In the United States June 14th is celebrated as Flag Day. While Independence Day on July 4th marks the “Birthday of America,” Flag Day commemorates the adoption of the American Flag by the Second Continental Congress on this day in 1777. The idea of devoting a day for the flag was lead by Bernard J. Cigrand, a Wisconsin schoolteacher who in 1885 encouraged his Stony Hill Students to celebrate the day by reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, giving patriotic speeches and ceremoniously raising the flag together. In 1916 President Woodrow Wilson officially established June 14th as Flag Day. Although the 14th is not a federal holiday, many American’s celebrate by raising flags on their homes and government buildings.
One of the best-known Flag Day parades, which began in 1952 and is now celebrating its 61st year, is held annually in Quincy. This year’s celebrations will take place on Saturday, June 16th with a 7 p.m parade and fireworks at 9:15 p.m. More information about the Quincy parade, which draws up to 50,000 spectators, can be found here.
Celebrate in Quincy, raise a flag in your home, or share this story with your visitor to help commemorate this important day in American history!
source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flag_Day_(United_States)
