On June 14, 1777, the Second Continental Congress passed the First Flag Resolution, establishing the Stars and Stripes as the official flag of the United States. This year marks nearly 250 years since that event, which is commemorated with Flag Day and National Flag Week.
The original resolution declared that "the flag of the United States be made of thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new Constellation." The flag has been a symbol of unity and national identity since its inception during the American Revolution.
The American flag has witnessed significant moments in history. It was present when General George Washington crossed the Delaware River, during President Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address, and as American forces raised it at Iwo Jima. The flag also flew on the moon on July 20, 1969, and at Ground Zero after September 11, 2001.
Congress designated June 14 as "Flag Day" through a joint resolution approved on August 3, 1949. Another resolution from June 9, 1966, calls for National Flag Week to coincide with June 14 each year. These resolutions encourage citizens to display the flag throughout this week.
President Donald J. Trump proclaimed June 14, 2025, as Flag Day and declared the week starting June 8 as National Flag Week. He directed officials to display the flag on all federal buildings and urged Americans to participate in public ceremonies celebrating America's heritage.
"In witness whereof," President Trump signed this proclamation on June 13, marking it as an official observance for this year.
