June 14 - Flag Day in the USA!
On June 14, 1777, the first official flag, also known as the Stars and Stripes or Old Glory, was approved by the Continental Congress. But it was over 100 years later before the first official Flag Day was declared. The idea began in 1889 with a school teacher named BJ Cigrand in Wisconsin who arranged for the pupils in the Fredonia Public School to observe June 14 as 'Flag Birthday'. In numerous magazines and newspaper articles and public addresses over the following years, Cigrand continued to enthusiastically advocate the observance of June 14 as 'Flag Birthday', or 'Flag Day'
With BJ Cigrand and Leroy Van Horn as the moving spirits, the American Flag Day Association, was organized for the purpose of promoting the holding of Flag Day exercises. On June 14th, 1894, the first general public school children's celebration of Flag Day in Chicago was held in Douglas, Garfield, Humboldt, Lincoln, and Washington Parks, with more than 300,000 children participating.
Inspired by these three decades of state and local celebrations, Flag Day - the anniversary of the Flag Resolution of 1777 - was officially established by the Proclamation of President Woodrow Wilson on May 30th, 1916. While Flag Day was celebrated in various communities for years after Wilson's proclamation, it was not until August 3rd, 1949, that President Truman signed an Act of Congress designating June 14th of each year as National Flag Day.
So Here's to National Flag Day today!
With BJ Cigrand and Leroy Van Horn as the moving spirits, the American Flag Day Association, was organized for the purpose of promoting the holding of Flag Day exercises. On June 14th, 1894, the first general public school children's celebration of Flag Day in Chicago was held in Douglas, Garfield, Humboldt, Lincoln, and Washington Parks, with more than 300,000 children participating.
Inspired by these three decades of state and local celebrations, Flag Day - the anniversary of the Flag Resolution of 1777 - was officially established by the Proclamation of President Woodrow Wilson on May 30th, 1916. While Flag Day was celebrated in various communities for years after Wilson's proclamation, it was not until August 3rd, 1949, that President Truman signed an Act of Congress designating June 14th of each year as National Flag Day.
So Here's to National Flag Day today!
For my card I used one of Close To My Heart's exclusive stamp set - Home of the Brave (D1576)
This stamp is available ONLY during the months of June and July. When you purchase this stamp for $17.95, $5 will will be donated to the USO, the leading, most recognized military-support and services organization in the United States
Comments
Post a Comment