When did Flag Day become a national holiday? This question is often asked by those interested in American history and its patriotic traditions. Flag Day, celebrated annually on June 14th, holds a significant place in the hearts of many Americans. To understand the journey of this holiday’s establishment, it is essential to delve into its origins and the efforts of those who fought for its recognition.

Flag Day has its roots in the early 20th century. The idea of celebrating the flag’s birthday gained traction after the American Flag Code was established in 1916. This code outlined the proper ways to display, handle, and respect the American flag. However, it wasn’t until 1949 that Flag Day was officially designated as a national holiday.

The story of Flag Day’s journey to becoming a national holiday began with an elementary school teacher named B.J. Cigrand. In 1885, Cigrand, who was teaching in Wisconsin, organized a school event to celebrate the flag’s birthday. This event became an annual tradition in his classroom, and the idea spread to other schools in the area.

In 1889, Cigrand founded the National Flag Day Committee, aiming to promote the celebration of Flag Day across the country. The committee worked tirelessly to educate the public about the flag’s history and significance. However, it wasn’t until 1916 that President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation designating June 14th as Flag Day.

The proclamation was a significant step towards making Flag Day a national holiday. However, it was not until 1949 that Congress passed a resolution, signed by President Harry S. Truman, officially establishing Flag Day as a national holiday. This resolution stated that Flag Day would be observed on June 14th each year, commemorating the adoption of the American flag on that day in 1777.

Today, Flag Day remains a time for Americans to honor and reflect on the values represented by the flag. It is a day to show pride in one’s country and to pay tribute to the flag that symbolizes the nation’s unity and freedom. While the journey to make Flag Day a national holiday was long and challenging, it serves as a testament to the power of dedication and the importance of preserving national traditions.