Have you ever wondered why people and businesses fly the American flag on June 14th every year? In the United States, Flag Day is celebrated on June 14, commemorating the adoption of the flag of the United States on June 14, 1777 by the Second Continental Congress. According to American legend, in June 1776, George Washington commissioned Betsy Ross, a Philadelphia seamstress, to create a flag for the new nation in anticipation of a declaration of its independence. The American flag is the third oldest National Standard in the entire world, older even than the British or French flags. But even though the American flag was officially adopted back in 1777, and President Woodrow Wilson issued a Presidential Proclamation in 1916 establishing June 14th as Flag Day, the national holiday honoring our flag wasn’t official until August 3, 1949, when President Harry Truman signed an Act of Congress permanently designating June 14th of every year as National Flag Day. Flag Day is also the day that the United States Army celebrates its birthday.
Perhaps you’re curious how the colors of red, white, and blue were chosen for our flag. Each color carries with it a specific meaning; red symbolizes hardiness, valor, zeal, and fervency. White symbolizes hope, purity, and innocence. Blue stands for reverence for God, sincerity, vigilance, loyalty, perseverance, justice, and truth. There are rules for how to display the flag, and how it should be handled. For instance, did you know that the flag is not supposed to be flown in inclement weather or at night unless for a special occasion, and then it must be well lit? The Union (blue field) should always be to the observer’s left, and the flag is not supposed to touch anything on the ground.
The flag has undergone a lot of design changes over its history since Betsy Ross first stitched the red, white, and blue for George Washington. In 1960, when Hawaii became the last state to join the union, more than 1,500 designs were submitted to President Dwight D Eisenhower for consideration. The winning design, which remains the current version, was chosen and flown for the first time at Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine in Maryland, on Independence Day, July 4, 1960. It was the valiant defense of the fort during the Battle of Baltimore on September 13 and 14, 1814, which inspired Francis Scott Key to write “The Star-Spangled Banner,” our national anthem.
Today, Americans all over the country celebrate Flag Day with parades, the largest of which takes place in Troy, New York, attracting over 50,000 spectators every year. The week of June 14th is designated as National Flag Week, and citizens are encouraged to display the flag at home.
Current Catalog is proud to offer several decorative items for your home which feature the American Flag. We know our customers like to display affection for our flag, and your patriotism is an inspiration to us. Choose from pillows and blankets to wreaths, table runners, outdoor decorations for your home and yard, table décor, and decorative wall items. Whether it’s Memorial Day, National Flag Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, or every day, we invite you to shop our patriotic décor and choose the items that inspire you to show your love for our great country.
