American calendars are crammed with a identification number ofholidaysand observations . So many , in fact , that some of the lesser - have it away date do n’t seem to get a spate of recognition . Coming on the heels ofMemorial Day , Flag Day ( June 14 ) has comparatively few fireworks ignited in its honor . But there is a reason why it ’s merit of a daylight all its own .
In 1777 , the Continental Congresspasseda closure embracing the American flag as a national symbol . Originally lie in of 13 whiz and 13 stripes , itevolvedinto the familiar 50 - principal pattern we see today . early on on , however , it did n’t make much sense to count honoring its foundation . earlier , the flag was n’t stand for to be a symbol of nationalism but a manner ofidentifyingpeople during the American gyration . It was more like a piece of military equipment .
As the meaning behind the flag changed , the great unwashed began to regard its creation with more reverence . In the 1800s , a bit of citizenry decided that the flag ’s origination was worthy of recognition , make a groundswell of funding that finally went national . In the former days of theCivil War , textile maker who stood to profit from aggregated nationalism backed the melodic theme . So did secret citizens . In 1861 , a Connecticut resident named George Morrispushedfor a day of observance , with his hometown of Hartford observing June 14 as a sort of flag natal day . So did Charles Dudley Warner , a across the country known newspaper editor from Hartford , where the cloth industriousness was tumid .
In 1885 , school teacher B.J. Cigrand write to newspaper and magazine advocating for the date . subsequently , the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks superintend to convincePresident Woodrow Wilsonto issue a formal proclamation for the day in 1916.President Harry Trumansigned itsobservanceinto law in 1950 .
For Truman , the concept of Flag Day was not only to celebrate its founding , but to recognize the saint behind it . Though it ’s not a Union vacation , it is a time to give obedience to what ’s become part of American iconography .
[ h / tReader ’s Digest ]
