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Flag Day Across America: 7 Surprising Ways Cities Celebrate
TLDR: Flag Day is celebrated every June 14 to honor the Stars and Stripes, and cities across the U.S. mark it in very different ways. From Neligh, Nebraska's flag-lined highways to Philadelphia's week-long Betsy Ross Flag Fest, seven cities bring their own traditions to the holiday. Blackburn Manufacturing, based in Neligh, is proud to supply the durable, USA-made flags that help towns and families celebrate.
Key Takeaways:
Flag Day traces back to 1777, when Congress adopted the Stars and Stripes, and became a national observance in 1916 under President Woodrow Wilson.
The flag's 50 stars and 13 stripes represent the 50 states and the 13 original colonies, and its colors symbolize valor, purity, and justice.
Cities nationwide celebrate in different ways, from Appleton's decades-old parade to Fort McHenry's living history reenactments.
Blackburn Manufacturing, home of Nebraska's official Flag Capital, supplies durable, USA-made flags for celebrations of all sizes.
Every year on June 14th, Americans break out the red, white, and blue to honor a symbol that represents freedom, unity, and the spirit of a nation: the American flag. But how did Flag Day come to be?
The history of Flag Day dates back to 1777, when the Continental Congress adopted the Stars and Stripes as the official flag of the United States. Many cities claim ties to the earliest observances, but Bernard J. Cigrand, a schoolteacher from Waubeka, Wisconsin, is widely credited as the "Father of Flag Day" for his decades-long campaign to make it a national holiday.
It wasn't until 1916, though, that President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed June 14th as a national day of observance, and it took until 1949, under President Harry Truman, for an Act of Congress to officially designate June 14 as National Flag Day.
Today, Flag Day remains a meaningful patriotic holiday in the U.S., especially for towns that take the opportunity to go all-out in their celebrations.
Blackburn Manufacturing is no stranger to the holiday, but this year, we were curious about how it is celebrated far and wide. Here's a fun look at 7 cities that celebrate Flag Day.
Quick Flag Facts
Before we hit the road, here are a few flag facts worth knowing:
More than half of Americans have a flag at home, and many display it daily or bring it out for holidays.
The 50 stars represent the 50 states, and the 13 stripes represent the original 13 colonies.
Red stands for valor, white for purity, and blue for vigilance and justice.
Flying the flag at half-staff signals mourning or respect for a national tragedy or loss.
Today's design is the 27th version of the American flag since 1777, and the longest-used in U.S. history.
1. Neligh, Nebraska: The Heart of Our Flag Story
We're kicking it off with our own hometown of Neligh, Nebraska, a picturesque community nestled beside the Elkhorn River and cut through by Highway 27. Neligh is proudly named the state's "Flag Capital," a title it's held since 2015. For us at Blackburn, Flag Day is personal.
It's about honoring veterans, country, and community, all with a little help from some high-quality flags made in the USA.
Every June 14th, volunteers, including our Blackburn team, line the streets and highways with mini American flags for yards. Drive down Highway 275, and you'll see a patriotic landscape that's hard to beat.
Since 2015, we've also proudly awarded the Blackburn Flag Day Scholarship, encouraging local students to explore the meaning of the flag in their lives. It's our way of investing in the next generation of leaders and fostering their appreciation for the American flag.
2. Appleton, Wisconsin: America's Longest Running Flag Day Parade
Next stop: Appleton, Wisconsin, home of the nation's oldest continuously running Flag Day parade. This all-American celebration began in 1950 and still draws over 50,000 spectators every year.
The Grand Marshal? The United States Flag itself. From marching bands and local veterans to community groups and dazzling floats, Appleton's celebration checks all the boxes for unforgettable community Flag Day events.
Each year also shines a spotlight on a different branch of the U.S. military.
3. Quincy, Massachusetts: Parade, Patriotism, and Fireworks
Quincy, the City of Presidents, brings serious energy to Flag Day with a late afternoon parade, a flag-raising ceremony, and, of course, fireworks to finish the night.
