Flag Day: Honoring the Symbol of American Freedom

Please join the Monroe County Commissioners, the American Legion Post #221, James Monroe Chapter of DAR, and Paris School students present the Flag Day Ceremony on Friday, June 12, 2026, 11:00 a.m., at the Monroe County Courthouse Memorial, in celebration of America's 250th Birthday. 
Bring a chair and share in a special time in America's history!!

Each year on June 14, Americans celebrate Flag Day, a day dedicated to honoring the United States flag and the ideals it represents. While not a federal holiday, Flag Day serves as an important reminder of the nation's history, unity, and enduring commitment to freedom.
Flag Day commemorates June 14, 1777, when the Second Continental Congress approved the design of a national flag for the newly formed United States. The resolution simply 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.”
Over the years, the flag has evolved as new states joined the Union. The current version of the American flag features 50 white stars representing the 50 states and 13 red and white stripes symbolizing the original 13 colonies that declared independence from Great Britain.
The observance of Flag Day gained popularity through the efforts of several patriotic Americans in the late 19th century. One of the most notable advocates was schoolteacher Bernard J. Cigrand of Wisconsin, who is often credited as the “Father of Flag Day.” His efforts helped promote June 14 as a day of recognition for the American flag.
In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation officially establishing June 14 as Flag Day. More than three decades later, in 1949, President Harry S. Truman signed an Act of Congress designating June 14 as National Flag Day.
The colors and symbols of the flag carry significant meaning. Red symbolizes valor and bravery, white represents purity and innocence, and blue signifies vigilance, perseverance, and justice. For many Americans, the flag serves as a powerful symbol of the sacrifices made by military service members, veterans, and generations of citizens who have worked to preserve the nation's freedoms.
Across the country, communities observe Flag Day with ceremonies, parades, educational programs, and patriotic displays. Many schools, civic organizations, veterans' groups, and local governments use the occasion to teach younger generations about the history of the flag and proper flag etiquette.
Flag Day also serves as a reminder of the respect traditionally shown toward the American flag. The U.S. Flag Code outlines guidelines for displaying, handling, and retiring worn flags. While these guidelines are not legally enforced for private citizens, they reflect long-standing traditions of honoring the nation's most recognizable symbol.
As Americans gather to celebrate Flag Day, they are encouraged to reflect on the values the flag represents—freedom, democracy, unity, and opportunity. More than just a piece of cloth, the Stars and Stripes continues to stand as a symbol of the nation's past, present, and future.
This June 14, whether flying a flag at home, attending a local ceremony, or simply taking a moment to appreciate the country's history, Americans have an opportunity to honor a symbol that has united generations for nearly 250 years.