I hope you have a flag somewhere. One that you can hang out in front of your home, or, perhaps place in your window. Maybe you have one of those table top stands that make for setting a flag on your kitchen or dining room table or even your desk at work. Why? Because June 14 is FLAG DAY!
“So”, you ask. “Just where did this special day come from?” Well now, please allow me to divulge. 🙂
President Woodrow Wilson, back in 1916, issued a proclamation that officially established June 14 as Flag Day. But it wasn’t until August 1949 that National Flag Day was established by an Act of Congress.
Flag Day is not an official federal holiday. But, the great Keystone State, Pennsylvania, became the first (and only) U.S. state to celebrate Flag Day as a state holiday. For you infomaniacs, you can find the offical statute in Title 36 of the United States Code, Subtitle I, Part A, CHAPTER 1, § 110.
But, know this: it is at the President’s discretion to proclaim officially the observance. So be in watch…
Flag Day used to actually include Parades and Festivities. One of the longest-running Flag Day parades is actually held annually in Quincy, Massachusetts (home of President John Adams and Abigail). Quincy celebrations began in 1952.
Appleton Wisconsin’s Flag Day Parade will (celebrating their 60th this year) will feature the U.S. Navy.
The largest Flag Day ? Well, it’s held annually in Troy, New York, and patterns itself after the Quincy parade drawing up to 50,000 spectators!
The oldest continuing Flag Day parade? Fairfield, WA. Since 1909 or 1910, Fairfield has held a parade every year since and will celebrate the “Centennial” parade this year!
[For more research click here]
and Click here.
So there you have it. Wave your colors today. Wear them proud.
Just my thoughts.
S.
