US Flag Day 2024 – June 14, 2024

History
Timeline
FAQs
Observe
Fact
Importance
Dates

U.S. Flag Day is celebrated on June 14, and we are here to show you how you can celebrate the day in the best way possible. Did you know that it has been 245 years since the U.S. flag was adopted in the resolution of the Second Continental Congress? U.S. Flag Day is not a federal holiday. However, the U.S. celebrates the day with parades that draw thousands of spectators from all over the U.S. and also different countries around the world. Americans display their country’s flag in front of their homes to celebrate this day.

History of US Flag Day

In 1774, the First Continental Congress was called due to the growing tension between the British administration and the U.S. The Second Continental Congress was called in 1775 after the aggression in Massachusetts. The Olive Branch Petition was sent to King George the third as a final attempt to prevent a war. George Washington was appointed as the head of the Continental Army. In 1776, the Declaration of Independence was drafted by Thomas Jefferson and his fellow Congress committee members. Then, on June 14, 1777, the Flag Act was enacted by the Second Continental Congress. This day began to be celebrated as Flag Day in the U.S. Other Flag Acts followed in the next few years (1794, 1818) which brought changes in the design of the flag.The earliest known observance of Flag Day is credited to George Morris in 1864. The first well-known observance of Flag Day was in 1885 when dentist Bernard J.Cigrand organized a formal observance of Flag Day at Stony Hill School in Waubeka, Wisconsin. To honor him for spreading the awareness of the importance of Flag Day, Bernard J. Cigrand was given the title “Father of Flag Day.” In 1942, President Franklin D. Roosevelt held United Flag Day to strengthen ties between the Allied forces. The second week of June is regarded as National Flag Week.

US Flag Day timeline

1774

The First Continental Congress

The First Continental Congress is called after clashes between the British administration and the U.S.

1776

George Washington Heads the Army

George Washington becomes the head of the Continental Army and the Declaration of Independence is drafted.

1777

The Flag Act is Passed

The First Flag Act is passed by the Second Continental Congress on June 14, 1777.

1864

The First Observance

The first formal observance of Flag Day is held at Stony Hill School by Bernard J. Cigrand.

US Flag Day FAQs

Which states celebrate Flag Day?

Flag Day is celebrated nationwide. However, it is only Pennsylvania that recognizes it as a legal holiday.

What is the penalty for violating the flag code?

Depending on the seriousness of the violation, the penalty is a fine of $1,000, imprisonment, or both.

Can the U.S. flag be flown at night without a light?

According to the Flag Act, it is illegal to fly the U.S. Flag at night without adequate light.

How to Observe US Flag Day

Hoist the Old Glory

Today is the day to let out your patriotic side. Hoist the national flag and let it flutter in its full glory. You can also decorate your vehicles by painting the U.S. flag on them or wrapping them with the flag itself.
Share it on social media

Let everyone know the importance of this day. Take pictures of yourself celebrating Flag Day and share them on social media.
Learn more about history

Learn more about the history of the U.S. — not just the Flag Acts, but also the story of independence, the American Civil War, and other important historic events.

5 Intriguing Facts About The U.S. Flag

Colors have meaning

The Red in the flag means valor, white symbolizes purity, and blue represents justice.
There were different versions

From 1777 to the present there have been 27 versions of the flag.
The present design was not professional

The current U.S. flag was designed by a 17-year-old for a contest.
There are many myths

It is a myth that if a flag touches the ground it cannot be used.
It has been to the moon

After Neil Armstrong planted the U.S. flag on the moon, it has been done another four times during the Apollo missions.

Why US Flag Day is Important

It gives us a chance to be patriotic

This day gives us an opportunity to bring out our patriotic side. The national flag unites a country. It is a day to celebrate the U.S. and its citizens.
It provides a learning opportunity for our children

This day is the perfect opportunity to teach our kids and the younger generation about the history of the U.S. and the flag. So get your history books ready and get teaching.
We get to expand our knowledge

This is a day of learning and sharing knowledge. It is a day to explore the history of the land, its forefathers, and the many interesting stories associated with it.