Flag Day 2025: Here's the right way to celebrate the American flag
On June 14, we will not only be saluting the Army's 250th year with President Donald Trump's military parade in downtown Washington, D.C., we will also be celebrating America's symbol of freedom: the American flag.
A flag resolution was adopted 248 years ago, on June 14, 1777, that said, "Resolved: that the flag of the United States be made of 13 stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be 13 stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation," according to the Smithsonian.
Since President Woodrow Wilson declared June 14 Flag Day in May 1916, the United States has honored the adoption of the stars and stripes in a number of ways, including carrying the flag in parades, displaying it outside homes and holding other patriotic events. Before 1916, a number of states and cities had started to observe the day.
Though it's observed nationally, Flag Day is not a federal holiday. Pennsylvania recognizes it as a state holiday.
More than 100 years after the Continental Congress approved the flag, Flag Day was first observed in 1877. President Harry Truman established Flag Day as a national holiday in 1949.
America's flag throughout history
The 50 stars and 13 stripes that make up the U.S. flag will celebrate its 65 birthday on July 4. Hawaii became the 50th state in 1959, and on July 4, 1960, the flag's new design was officially adopted.
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What do the American flag's colors represent?
The colors red, white and blue did not have meanings when the flag was adopted in 1777. However, when the Congress of the Confederation chose red, white and blue for the Great Seal of the United States in 1782, the meanings were listed as:
How to properly display the American flag
Flag etiquette has been in place for many years to ensure the flag is treated with respect. Congress established the U.S. Flag Code in 1942, which outlines standards for flag care and display.
Except in situations when there is imminent danger to life or property, the American flag should not be flown with the union down, according to the U.S. Department of Defense.
- A flag should never touch the ground.
- No other flag may be flown above or to the right of the U.S. flag, except at United Nations headquarters.
- Citizens may fly the flag at any time but preferably from sunrise to sunset − except for special occasions or when well lighted.
- When a flag becomes unfit to fly, it should be destroyed with dignity.
How to properly fold the American flag
A traditional triangular method is used to fold the American flag. According to the American Legion, the origins of the triangular fold are unknown, but some sources attribute it to the Gold Star Mothers of America or a chaplain stationed at the U.S. Air Force Academy. Here’s how its done:
SOURCE The American Legion; National Flag Foundation; National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution; Paste BN research
CONTRIBUTING Natalie Neysa Alund, Paste BN, and Evan Sasiela, Paste BN Network
This story was updated to add new information.