Flag Day

Flag Day is celebrated on June 14 in the United States. On this day in 1777, the country chose its first official flag. The holiday honors the stars and stripes that represent America. It is a day to show respect for the flag and what it stands for.

The Story of the Flag

The first American flag had 13 stars and 13 stripes for the 13 original colonies. As new states joined the country, more stars were added. Today the flag has 50 stars, one for each state. The red stands for bravery, white stands for purity, and blue stands for justice.

How People Celebrate

On Flag Day, many people fly the American flag outside their homes. Some towns hold parades and ceremonies. Schools teach students about the history of the flag. In some places, old and worn flags are retired in a special ceremony. Flag Day is not a federal holiday, so most people still go to work and school.

Fun Facts

• Betsy Ross is often said to have sewn the first American flag, but historians are not completely sure.
• There have been 27 different versions of the American flag since 1777.
• The current 50-star flag was designed by a 17-year-old high school student named Robert Heft.

Did You Know?

President Woodrow Wilson declared June 14 as Flag Day in 1916, but it did not become official until 1949.