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“You’re a grand old flag, you’re a high-flying flag. And forever in peace may you wave. You’re the emblem of the land I love. The home of the free and the brave.”
~ You’re a Grand Old Flag
by George M. Cohan
As we approach Flag Day on June 14th, we should all take the time to reflect on the words written by George M. Cohan above. In honor of the holiday, we’ve put together a list of interesting facts about our “Grand Old Flag.” Let’s celebrate the red, white and blue! Happy Flag Day!
1) The 50 white stars on the flag represent the 50 states of America and the 13 stripes represent the 13 original colonies.
2) Betsy Ross is recognized for sewing the first American flag (although there is no historical evidence to support this claim).
3) The Flag is nicknamed “Old Glory.”
4) The red, white, and blue colors on the flag are referred to as “Old Glory Red”, “Old Glory Blue” and white. Red stands for hardiness and valor. White represents purity and innocence. Blue symbolizes vigilance, perseverance and justice.
5) In 1885, Wisconsin school teacher, BJ Cignard organized a group of school children to observe June 14th as the Flag’s Birthday.
6) In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation establishing June 14th as Flag Day. In 1949, President Truman signed an Act of Congress, officially designating the 14th of June as National Flag Day. The day commemorates the anniversary of the original adoption of the Stars and Stripes on June 14, 1777.
7) Flag Day is not recognized as a Federal Holiday but Americans continue to honor the history and heritage every year on June 14th. Pennsylvania is the only state to recognize Flag Day as a legal holiday.
8) The flag is normally flown from sunrise to sunset. If a flag is displayed at night it should be illuminated.
9) The military folds the flag with 13 folds, each having a symbolic meaning.
10) Old Glory shares its birthday with the U.S. Army.
Sources: PBS.org, military.com, Wikipedia
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