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Flag Day Timeline

Learn about the history of flags in America in this Flag Day Timeline. Flag Day honors and celebrates the US Flag and is an opportunity to learn more about patriotism and how to express allegiance to the flag. This timeline takes you through history to view flags flown in the United States from the Liberty Tree flag to the Betsy Ross flag to the current 50-star flag the country uses today. You can learn more about the reason we honor the US Flag on Flag Day and the history of why Flag Day exists on our blog. Enjoy Flag Day this year!

Flag History

Happy Flag Day | American Flag Day History

Flag Day celebrates the birth of the US flag and much more. How will you honor the stars and stripes this Flag Day? Everyone should have a birthday celebration, even the US flag! This year Friday June 14, 2013 marks the 97th anniversary of President Woodrow Wilson’s 1916 Proclamation that called for the national observance of Flag Day. It was not until President Harry Truman signed an Act of Congress that June 14th became the official date to celebrate Flag Day. The original idea for the holiday was initially thought up by a teacher Bernard J. Cigrand when he assigned his class an essay about the flag. Learn more about his story and why he thought the nation needed a special day to honor the flag! The American flag actually gets a whole week of honor. This year June 9th, 2013 is the official start of National Flag Week. Although, citizens should honor the stars and stripes every day of the year, at 236 years old, the flag definitely deserves a special weeklong celebration. The US flag has gone through many redesigns in its day. The current 50-star flag is almost 53 years old, which is the longest term for … Keep Reading...

Flag History

Rare 1890 American Flag on Display

After finding a unique 1890 American flag, it will be on display for the public in honor of Memorial Day. A rare American flag was recently uncovered, that dates all the way back to the 1890’s. Even though it’s slightly faded and has a few tears, the enormous flag is still a sight to see. The flag measures 12 feet by 26 feet and has 44 stars. Historians can place the flag between July 1891, right after Wyoming entered the Union as the 44th state, and January 1896 when Utah became a state. Barbara Delmolino, a member of the Sheffield Friendly Union Library Association believes the flag is a very unusual find, due to its size and good condition considering its age. She also thinks the flag is made from a cotton and linen combination. The rare flag was actually found a year ago in an old desk drawer, when the Library Association was doing some renovations. For only the second time since its appearance, the flag will be on display in honor of Memorial Day. Viewing will be open to the whole public starting Monday May 27th at 9 am. Nobody is quite sure where the American flag exactly … Keep Reading...

Flag History

Celebrating Memorial Day

Find out the meaning behind celebrating Memorial Day and plenty of fun and patriotic ways to spend the day. Why do we celebrate Memorial Day? This American holiday, always observed the last Monday in May, is meant to honor all the men and women who have given their lives while serving in the United States military. The holiday was originally called Decoration Day and came about a couple years following the Civil War. However, it was not until 1971 that Memorial Day became an official holiday. Flags are also to be displayed at half-staff until noon on Memorial Day. After that, the proper flag etiquette calls for them to be raised to full height. Half-staff flags are an extra way of honoring all our fallen heroes. If you have any more questions regarding displaying flags on Memorial Day, we have more information for you in a previous Memorial Day blog post. How do you plan on celebrating Memorial Day? Here are a few ideas. Some people honor fallen soldiers by visiting cemeteries where loved ones are buried. If you really want to show your respect, try placing a small American flag by the graves of veterans or special grave markers … Keep Reading...

Flag History

The History of Armed Forces Day

Every third Saturday in May, the United States celebrates Armed Forces Day. Learn more about where the tradition comes from and why we celebrate the day. Armed Forces Day is a lesser known holiday around the United States but still a very important day that deserves honor. But, where does the holiday stem from and why do we celebrate it? This year, the holiday falls on May 18th, 2013. Armed Forces Day dates back to 1949 when the secretary of defense Louis Johnson announced its creation. The first official holiday landed on May 20th, 1950. The holiday was meant to replace all the separate military holidays such as Army, Navy, and Air Force Days. The holiday began when all the military branches unified under one department – the Department of Defense. President Harry Truman made an official speech announcing the holiday where he “praised the work of the military services at home and across the seas.” He also established a theme for the first holiday as “Teamed for Defense.” Along with honoring the military and the work they do for our country, Armed Forces Day holds another purpose. The holiday is also meant to be an educational tool for US … Keep Reading...

