I was thinking about…
Flag Day
By Andy Lee
Flag Day, an annual observance celebrated on June 14th, holds a special place in my heart. You see, my birthday happens to fall on this very day. As a little boy, I used to believe that the flags displayed throughout my hometown were being flown specifically for me. Although my childhood imagination may have been running wild, it truly emphasized the personal connection I felt towards the American flag and the pride it instilled in me.
Flag Day carries a significance that extends far beyond my childhood whims. Its origins can be traced back to June 14, 1777, when the Second Continental Congress adopted the design of the national flag similar to what we know today – adorned with stars and stripes – as a symbol representing our young nation. This historic day is often regarded as the official birth of the American flag.
However, Flag Day didn’t gain widespread recognition as a holiday until later. It wasn’t until May 30, 1916, that President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation establishing Flag Day as an annual commemoration. And in 1949, an Act of Congress signed by President Harry S. Truman officially designated June 14th as National Flag Day.
Flag Day serves as a celebration of the flag’s symbolism and the principles it represents. The American flag is more than just a piece of cloth; it stands as a powerful symbol embodying the ideals of liberty, justice, and democracy. It encapsulates the shared history, sacrifices, and aspirations of the American people.
On this special day, Americans are encouraged to display the flag proudly. While Flag Day is not a federal holiday, meaning most Americans don’t get the day off work, it remains an important observance that resonates deeply with individuals and communities throughout the nation. By honoring the flag and understanding its significance, we come together to reaffirm our commitment to the principles that have shaped our great nation.
it’s important to acknowledge that my childhood belief that the flags were flown in honor of my birthday was indeed a product of youthful imagination. However, it does highlight the personal connection and pride that many individuals, including myself, feel towards the American flag and the profound significance it holds in our lives.
Keep your curiosity alive and continue to explore the hidden gems that await your discovery. Remember, history is not just a collection of facts. It’s a tapestry of human stories, triumphs, and challenges that connect us to our past and shape our future. So, keep thinking, keep questioning, and keep discovering. Together, let’s unravel the mysteries of our world, one story at a time.
“I was thinking about…” – where curiosity meets history.
I was thinking about... 