A country's national flag is its representation all over the globe. So for any country, its national flag is of immense importance and a specific celebratory day is marked to honour the national flag. The United States of America celebrates its Flag Day on June 14. It is the day on which the flag of the United States was adopted in the year 1777. A resolution was passed by the Second Continental Congress about the adoption of the national flag. However, the first celebration was held in the year 1877, which was the 100th anniversary of the Flag resolution. On Flag Day 2019, let us tell you a bit of history and significance of this day which commemorates the US national flag.

History and Significance of Flag Day

When the American Revolution broke out in the year 1775, the colonists weren't united under a single flag. It was more like regiments warring against the British. In June 1775, the Second Continental Congress met to create the Continental Army—a unified colonial fighting force. They pitched for a more organised battle against the colonials, eventually demanding creation of first 'American' flag.

The flag comprised of 13 red and white alternating stripes and a Union Jack in the corner. But on noticing it too similar to that of British, George Washington wanted to create a new symbol of freedom for the nation. On June 14, 1777, the Second Continental Congress passed a resolution stating that "the flag of the United States be 13 stripes, alternate red and white," and that "the union be 13 stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation."

It is believed that the first annual recognition of this day was in 1885 when a school teacher BJ Cigrand, asked a group of Wisconsin school children to observe Flag's birthday. He is thus known as the 'Father of Flag Day.'

President Woodrow Wilson in the year 1916 asked the day to be observed as a national event. So it was established as an official event marking June 14 every year as Flag Day. In 1949 the U.S. Congress permanently established the date as National Flag Day.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 14, 2019 09:50 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).