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Flag Day, Veterans, National Anthem

Flag Day was always a favorite for my Dad and one that we take time to remember at the Farmers’ Almanac.  Recently, a University of Maine/ Farmington  student placed US  flags on the floor of a student center. It created quite a stir as some people walked over the flags and others around them. It caught the attention of veterans and the media. It was an ugly scene for several days.

There were few public ceremonies honoring the American flag until June 14, 1877 when it was flown from every government building for the centennial of the flag’s adoption. After that,many citizens and organizations advocated for a national day to recognize the flag. In 1916 President Woodrow Wilson unofficially proclaimed June 14 as Flag Day. He also proclaimed the “Star Spangled Banner” as the national anthem that same year. Nonetheless, Congress did not designate the song as the national anthem until 1931 and only in 1949 did President Harry Truman sign the legislation that made June 14 of each year - Flag Day.

June 14th is designated as a “day of national observance for all Americans”, but it is not a federal holiday. In 1937, Pennsylvania became the first (and only) state to celebrate Flag Day as a state holiday. Since then, the President proclaims the commemoration each year and encourages all Americans to display the flag outside their homes and businesses. For many, this is a special day because of the symbolism the American Flag has for so many of us.