At Pageant Field, a massive 50' x 80' American flag is hoisted while "You're a Grand Old Flag" plays across the park. It's the kind of moment that reminds you how powerful raising the American flag can be.
4. Three Oaks, Michigan: A Multi-Day Festival for Old Glory
Since 1953, this small Michigan town has thrown a weekend-long Flag Day festival that rivals most state fairs. We're talking live music, a carnival, beer tents, and a softball tournament.
There's also one big, bold parade with over 100 units, and that's just the start.
Want unique Flag Day ideas? Three Oaks has them in spades. They prove that even the smallest towns can throw a mighty patriotic party for the June 14th holiday.
5. Fairfield, Washington: A Century of Tradition
Out in eastern Washington, the small farming town of Fairfield holds a special title: in 2010, it became the first community to celebrate Flag Day for 100 straight years.
This community may be small, but they've kept Flag Day traditions alive for generations with parades, community events, and patriotic displays. It's living proof that tradition can fly high, year after year.
6. Baltimore, Maryland: Living History at Fort McHenry
If you're into Flag Day history facts, head to Fort McHenry in Baltimore, where the flag inspired Francis Scott Key to write "The Star-Spangled Banner."
Each year, Fort McHenry celebrates with historical reenactments, weapons and music demonstrations, flag-folding ceremonies, and educational events hosted by park rangers and the Fort McHenry Guard.
You'll learn about U.S. flag etiquette, military history, and the origins of the flag itself, all in the place where it first became a national symbol.
7. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Betsy Ross and Flag Fest
Last but definitely not least, we land in Philadelphia: home of Betsy Ross and a full Flag Fest at her historic home.
Betsy Ross often receives credit for creating the American flag, though some historians believe founding father Francis Hopkinson, who served on the Continental Navy Board, may have designed the original.
This week-long celebration features interactive flag-making workshops, historical characters, and daily flag-raising ceremonies with "Betsy" herself. It's a fun, family-friendly way to introduce kids and adults alike to the history of Flag Day, and to get hands-on with America's most famous piece of fabric.
Celebrate Flag Day with USA Yard Flags
From Neligh to Philly, these towns and cities remind us that there isn't one place to go to or one way to celebrate Flag Day. Whether you're hosting a flag planting ceremony, attending a parade, or just decking out your yard with patriotic decorative lawn flags, there are countless ways to have fun on this meaningful day.
Looking for supplies to deck out your own Flag Day celebrations? Blackburn offers custom flags for patriotic holidays. Our durable, high-gloss poly American flags are built to hold up in windy weather, rain, or sunshine.
We also offer the ability to design your own custom patriotic yard signs, if that's more your style.
Whether you need to buy flags in bulk or just want to show a little neighborhood pride, we've got you covered. This Flag Day, let's keep the tradition alive and flying.
FAQs
What are some popular American flag events I can attend for Flag Day?
Many towns and cities across the U.S. host events on or around June 14th, including parades, flag-raising ceremonies, and historical reenactments. Cities like Appleton, Wisconsin, and Fort McHenry in Baltimore are especially known for their patriotic festivities.
Where can I get flags and American flag yard signs for my home or business?
You can find poly American flags and high-quality American flag yard signs through specialty retailers like Blackburn Manufacturing.
How can I use small flags for landscaping during patriotic holidays?
Landscaping flags are an easy, eye-catching way to add patriotic flair to gardens, walkways, and yards. Place them evenly along driveways, flower beds, or fences to create a bold red, white, and blue display.
What types of patriotic flags for events work best outdoors?
When planning outdoor patriotic celebrations, choose American flags made from weather-resistant materials like poly or vinyl. These flags hold up well in wind and rain, making them ideal for parades, festivals, or ceremonies. Pair them with durable flag stakes, if needed.
