When you think of June, do any holidays come to mind? I'm not talking about "National Doughnut Day" or "National Hug Your Cat Day." I'm talking about actual holidays. Still drawing a blank? Well, let me help you out. June 14...does that ring a bell?
Here's a hint: it has to do with something that represents the United States of America. This "something" is red, white, and blue. This "something" represents the nation as a whole; one that stands for freedom and unity. This "something" should not be overlooked, forgotten, or taken for granted. By now, I hope you have determined that I'm talking about the flag, one of the many symbols of the country. You might be thinking "Why does the flag get a day to itself?" Oh, let me tell you, there are many reasons as to why this American symbol not only gets, but deserves a day to itself.
June 14, 2016 marks the 239th year since the institution of the flag as a symbol for the United States of America in 1777, and the first observance of this holiday was in 1885. Bernard J. Cigrand, a school teacher in Wisconsin, is recognized as the one of the first people to observe the significance of the flag. In an assignment to his students, he challenged them to learn about the flag, as well as the significance that it held for the nation.
While Cigrand's action was one of the first steps toward observing the flag, there were other people who strove to commemorate the flag and all that it stood for as a symbol. It wasn't until 1916 that June 14 was "officially established " by President Woodrow Wilson as "Flag Day." Even then, the holiday was still not officially recognized or observed. In 1949, President Truman "signed an Act of Congress designating June 14th of each year as National Flag Day."
So what does the flag represent? Why is it so important? Why does it matter? At its core, the flag is a tried and true symbol of the United States of America. This flag is not only symbolic of the nation, but its colors, stripes, and stars all pertain and symbolize something deeper. The thirteen alternating red and white stripes represent the original thirteen colonies. These colonies declared independence from England in 1776, thus severing all ties from that country.
The stripes symbolize the light that shines forth from the sun and the stars stand for the sky or the heaven: the place to which all goals and dreams soar. In addition, the stars represent the fifty states that are currently united as one country. Finally, according to statesymbolsusa.org, the colors of the flag are as follows: "white signifies, purity and innocence, red signifies valor and bravery, and blue signifies vigilance, perseverance, and justice."
There you have it. So if one thought that it is weird that the flag has a holiday all to itself, think again. It isn't just a flag; it is a symbol of pride, freedom, integrity, diligence, bravery, and the willingness to do what is right. Remember that the next time you gaze at the flag; don't take it and all that it represents for granted.
"Our flag honors those who have fought to protect it, and is a reminder of the sacrifice of our nation's founders and heroes. As the ultimate icon of America's storied history, the Stars and Stripes represents the very best of this nation." ~ Joe Barton
