For thousands of Americans, 14 June is a very special date as it commemorates the adoption of the flag of the United States in 1777 by resolution of the Second Continental Congress.
It was, however, not until 1916 after President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation that 14 June was officially established as Flag Day.
Finally, in August 1949, National Flag Day was established by an Act of Congress.
Americans observe the week of 14 June as the "National Flag Week". During the National Flag Week, all government buildings must compulsorily hoist the national flag. The President also urges the US citizens to raise the American flag in their homes during the period.
The week-long celebrations for the National Flag Week includes parades and several activites centred around the national flag. The Star-Spangled Banner Flag House in Baltimore, Maryland, which is the birth place of the flag, will see special parades.
Here are some quotes to commemorate this important day and understand what the American flag stands for:
The American flag is the symbol of our freedom, national pride and history.
Mike Fitzpatrick
The American flag, Old Glory, standing tall and flying free over American soil for 228 years is the symbol of our beloved country. It is recognized from near and afar, and many lives have been lost defending it.
Jeff Miller
As long as I live, I will never forget that day 21 years ago when I raised my hand and took the oath of citizenship. Do you know how proud I was? I was so proud that I walked around with an American flag around my shoulders all day long.
Arnold Schwarzenegger
The American flag is the most recognized symbol of freedom and democracy in the world.
Virginia Foxx
The American flag represents all of us and all the values we hold sacred.
Adrian Cronauer
The American flag is an enduring symbol of liberty, democracy, and justice. It is fitting that the House act to protect it as we approach our nation's birthday, and as our men and women in uniform rally behind it in Iraq's battlefields.
Joe Barton
Martin Luther King, Jr. didn't carry just a piece of cloth to symbolize his belief in racial equality; he carried the American flag.
Adrian Cronauer
I can remember standing in the middle of the field after the race and seeing the American flag raised and hearing 'The Star Spangled Banner' and all the people singing it. Then I walked off the field and just kind of enjoyed the feeling.
Elizabeth Robinson Schwartz
I wrote the script of Patton. I had this very bizarre opening where he stands up in front of an American flag and gives this speech. Ultimately, I was fired. When the script was done, they hired another writer and that script was forgotten.
Francis Ford Coppola
Patriotism consists not in waving the flag, but in striving that our country shall be righteous as well as strong.
James Bryce