Flag History

Cinco De Mayo: Celebrate the Mexican Flag and Culture

Cinco de Mayo, a day for everyone to celebrate the Mexican flag, culture, and food! Cinco de Mayo, translated from Spanish for “fifth of May,” is celebrated predominantly in the United States and regionally in Mexico, primarily in Puebla. The main purpose of the holiday is to celebrate Mexican heritage and pride, including their flag. The holiday is also meant to commemorate the victory over France in the Battle of Puebla. The Battle took place on May 5, 1862 during the Franco-Mexican War, when the Mexican army won an unlikely victory over the French forces. The win at the Battle of Puebla was by no means a strategic win over the French; instead, it was a symbolic victory for the Mexican government and strengthened the resistance movement. The Mexican Flag, as it is today was adopted in 1968, and has a tricolor background of red, white and green, with the national coat of arms is displayed in the center of the flag. The current meaning behind the color of the flag is green represents hope, white represents unity, and red represents the blood of heroes. Flag day in Mexico is celebrated on February 24, and is celebrated with civic ceremonies across the … Keep Reading...

Flag History

Philadelphia Celebrates City Flag and Civic Pride

The city of Philadelphia celebrates city flag and honors the civic pride of their community members. On March 27th, the city of Philadelphia celebrated the 118th birthday of the city’s flag – a unifying symbol that the Mayor quotes as something that “sometimes goes unnoticed in our daily lives.” City hall filled as civil leaders and elementary students helped honor their city. Cofounder of the nonprofit group Partners for Civic Pride, Brenda Exon, gave a special presentation on the history of the Philly flag, which shows the city seal on a gold and sky blue background. Exon and her group would love to see March 27th as an official state holiday called Philadelphia Civic Flag Day. A group of fourth graders also performed at the celebratory gathering. The students put on a skit that honored Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Later in the day a large Philadelphia flag was raised high in the sky for everyone to see. The phrase “Philadelphia Maneto” adorns the flag and means “Let brotherly love continue,” which is a mash up of both Greek and Latin. Every year the Philadelphia Maneto Award is given to a citizen who exemplifies that motto. In the center of the … Keep Reading...

Flag History

U.S. Flag Will Soon Fly on Florida Bridge

One man came up with an idea that will soon bring a U.S. flag and others to a popular Florida Bridge. From St. Augustine, Florida, one resident generated an idea for a way to fly the American flag and others on the Bridge of Lions. John D. Long was the man behind the plan and said, “I just want to see the American flag back up. I found a way to fly the flag constitutionally and make everybody happy.” In 2005, a special ruling forced the city to choose between flying all flags or flying no flags. They decided on no flags, which included the U.S. flag. However, Long found a compromise that would allow Old Glory and other groups’ flags to fly from the bridge. His idea was for the American flag to fly across the Florida Bridge of Lions and businesses and groups could apply for permits to fly their flags from designated poles for two week periods. The flag plan isn’t without its controversial issues, but at least this idea puts the city one step closer to raising the stars and stripes once again over their bridge. To help his efforts, Long even started a petition online … Keep Reading...

Flag History

Efforts Underway to Restore a Civil War Flag

The North Carolina History Museum helps raise funds to restore a Civil War flag. A large Civil War re-enactment group made an incredible find they hope to preserve for generations to come. They came across a North Carolina state flag that flew during the Battle of New Bern in 1862 and now hope to restore the old artifact. The flag is originally of the 33rd Regiment North Carolina Troops and was eventually captured by the Union army on March 14th during the New Bern battle. Now, The Society for the Historical Preservation of the 26th Regiment and North Carolina Museum of History in Raleigh work to save the precious Civil War flag. The total cost to restore such an old flag reaches nearly $8,000. During the infamous Battle of New Bern, the 33rd Regiment suffered they greatest hit with 28 wounded men and 32 killed. Their flag was captured and 100 men were also taken prisoner. In an official after-battle action report, Lt. Col. William S. Clark wrote about how the men fought most gallantly and kept up fire for three hours non-stop. Chief curator Joe Porter said, “We have a very significant and large Civil War flag collection and … Keep Reading...

Flag History

Medal of Honor Recipient Safeguarded American Flag

The first African-American to win the Medal of Honor Safeguarded the American Flag and protected his country. For over 200 years, the U.S. flag has stood for American courage and patriotism. Those that serve in the military hold the stars and stripes in very high reverence. In 1863 Army Sgt. William H. Carney risked his life to safeguard the symbol of American pride, which earned him the distinction of being the first ever African-American to be awarded the prestigious Medal of Honor. Born in Norfolk, Virginia on February 29, 1840 (Leap Day!), he grew up an ambitious and eager learner. On March 4, 1863 he joined an infantry regiment in Massachusetts to fight in the Civil War. Carney went above any beyond the call of duty at Fort Wagner, which is where he earned the military’s highest honor. At that battle, Carney seized the American flag from enemy forces after being wounded in the leg and arm. Even after being rescued, the hero refused to give up the flag he fought so hard to protect. For his bravery and dedication, William H. Carney was awarded the Medal of Honor on May 23, 1900, becoming the first African-American ever to receive … Keep Reading...

Flag History

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