National Flag Day is observed in the United States on June 14, a patriotic day honoring the American flag and the anniversary of its official adoption. It is a moment to reflect on the history, symbolism and etiquette surrounding the Stars and Stripes.
When is National Flag Day?
National Flag Day falls on June 14. It is a fixed date, landing on the same calendar day every year. In 2026 it falls on a Sunday. The date was chosen deliberately to mark a specific anniversary rather than for seasonal reasons, tying the celebration directly to a founding moment in American history.
History and origin of National Flag Day
National Flag Day has one of the best-documented origins of any American observance. The date commemorates June 14, 1777, when the Second Continental Congress, through its Marine Committee in Philadelphia, adopted a resolution establishing the design of the national flag. The first widely noted national observance came on June 14, 1877, the flag resolution’s 100th anniversary.
In the late 19th century, schoolteachers across the country began holding patriotic ceremonies to teach children about the flag. One of them, Bernard J. Cigrand, became so associated with the cause that he is often called the “Father of Flag Day.” The movement gained federal recognition when President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation in 1916 designating June 14 as Flag Day. It became firmly established in 1949, when an Act of Congress, signed by President Harry S. Truman, formally designated June 14 as National Flag Day.
Why National Flag Day matters
The flag is one of the most recognizable symbols of the United States, representing its history, ideals and people. National Flag Day sets aside time to consider what that symbol means and to honor the events and values it represents.
The day also serves an educational purpose. It is a natural occasion to teach flag history and proper flag etiquette, from how to display the flag correctly to how to fold and care for it. That focus on respect and understanding is central to the observance.
Flag Day also connects Americans to a longer story of national identity. The flag has changed many times since 1777, gaining a star with each new state while keeping its 13 stripes as a permanent tribute to the original colonies. Tracing that evolution offers a window into the country’s growth and history. For veterans, service members and civic organizations, the day is often marked with formal ceremonies, including dignified retirement of worn flags, that reinforce the care and respect the flag is meant to command. In that sense, National Flag Day is less about celebration for its own sake and more about reflection on shared history and civic values.
How to celebrate National Flag Day
- Display the U.S. flag at your home or workplace following proper etiquette.
- Attend a local Flag Day ceremony or parade.
- Recite the Pledge of Allegiance with family or a group.
- Learn the rules of flag etiquette, including how to fold and store a flag.
- Teach children about the flag’s history and the meaning of its stars and stripes.
- Retire a worn or damaged flag respectfully through a proper ceremony.
- Read about the events of June 14, 1777, and the flag’s evolution.
Related days and observances
National Flag Day connects with other patriotic observances, including Independence Day, Memorial Day, Veterans Day and Constitution Day. National Bourbon Day, which shares the June 14 date, is a lighter observance on the same day.
By the numbers
The current 50-star flag has been in use since 1960, following Hawaii’s admission as a state, making it the longest-serving version of the American flag. The flag has been redesigned many times as new states joined the union, with the number of stars changing while the 13 stripes have honored the original colonies throughout. Pennsylvania is notable for observing Flag Day as an official state holiday, unlike the rest of the country where it is marked but not a day off. The week surrounding June 14 is also recognized as National Flag Week, during which the president typically urges Americans to display the flag, extending the observance beyond a single day and reinforcing its message of shared national heritage.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is National Flag Day?
National Flag Day is observed on June 14 every year in the United States. It is a fixed date and does not move around the calendar.
Who started National Flag Day?
Schoolteacher Bernard J. Cigrand is often called the Father of Flag Day for promoting it. President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed June 14 as Flag Day in 1916, and Congress established it by law in 1949.
Why do we celebrate National Flag Day?
The day commemorates the adoption of the Stars and Stripes as the national flag by the Continental Congress on June 14, 1777.
How do you celebrate National Flag Day?
People display the U.S. flag, attend or hold flag ceremonies, recite the Pledge of Allegiance and learn about flag history and etiquette.
Is National Flag Day a public holiday?
Flag Day is observed nationally but is not a federal public holiday, so most businesses and schools remain open. Pennsylvania observes it as a state holiday.
What is the hashtag for National Flag Day?
Common hashtags include #FlagDay and #NationalFlagDay, often used with #StarsAndStripes.