US Flag Day
The American holiday that quietly anchors every June 14.
Flag Day is observed in the United States every year on June 14. It commemorates the day in 1777 when the Second Continental Congress adopted the Stars and Stripes as the national flag of the new United States.
A short history
- June 14, 1777 — the Continental Congress passes the Flag Resolution: thirteen alternating red and white stripes and thirteen white stars on a blue field.
- 1916 — President Woodrow Wilson issues a proclamation officially establishing June 14 as Flag Day.
- 1949 — President Harry S. Truman signs the National Flag Day Act (36 U.S.C. § 110), designating June 14 of each year as Flag Day nationwide.
- Pennsylvania is the only state where Flag Day is a paid state holiday.
How Americans observe it
Federal buildings, city halls, schools, and many private homes fly the flag on June 14. Veterans' organizations, scout troops, and civic groups hold flag-raising ceremonies and recite the Pledge of Allegiance. Some communities hold parades; others use the date for flag-retirement ceremonies, the dignified way to dispose of worn flags.
Why June 14, 2026 is special
June 14, 2026 is Flag Day. It is also the 251st birthday of the US Army, and President Donald Trump's 80th birthday. Three things, one date — a rare alignment that gives the day unusual weight.
If you'd like to mark the day with a friendly birthday wish for President Trump, you can sign the global birthday card here.