Flag Day is June 14. This holiday is set aside to commemorate the day that the 13 original colonies of the United States officially adopted the stars and stripes as their flag. This national holiday is just a couple of weeks before the Fourth of July, and it’s a great way to kick off the most patriotic time of the year.
Here’s our list of 3 things to know and 3 things to do this Flag Day.
3 things to know
Why June 14th?
That’s when the Second Continental Congress decided to unite the 13 colonies under one flag. Previously, the colonies had fought as individual armies, with individual flags. The Continental Congress recognized that the armies of the colonies could pack a bigger punch against Britain if they were united — and that included a new flag.
What about Betsy Ross?
According to legend, Betsy Ross assembled the first flag and presented it to General George Washington for his approval. This moment has been immortalized in a famous painting and has been a part of American storytelling for over 100 years. Recent historical research by the Smithsonian Institute and others shows that Betsy Ross probably didn’t construct the first American flag, but her story is still a story of American courage and hard work that is worth celebrating.
The Stars and Stripes
The American flag was designed to represent some very specific things. The 13 stripes represent the 13 original colonies. The 50 white stars represent the 50 states — and if there’s ever a new state added to the Union, another star will be added to the flag. According to USA.gov, the color red represents valor and bravery. White represents purity and innocence. And represent vigilance, perseverance and justice.
3 Things to do
Have your own parade
What a great way to get into a patriotic spirit. Don your red, white and blue, and have the little ones march down the hallway or over the sidewalk. They could even throw candy to the audience (that would be you).
Make your own flag out of construction paper or felt
Let your little ones express their creativity and channel their inner Betsy Ross by making their own flags. They could even feature their creations in their parade.
Make your own patriotic desserts
After working up an appetite, grab the graham crackers, the whipped cream and some blueberries and raspberries. Smear the whipped cream over the graham crackers and arrange the berries so they look like a flag.
And Remember, the Fourth of July is just around the corner. Check out our favorite Fourth of July treats and our guide to celebrating Independence Day with little ones.