Hey, Neligh residents and Flag Day enthusiasts! Neligh, Nebraska, a picturesque community nestled beside the Elkhorn River and cut through by Highway 275, is the undisputed Flag Capital of Nebraska. Let’s take a quick peek into the past to see how Flag Day became such a significant part of our community!
A Brief History of Flag Day
The flag of our great nation was adopted when Congress passed a resolution in June 1777. Many cities across the United States claim to be where Flag Day was first observed, but it took quite a bit of time after the resolution of 1777 until it was officially recognized as a national holiday.
An interesting and widely accepted belief is that Bernard J. Cigrand, a school teacher in Waubeka, Wisconsin, is the “Father of Flag Day”. More than a century after the resolution passed by Congress, Cigrand began a years-long campaign to have the day become a nationally celebrated holiday. Finally, thanks to a proclamation by President Woodrow Wilson in 1916, it became a nationally observed event. It wasn’t until 1949, under President Harry Truman, that an Act of Congress officially designated June 14 as National Flag Day.
Flag Day in Neligh, The Heart of American Patriotism
Blackburn Manufacturing and the Neligh community eagerly anticipate Flag Day every year. Thanks in large part to Blackburn, Neligh has been the Flag Capital of Nebraska since 2015. Every year, the town springs to life with American flags every June 14th. Volunteers from the community and staff from Blackburn Manufacturing come together to put high gloss poly American flags all over town. The small colorful flags are even lined up along Highway 275, which runs right through the heart of Neligh
The Blackburn family takes great pride in this tradition. It’s not just about commemorating the day when the United States adopted the first American flag (which went through many changes to be the flag we recognize today), but it’s also about honoring our great country and all who have served and continue to serve under the valiant, vibrant colors of our stars and stripes.
Celebrate The Great U.S.A
As the holiday approaches, let’s remember and celebrate its importance, not just for Neligh, but for the entire nation. As the flag capital of Nebraska, we want all to share our passion for tradition and patriotic pride! If you live in Neligh, get ready to see a sea of stars and stripes on every corner. If you don’t, you can still show your love for the red, white and blue.
Visit our website to get your own miniature American flags so you’re ready to show how much of a patriot you are! Let’s make this Flag Day another one for the books!