Independence day is just around the corner and what better time to proudly showcase the American Flag. Here are some fun tidbits that you probably didn’t know about our most patriotic symbol of freedom.
Flag Day Facts
• Flag Day has its roots in the June 14th, 1777 adoption of the original thirteen stars and stripes flag by the Second Continental Congress
• Dubbed “Flag Day” in 1914 by President Woodrow Wilson
• Wasn’t a significant holiday until a Congressional declaration by President Truman in 1949.
• This declaration was possible because of a campaign started by school teacher Bernard Cigrand back in 1885. He’s credited by the National Flag Day Foundation for leading the charge.
• All Federal buildings are asked to fly the flag on Flag Day
Fun Facts about the Flag
• Mythology credits Betsy Ross as the first creator of the American Flag
• But Mary Young Pickersgill was the woman who created the 30’ by 42’ flag that Francis Scott Key saw during the War of 1812 at Baltimore’s Fort McHenry that inspired him to write “The Star Spangled Banner”. Her original flag has been on display at the National Museum of American History since 2008.
