June 14 commemorates Flag Day as the date when the United States approves the design of its first national flag.
On June 14, 1777, the Continental Congress approves the first American flag. Created by General George Washington’s instructions, Betsy Ross sews her nation’s inaugural flag with 13 stripes, alternating in red and white, with a blue field behind a constellation of 13 stars.
In 1795, the states of Vermont and Kentucky enter the American Union. The “Star-Bangled” Banner flag contains 15 stars as well as 15 stripes.
The U.S. Congress enacts its final Flag Resolution with the number of stripes finalized at 13. At this time there are 20 stars for the 20 states.
In 1885, Wisconsin schoolteacher, Bernard J. Cigrand, encourages his students to observe June 14 as “Flag Birthday.” He later writes an essay, which is published in a Chicago newspaper, urging Americans to celebrate the flag on June 14.
In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson signs a proclamation designating June 14 as the official date for Flag Day. By now, the flag contains 48 stars for the nation’s 48 states.
In 1948, the U.S. Congress permanently establishes June 14 as Flag Day. President Harry S. Truman signs the legislation. The flag continues to feature 48 stars.
In 1959, with the admission of Alaska and later Hawaii, the updated flag features 50 stars for its 50 states.
Big Sky Buckeye 
Very interesting. This is one holiday I knew very little about, historically speaking. This was an enjoyable read, as well as answering my unspoken question about the flags flying everywhere. I’d forgotten Flag Day, and thought the flags either were left over from Memorial Day and D-Day, or early for July 4!
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Linda, thank you for sharing. Flag Day is probably not as well-known as other patriotic and remembrance dates on the nation’s calendar. I learned a bit from my research.
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Thanks, Pastor Pete, for your excellent historical summary of the United States flag. A celebration, indeed!
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Grant, I appreciate your thoughtful response. I felt an urge to share a lesson about Flag Day, and I even learned a bit as well.
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Grant, I appreciate your thoughtful response. I felt an urge to share a lesson about Flag Day, and I even learned a bit as well.
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I enjoyed reading about the evolution of the flag and seeing how it was modified as more states joined. Thanks! 🙂
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Nancy, thank you for reading and sharing these thoughts. I felt a nudge to offer a lesson about Flag Day. A teacher’s heart never truly fades away.
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Good lesson. Happy Flag Day!
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Barb, thank you for reading. The teacher in me decided to share a lesson about Flag Day. I learned a bit as well.
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