Flag Day

Flag Day is June 14 and is also the birthday of the U. S. Army

The Betsy Ross House, Philadelphia

The week of June 14 (June 11–17, 2017; June 10–16, 2018; June 09–15, 2019) is designated as “National Flag Week.” During National Flag Week, the president will issue a proclamation urging U.S. citizens to fly the American flag for the duration of that week. The flag should also be displayed on all government buildings. Some organizations, such as the town of Dedham, Massachusetts, hold parades and events in celebration of America’s national flag and everything it represents.

The National Flag Day Foundation holds an annual observance for Flag Day on the second Sunday in June (June 11, 2017; June 10, 2018; June 09, 2019). The program includes a ceremonial raising of the national flag, the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance, the singing of the national anthem, a parade and other events.[1]

The Star-Spangled Banner Flag House in BaltimoreMaryland birthplace of the flag that a year later inspired Francis Scott Key (1779–1843), to pen his famous poem, has celebrated Flag Day since the inception of a museum in the home of flag-banner-pennant maker Mary Pickersgill on the historic property in 1927. The annual celebrations on Flag Day and also Defenders Day (September 12, since 1814) commemorates the Star-Spangled Banner and its creator Mary Pickersgill, for the huge emblem that flew over Fort McHenry guarding Baltimore harbor during the British Royal Navy‘s three days attack in the Battle of Baltimore during the War of 1812 (1812–1815).

The Betsy Ross House, home of legendary Betsy Ross has long been the site of Philadelphia‘s observance of Flag Day.[1]

Coincidentally, June 14 is also the date for the annual anniversary of the “Bear Flag Revolt.” in California. On June 14, 1846, 33 American settlers and mountain men arrested the Mexican general in command at Sonoma, and declared the “Bear Flag Republic” on the Pacific Ocean coast as an independent nation. A flag emblazoned with a bear, a red stripe, a star and the words “California Republic” was raised to symbolize independence from Mexico of the former province of Alta California. The Bear Flag was adopted as California’s state flag upon joining the Union aa the 31st state in 1850, after being annexed by the United States following the Mexican–American War of 1846–1849.[20] Prominently flying both the U.S.A. and state flags on June 14 is a tradition for some Californians.[21]

On June 14, 2017, President Donald Trump, who was coincidentally born on Flag Day 1946, proclaimed Flag Day and Flag Week.[22][23]

June 1775 brought the birth of the U.S. Army. On June 10, 1775,

 in the aftermath of Lexington and Concord, John Adams urged the Continental Congress to form a Continental Army to take charge of colonial militia facing the British at Boston. On June 14, 1775 (considered the U.S. Army’s official birthday), Congress passed a resolution “that six companies of expert riflemen be immediately raised in Pennsylvania, two in Maryland, and two in Virginia,” and that they “shall march and join the army near Boston.” The next day, June 15, Congress made George Washington commander in chief of the new force. The Army is the oldest of the five major branches of the U.S. Armed Forces (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard).

The U.S. Army flag, adopted in 1956, is a white flag bearing a blue design that dates to the Revolutionary War. A Roman breastplate (symbol of strength and defense) stands at the center. A sword rises out of the neck opening, and on its point rests a Phrygian cap (symbol of liberty). A drum, musket, bayonet, cannon, cannonballs, flags, and other army implements surround the breastplate. Above, a rattlesnake holds a scroll with the motto This We’ll Defend. Below, a red scroll reads “United States Army.” And at the bottom, the date 1775 signifies the year the Army was created.