Flag Day in the United States is celebrated annually on June 14th to honor the adoption of the American flag. The day commemorates the resolution passed by the Second Continental Congress on June 14, 1777, which established the design of the flag that has come to symbolize the nation.

The initial design of the flag, known as the "Stars and Stripes," featured 13 stripes, alternating red and white, and 13 stars in a blue field, representing the original 13 colonies. Over the years, the flag evolved as new states were admitted to the Union, adding stars while maintaining the original stripe pattern.

The idea of an annual observance for the flag's adoption date is attributed to several individuals and events throughout the 19th century. One of the earliest recorded celebrations of Flag Day was in 1861, when George Morris of Hartford, Connecticut, organized a gathering to honor the flag. However, it was a Wisconsin school teacher, Bernard J. Cigrand, who is often credited with popularizing the observance. In 1885, Cigrand held a formal celebration at the Stony Hill School in Waubeka, Wisconsin, and continued to advocate for a national Flag Day for many years.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, several states and organizations adopted Flag Day observances. The movement gained significant momentum when President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation in 1916 officially establishing June 14 as Flag Day. Later, in 1949, President Harry S. Truman signed an Act of Congress designating June 14th of each year as National Flag Day.

Flag Day is not a federal holiday, but it is observed with various ceremonies and events across the country. Schools, communities, and organizations often hold parades, flag-raising ceremonies, and educational programs to honor the flag and reflect on its historical significance.

The photo is of Flag Day at the Post Office Building, on Pennsylvania Avenue, in Washington, D.C., circa 1916. It captures the grandeur and patriotic spirit of a Flag Day celebration in the early 20th century. The building is adorned with numerous American flags, creating a striking display that reflects the national pride and reverence for the flag that has characterized Flag Day observances throughout history. This photo serves as a visual reminder of the enduring importance of the American flag as a symbol of unity, freedom, and the shared values of the nation.