CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – Flag Day is the annual celebration of the Stars and Stripes. Set on June 14, Flag Day marks the anniversary of the Flag Resolution of 1777, in which the flag was officially ratified by the second Continental Congress of the United States. Not sure why we celebrate Flag Day? Here are five fun facts you should know about Flag Day, so you can be the trivia master.
1. The first person to formally celebrate Flag Day was BJ Cigrand.
A Wisconsin school teacher, Cigrand organized an event for his students celebrating the 100th anniversary of the 1777 Flag Act on June 14, 1877.
2. The holiday was nationally observed by President Woodrow Wilson in 1916 and later designated as a national holiday by an act of Congress in 1949.
3. One of the largest parades in the country celebrating Flag Day is in Waubeka, Wisconsin.
It is hosted by The National Flag Day Association of Waubeka. Parades and ceremonies are held around the country, often with speakers and performances of “The Star Spangled Banner”.
4. This day is often used to retire old flags honorably.
Organizations such as the VFW, The American Legion, scouting groups and the Marine Corps League host flag retirement ceremonies. Citizens may bring damaged flags to be properly and respectfully retired from service. Clarksville-Montgomery County hosts a flag retirement each year.
5. The President of the United States will typically issue a proclamation on June 14 to honor the day.
President Donald Trump, whose birthday is June 14, proclaimed the week of June 14 Flag Week in 2017.