It would make a great story if June 14 was the anniversary of the day that Betsy Ross delivered the first American flag. Sadly, however, that is not the case.
Still, there is a sound historical basis for celebrating Flag Day on June 14. The Second Continental Congress did adopt the first American flag by resolution dated June 14, 1777:
Resolved, that the flag of the United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field representing a new constellation.Our crack research staff found this site which claims that the first celebration of Flag Day can be traced to 1885 when "BJ Cigrand, a schoolteacher, arranged for the pupils in the Fredonia, Wisconsin Public School, District 6, to observe June 14... as 'Flag Birthday.'" Cigrand, who was later a resident of Batavia, Illinois, became a tireless proponent of the day and is sometimes described as the Father of Flag Day. In 1911, a major national fraternal organization, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, made Flag Day celebrations mandatory in all of its lodges. President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation that officially established June 14 as Flag Day in 1916. In 1949, the observance of Flag Day was established by Act of Congress (see, 36 U.S.C. § 110).
But Flag Day is not a national holiday. In fact, it seems to be a state holiday only in Pennsylvania.
Still, fly the flag with pride today. And maybe call someone to let them know you did; that way the NSA will know you're a good patriot....
Friday is also the birthday of the U.S. Army, also by action of the Continental Congress, this time on June 14, 1775. Hooah and happy birthday.But we promised something for the vampires in the audience, too -- and we sort of deliver with World Blood Donors Day.
Actually, World Blood Donor Day is a U.N. observance and the theme this year is "Give the gift of life: donate blood." The is something that vampires could get behind, couldn't they?
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