Flag Day in DC
Today is Flag Day, an annual holiday celebrated every 14th of June. In 1775 when the American Revolution began, not all of the colonists were fighting together under a single flag. Rather, most units participating in the war for independence against colonial oppression fought under their own flags. In June of 1775, the Second Continental Congress met in Philadelphia to build the Continental Army that was a unified force with the hopes of having a more organized battle against the British forces. This led to the creation of the first “American” flag.
It is widely believed that Betsy Ross created the first American flag. She assisted with the American Revolutionary War effort by sewing tents and repairing uniforms. She is regarded as an important figure in American history. Despite probably creating many flags, a delegate from New Jersey named Francis Hopkins was identified as the person who created the design for the American flag.
The holiday commemorates the date of June 14th, 1777 when the United States of America first officially approved the design for the national flag. Visiting DC is a great way to commemorate and celebrate the anniversary of this significant day. Here are some ideas on how to celebrate.
Ways to Commemorate the Holiday
1 ⚐ Attend the Flag Day Celebration And Flag Retirement Ceremony
On Tuesday, June 14 at 7pm, the Community Museum & Boy Scout Troop 1760 is holding a Flag Day Ceremony at Olde Towne Plaza in Gaithersburg, Maryland. National Flag Day celebrates the anniversary of the Flag Resolution of 1777. It was established by the proclamation of President Woodrow Wilson in 1916. June 14th was designated as the official day of observance by an Act of Congress signed by President Harry S. Truman in 1949. Read more about the event here.
2 ⚐ Visit Areas of DC Where Flags are Being Flown
Often flags can be seen throughout DC, especially near the monuments. The National Mall is a great place to visit on Flag Day. Further, the Mayor of DC gave direction to hang 51-star flags along Pennsylvania Avenue near the White House. Flags of Washington, DC can be found throughout the city as well.
3 ⚐ Celebrate Flag Day at the Monuments
Our nation’s capital is home to many great landmarks and memorials. There is no better place to commemorate the national anniversary of the creation of the US flag than in DC. If you’re looking for a stress free way to visit the iconic sites, we’d love to accommodate you with our narrated tour down Pennsylvania Avenue from the White House to the Capitol and through the heart of the National Mall where you can see various monumental landmarks, memorials, and other sites that show the interesting details of the nation’s capital. Some of these locations include the US Capitol, the World War II Memorial, and the Lincoln Memorial, along with various other incredible locations where flags are being flown. Book your tour today!