Flag Day, June 14, is the holiday dedicated to the American flag itself, marking the day in 1777 the Continental Congress adopted the Stars and Stripes. It is the perfect occasion to fly your flag, learn a little history, and refresh a worn one. Here is what Flag Day commemorates and simple ways to observe it.
What is Flag Day and when is it?
Flag Day is observed every year on June 14. It commemorates June 14, 1777, when the Continental Congress adopted the first official flag of the United States. President Wilson officially established the observance in 1916, and it has been a national day of recognition for the flag ever since (though it is not a federal day off).
How to observe Flag Day
- Fly the flag. Display the U.S. flag at home, your business, or your organization, properly and, if overnight, lighted.
- Replace a worn flag. Flag Day is a natural time to retire a faded flag and raise a fresh one.
- Attend or hold a ceremony. Many communities, VFW and American Legion posts, and scout troops hold flag-raising or flag-retirement ceremonies around Flag Day.
- Teach the history. Share the flag's story and basic etiquette with kids or your team.
Flag Day display etiquette
| Rule | What to do |
|---|---|
| Position of honor | U.S. flag highest and in its own right when with other flags |
| Lighting | Illuminate if flown overnight |
| Condition | Fly a clean, unfaded flag, replace a worn one |
| Ground | Never let it touch the ground |
Flag Week and flag retirement
The week of June 14 is sometimes observed as National Flag Week, with proclamations encouraging flag display. It is also a common time for flag-retirement ceremonies, so if you have a worn flag, Flag Day is an ideal moment to retire it respectfully (or drop it at a VFW, American Legion, or scout collection) and put up a new one.
A good day to upgrade your display
Because Flag Day kicks off a patriotic stretch leading into the Fourth of July, it is a smart time to check your setup: is the flag faded, is the pole secure, do you have proper lighting? A fresh, well-mounted flag carries you through the whole summer of patriotic holidays.
Frequently asked questions
When is Flag Day?
June 14 every year, marking the 1777 adoption of the Stars and Stripes.
Is Flag Day a federal holiday?
It is a nationally recognized observance but not a federal day off.
What is a good way to observe it?
Fly your flag properly, replace a worn one, and consider attending or holding a flag ceremony.
The bottom line
Flag Day on June 14 honors the Stars and Stripes adopted in 1777. Mark it by flying your flag correctly, retiring and replacing a worn one, and maybe joining a local ceremony, a simple, meaningful way to kick off the summer's patriotic season.