From the NFRW Armed Services Committee

So, what is Flag Day? It all started with a resolution passed by the Continental Congress in 1777 which called for an official American flag.

It took three presidents to get Flag Day on the government's radar—President Woodrow Wilson issued a formal proclamation for Flag Day in 1916 and President Calvin Coolidge did the same in 1927. But in 1949, Congress finally approved and President Harry Truman signed the national observance of Flag Day on June 14th into law.

Flag Day, celebrated on June 14th every year, is the celebration and recognition of the stars and stripes.  Even though we observe Flag Day on June 14th, it is not an official federal holiday—it was excluded from the 1968 Uniform Holiday Act, which established the federal holidays celebrated today.  However, it is a State holiday in Pennsylvania and New York.

In 1916, the anniversary of the Flag Resolution of 1777, Flag Day became a nationally observed event by a proclamation by President Woodrow Wilson. However, it was not designated as National Flag Day until August 3rd, 1949, when an Act of Congress designated June 14th of each year as National Flag Day. 

Today, Flag Day is celebrated with parades, essay contests, ceremonies, and picnics sponsored by veterans groups, schools, and groups like the National Flag Day Foundation which aim to preserve the traditions, history, pride, and respect that are due the nation's symbol, Old Glory.