Heath Shuler: “I rise today to support H. Res. 1219, supporting and honoring the ideals of Flag Day. The American flag represents the…”

“I rise today to support H. Res. 1219, supporting and honoring the ideals of Flag Day. The American flag represents the freedom and democratic ideals of this nation and the brave Americans who have defended these ideals throughout our history. Established in 1885, Flag Day commemorates the adoption of our flag on June 14, 1777. Bernard Cigrand, the Father of Flag Day, was the President of the American Flag Day Association and the National Flag Day Society. In 1894, he orchestrated a celebration of Flag Day in Chicago that brought together over 300,000 public school students. The celebration was such a success that it was continued the following year. The trend of observing Flag Day caught on and quickly spread to New York and Philadelphia. However, it was not until August 3rd, 1949 that President Truman signed an Act of Congress designating June 14th as National Flag Day. Today, we continue to honor Flag Day with a proclamation from the President urging U.S. citizens to fly the American flag from their homes for the duration of the June 14th week.”