A Patriotic Pause in June: Here's What to Know About Flag Day
Flag Day 2025 falls on Saturday, June 14. That’s right, Old Glory is getting her annual round of applause. But before you start dreaming of a long weekend, pump the brakes, this one doesn’t come with a federal holiday stamp or time off work.
Still, Flag Day carries weight. It's not just about backyard BBQs or hanging a flag on the porch. It’s a nod to one of the oldest, boldest symbols of American identity: the Stars and Stripes.
So, What Is Flag Day?
Short version: it’s the birthday of the American flag. On June 14, 1777, the Second Continental Congress voted in the now-famous design: 13 stripes and 13 stars on a field of blue to represent the unity of the original colonies. That “new constellation,” as they called it, wasn’t just a pretty symbol. It was a flex of freedom, stitched into our history.
The original resolution read:
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.
The flag represented unity, defiance, and independence. And while the design has changed (hello, 50 stars), the meaning remains the same.
When Is Flag Day 2025?
Easy answer: Saturday, June 14.
Unlike Memorial Day or Labor Day, Flag Day doesn't bounce around the calendar to create long weekends. It always occurs on June 14, regardless of whether it falls on a Monday or a weekend.
So yes, you can expect your local post office, bank, and most offices to be open the Friday before.
Is Flag Day a Real Holiday?
Yes… and no.
It is officially recognized, but not federally observed. In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed June 14 as Flag Day. In 1949, Congress supported him and made the change permanent. However, it never achieved full-fledged federal holiday status, meaning no mail stoppage, government closures, or national fireworks display.
Fun fact: Pennsylvania is the only state that treats Flag Day as a legal holiday. So if you're in Pittsburgh or Philly, enjoy that extra state pride.
How Do Americans Celebrate Flag Day?
There’s no Macy’s-style parade or primetime TV coverage, but Flag Day still gets love. Especially in small towns and cities with a deep patriotic streak. Some places host parades, flag retirement ceremonies, or local history tours. Schools get in on it too, with kids crafting construction paper flags and learning why they matter.
At home, many Americans fly the flag, put up patriotic decor, or just take a moment to reflect on what it means to live under one united banner.
Why Isn't Flag Day a Federal Holiday?
Great question.
The short answer: there just hasn't been enough political will to push it through. Adding a federal holiday means government closures, extra costs, and logistical trade-offs. And with Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Veterans Day already claiming major patriotic territory, Flag Day didn't make the cut.
Still, it holds a sacred place on the calendar.
Flag Etiquette Reminders
Flag Day is a great time to brush up on proper flag etiquette, including:
The flag should never touch the ground.
It should be displayed from sunrise to sunset unless illuminated at night.
When flown with other flags, the U.S. flag should always be in the position of honor (typically higher and to the right).
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A Day That Deserves a Salute
Flag Day may not come with a parade on every corner or a government holiday label. Still, it reminds us of where this country started and who we are under that iconic red, white, and blue.
So fly your flag high, fire up the grill if you're feeling festive, and take a moment to appreciate the symbol that's been stitched into America's story for nearly 250 years.
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