National Flag Day takes place every year on June 14 to honor the American flag. The day marks June 14, 1777, when the Second Continental Congress adopted the Stars and Stripes as the national symbol. Across the United States, people fly flags at home, watch local parades, and join community events. It is a time to reflect on American history, democracy, and freedom.

What is National Flag Day?

National Flag Day is an annual event held on June 14 across the United States. It celebrates the choice of the Stars and Stripes as the symbol of the country. Businesses, post offices, and city halls stay open, but people fly flags outside homes and public buildings.

The President asks all Americans to fly the flag during the full week of June 14, called National Flag Week. Bright red, white, and blue banners hang on main streets, public halls, and neighborhood homes all week long.

Unlike Independence Day on July 4, Flag Day focuses on the flag itself. It encourages people of all ages to learn flag history, practice proper flag care, and remember what the flag means.

Local clubs, veteran posts, and youth groups host public flag raisings on June 14. These gatherings give town members a chance to meet neighbors and celebrate shared history together.

How National Flag Day began

The story of the national flag began on June 14, 1777. The Second Continental Congress met in Philadelphia and passed the Flag Resolution. Leaders specified that the flag would have thirteen red and white stripes and thirteen white stars on a blue field.

Early legend said General George Washington asked seamstress Betsy Ross to sew the first flag in Philadelphia. However, records show that delegate Francis Hopkinson designed the star pattern. The Betsy Ross story grew popular much later.

Efforts for an official day began a century later. In 1885, Bernard J. Cigrand, a schoolteacher in Waubeka, Wisconsin, held a flag day with his students. He spent forty years writing papers and giving public talks to build support for Flag Day.

Towns across the country began holding their own Flag Birthday events each June. Public interest grew as schools, veteran groups, and civic clubs joined the push to honor the flag.

President Woodrow Wilson issued an official notice in 1916 to set Flag Day on June 14. Decades later, President Harry S. Truman signed an Act of Congress (63 Stat. 492) in 1949, making National Flag Day official law.

Philadelphia events and nationwide traditions

Philadelphia plays a key role in Flag Day events as the birthplace of the flag. The city hosts weeklong events, music shows, and history tours for guests from everywhere.

Historic sites across Philadelphia welcome big crowds on June 14. Visitors tour the Betsy Ross House, visit Christ Church Cemetery, and gather at Independence Hall to hear speeches, see flag displays, and watch live shows.

Annual events in Philadelphia include skydiving shows, town parades, and flag raising ceremonies. Local parks fill with family events where children learn early American history through fun games.

Across the country, towns mark the day with color guards, street parades, and youth flag drills. Many people gather at local halls to say the Pledge of Allegiance with hand over heart.

Proper flag care and display rules

Displaying the flag comes with clear rules set by federal law in the United States Flag Code. The code outlines respectful ways to raise, lower, place, and store the flag at home or work.

When flying the flag outside, raise it fast at sunrise and lower it slowly at sunset. If you leave the flag flying outside at night, shine a clear light on it so it stays visible in the dark.

Place the flag so the blue star field stays on the top left when viewing the flag flat against a wall or window. Never fly the flag upside down except as a signal of deep trouble.

Never let the flag touch the ground, floor, or water below it. When a flag becomes worn or faded beyond repair, retire it with care. Local veteran groups often hold formal flag burning ceremonies to dispose of old flags properly.

Why National Flag Day matters today

National Flag Day reminds people of American history and shared values. The flag stands as a lasting symbol of freedom, hope, and strength through hard times.

The day also honors veterans, service members, and first responders. Flying the flag shows thanks for those who serve to protect the country and keep communities safe.

Celebrating Flag Day brings neighbors, families, and friends together under one banner. It helps young people learn civic duty and take pride in their local town.

Taking time to mark Flag Day encourages quiet thought on national progress. It invites all people to work together toward a strong and united nation.

National Flag Day Dates

This year National Flag Day is celebrated on Sunday, Jun 14, 2026

Year	Date	Day
2026	Jun 14	Sunday
2027	Jun 14	Monday
2028	Jun 14	Wednesday
2029	Jun 14	Thursday
2030	Jun 14	Friday
2031	Jun 14	Saturday

How to mark National Flag Day

You can celebrate National Flag Day with simple activities at home or in your local town.