Today, June 14, is Flag Day here in the United States.

Now, how many of you fellow Americans out there knew we commemorate Flag Day every year, but that was all you knew about it?

Yeah, me too. 😳😳

So, here’s a little refresher course for us:

According to our good friend, Wikipedia, “It commemorates the adoption of the flag of the United States on June 14, 1777, by resolution of the Second Continental Congress. The Flag Resolution, passed on June 14, 1777, stated: “Resolved, That the flag of the thirteen United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation.”

“In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation that officially established June 14 as Flag Day; on August 3, 1949, National Flag Day was established by an Act of Congress.”

Though Flag Day is observed nationwide, it’s not a federal holiday. However, you lucky folks in Pennsylvania get to have the day off, as that’s the only state to observe today as a holiday.

All over the country, there are Flag Day parades today. Maybe near where you live. Some of them have a long history; Fairfield, Washington’s parade dates all the way back to 1909 or 1910.

If you wish to display the Stars and Stripes today (or any day), you may want to consult https://www.usa.gov/flag for info on the proper way to do so.

So, Happy Flag Day, friends! Go to a parade if you have the chance, fly Old Glory proudly if you have it, and let’s all take a moment to respect the national symbol of our freedom.

Oh, and incidentally:

June 14 is also the birthday of the United States Army! Congress adopted “the American continental army” on this day in 1775. So, Happy Birthday to you!