Thursday, October 1, 2026
When you hear the date June 14, does that mean anything to you? To many people, it’s just another day on the calendar — but to others, it’s a day that represents freedom and a day that Americans should remember their loyalty to our nation. It’s Flag Day.
Congress adopted the Stars and Stripes as the official national symbol and flag of the United States of America on June 14, 1777. The original American flag was comprised of thirteen stripes, alternating in red and white, and thirteen white stars arranged in a circle on a field of blue, representing a new constellation. The thirteen stars and stripes stood for the original thirteen colonies to join the union. Today, the flag consists of thirteen horizontal stripes, seven red alternating with six white — however, there are now fifty stars in the field of blue representing the fifty states of America.
The colors of the American flag also have special meaning. The Red stripes symbolize Hardiness and Valor, the White stripes symbolize Purity and Innocence, and the Blue represents Vigilance, Perseverance and Justice.
On May 30, 1916 President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation calling for a nationwide observance of Flag Day. In 1949 President Truman signed an Act of Congress designating June 14 as National Flag Day. Flag Day is a nationwide observance where people across the United States display the American flag and reflect on the foundations of our nation’s freedom.
I am a member of Boy Scout Troop 121 in East Rockaway, and as part of my Eagle Scout Service Project I would like to encourage everyone to display an American flag at their residence to show support for our country and veterans.
I would also like to bring your attention to the United States Flag Code in which federal law stipulates many aspects of flag etiquette. It is as follows:
• The flag should be lighted at all times, either by sunlight or by an appropriate light source.
• The flag should be flown in fair weather, unless the flag is designated for inclement weather use.
• The flag should never be dipped to any person or thing. Never let it touch anything beneath it, neither the ground nor the floor.
• The flag should be cleaned and mended when necessary.
