flying that can be found at www.usa.gov/flag
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