What is Flag Day? A visual guide to the meaning and history of the June 14 holiday

Flag Day celebrates the symbolism and history of the American flag on June 14.

The U.S. has celebrated the adoption of the Stars and Stripes in a variety of ways when President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation establishing the June 14 as Flag Day in May 1916. These celebrations include flying the flag in front of residences, participating in parades, and holding other patriotic events. Several states and numerous cities had begun commemorating the day before to 1916.

In 1877 the first Flag Day was celebrated, 100 years after the Continental Congress adopted the flag. In 1949, President Harry Truman officially made Flag Day a day of national observance.

While its look has changed more than a few times over the years, the American flag has remained a symbol of freedom and justice. A look back at some of its milestones and reasons for its evolution.

American flags throughout history

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What do the colors of the flag mean

The colors red, white and blue did not have meanings for the Stars and Stripes when it was adopted in 1777. However, when the Congress of the Confederation chose red, white and blue for the Great Seal of the United States in 1782, the meanings were listed as:

How to properly display American flag

Flag etiquette has long been established to ensure the flag is treated with dignity. In 1942 Congress created the U.S. Flag Code which provides guidelines for the display and care of the flag. Flags should always hang freely but never with the stars down, except as a distress signal.

• No other flag may be flown above or to the right of the U.S. flag, except at the United Nations headquarters.

• Citizens may fly the flag at any time but preferably from sunrise to sunset — except for special occasions or when well-lighted.

• When a flag becomes unfit to fly, it should be destroyed with dignity.

• A flag should never touch the ground.

How to fold the flag

There is a traditional triangular method used to fold the American flag. According to the American Legion, the origins of the triangular fold are unknown, but some sources attribute it to the Gold Star Mothers of America or a chaplain stationed at the U.S. Air Force Academy. Here’s how its done:

SOURCE The American Legion; National Flag Foundation; National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution; USA TODAY research

Contributing Natalie Neysa Alund, USA TODAY