Flag Day, 2012

Flag Day, 2012

On June 14, many citizens, government and private organizations, along with cities and towns across America will observe Flag Day. The origins of Flag Day can be traced back to George Morris of Hartford, Conn., who in 1861, suggested that the city celebrate the June 14, 1777 adoption of the American flag. Citizens carried out a program of patriotic order, praying for the success of the Federal arms and preservation of the Union. Yes, Flag Day has Yankee roots.

In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation that officially established June 14 as Flag Day, and in 1949 President Harry S. Truman signed a bill through an Act of Congress formally establishing the observance.

FYI: The U.S. Army celebrates its birthday on June 14 (Happy 237th Birthday!).

In 1937, Pennsylvania became the first state to celebrate Flag Day as a state holiday. To this day, it has been the only state to declare the day a state holiday. Flag Day is not a national holiday.

Quincy, Mass., will be celebrating its 61st Flag Day parade this year. One of the longest running parades in the country, it draws 50,000 people.


The oldest continuing Flag Day parade is held in Fairfield, Washington.