🚩 Flag Day Countdown
June 14, 2026
About Flag Day
Flag Day is observed on June 14, commemorating the adoption of the US flag on June 14, 1777, by the Second Continental Congress. President Woodrow Wilson officially proclaimed Flag Day in 1916, and it became a national observance by Act of Congress in 1949. It is not a federal holiday, so schools and businesses remain open.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Flag Day a federal holiday?
No. Flag Day is a national observance but not a federal holiday. Pennsylvania is the only state that officially recognizes it as a state holiday with state employee time off. The US Congress designated it a national observance in 1949, meaning it is officially recognized but does not trigger the same closures as federal holidays.
Did Betsy Ross really make the first American flag?
This is a popular American legend with uncertain historical support. The story originated with her grandson William Canby, who shared it publicly in 1870 — nearly 100 years after the events described. No contemporary documents confirm Betsy Ross's involvement. The design of the original flag is not definitively attributed to any single person, though the Congressional resolution of June 14, 1777 established its basic specifications.
How many stars has the American flag had?
The flag has had 27 different configurations as states were added. The original 1777 flag had 13 stars. The current 50-star version has been in use since July 4, 1960, after Hawaii became the 50th state in 1959. The 50-star flag is the longest-serving version in US history, surpassing the 48-star flag (1912–1959) in 2007.
What are the proper rules for displaying the American flag?
The US Flag Code outlines flag etiquette: the flag should be displayed from sunrise to sunset (or illuminated if flown at night), should not touch the ground, should be folded properly when stored, and should be disposed of respectfully (traditionally by burning) when worn. The flag is flown at half-staff on Memorial Day until noon, on Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, and following presidential proclamations marking tragedies or the deaths of officials.