HUNTSVILLE — “You’re a grand old flag, You’re a high-flying flag …”
It’s the subject of songs and, of course, the National Anthem.
We pledge allegiance to it but an official national recognition of Old Glory, i.e., Flag Day – today, is only 75 years old.
While the first celebration of the American flag was held in 1877, on the 100th anniversary of the Flag Resolution of 1777, President Woodrow Wilson decreed June 14 as Flag Day in 1916.
However, it was not designated as National Flag Day until Aug. 3, 1949, when an Act of Congress set June 14 of each year as National Flag Day.
The Stars and Stripes were created before the nation was established. The flag originated through a resolution by the Marine Committee of the Second Continental Congress at Philadelphia on June 14, 1777.
The resolution read, “Resolved, that the flag of the United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field representing a new constellation.”
According to history.com, Bernard Cigrand, a small-town Wisconsin teacher, originated the idea for an annual flag day in 1885, to be celebrated across the country every June 14.
That year, he led his school in the first formal observance of the holiday. Cigrand, now known as the Father of Flag Day, continued to promote his concept and advocate respect for the flag throughout his life.
Today, Americans will be proudly waving the Stars and Stripes at events, ceremonies and Armed Forces celebrations.
“Keep your eye on the grand old flag.”
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