Fun Activities for Flag Day
June 9, 2014
Within this nation and around the world, America is known for its Stars and Stripes. The flag is a huge part of our culture as it is used for so many things and can invoke a sense of identity, hope and community. It is fitting, therefore, that we have a day each year to commemorate the adoption of the flag. Unfortunately the average person probably knows very little about the history. With the beginnings of that laid-back summer feel in the air, Flag Day is a great opportunity to gather up the family for a day of fun and remembrance.
History of Flag Day
On June 14, 1777, the United States flag was adopted by the resolution of the Second Continental Congress. This happens to be the same day that the United States Army celebrates the Army Birthday (which was brought into effect on that date in 1775). After President Woodrow Wilson originally established Flag Day in 1916, National Flag Day was created by an Act of Congress on 1949. Clearly, this yearly event is very important to our country.
About the Flag
The American flag, which was first sewn by Betsy Ross, is made up of thirteen stripes of alternating red and white with a blue rectangle in the upper left corner bearing fifty small, white, five-pointed stars to represent the 50 states. The thirteen stripes honor the original thirteen British colonies that became the first states in the Union after they declared their independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain. Since 1777, the flag has been modified 26 times with the most recent change occurring in 1959.
Activities
A quick search of the internet will yield countless activities for families to do together for Flag Day. In addition to printable coloring pages about the history and symbology of the American flag, there are many crafts that can be made. Some fun ideas include red, white and blue popsicles, Jell-O and drinks, cupcakes, jewelry, cutouts, and, of course, a small replica of the flag. One added benefit is that any crafts that are made can be put aside to be used for July 4th in just a few weeks.
If the weather is nice, get out of the house and either walk, bike or take a drive around your neighborhood to see just how many flags you see at houses, schools and other buildings. Regardless of how you commemorate the occasion, Flag Day can be a nice way for families to connect and learn more about America’s history
