This morning, President Obama issued the annual proclamation of Flag Day, occurring this Thursday, June 14. During the week of Flag Day, all federal government buildings are called on to display the flag, and Americans are encouraged to fly it at their homes and businesses in order to honor all that the American flag represents for our country.
This beautiful American tradition originated nearly a century ago under President Woodrow Wilson. The holiday is designed to honor the enduring symbol of American patriotism, and the ideals upon which our strong nation was founded. As the President said in his proclamation, the American flag is an emblem “of ideals inspired by our nation: liberty, democracy, and the enduring freedom to make our lives what we will.”
Since the holiday’s origin in 1916, our presidents have urged Americans to fly the flag during the week of June 14 in reverence of the red, white, and blue American icon that can be seen everywhere from our classrooms to our embassies abroad. The American flag represents our heritage, our beliefs, and our unity as a nation. In this increasingly partisan environment, holidays like Flag Day serve to remind Americans of our common goals, beliefs, and values, while celebrating our successes and honoring our fallen.
Stand up for the America you believe in this week by flying the flag high, and remembering everything that our stars and stripes serve to represent. Of course, it is not enough just to honor the flag; we must also honor those who have fought under it for our freedoms, just as President Obama is fighting everyday for veterans.