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Scott Rasmussen's Number of the Day for June 14, 2019

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By Scott Rasmussen

The Number of the Day columns published on Ballotpedia reflect the views of the author.

June 14, 2019: On June 14, 1885—134 years ago today—students in Fredonia, Wisconsin, celebrated what was then called “Flag Birthday” and eventually became Flag Day. The event marked the official adoption of the U.S. flag by the Continental Congress on June 14, 1777.

The idea was initially the brainchild of Bernard J. Cigrand, a teacher in Fredonia.[1] A few years later, in 1889, Flag Day was celebrated in New York City schools as well. In 1891, it was then celebrated in Philadelphia at the Betsy Ross House. Ross, of course, was given credit for designing the flag.[2]

As with many of our holidays, the celebration took hold in the nation’s heart long before it was made official. It wasn’t until 1916 that Woodrow Wilson issued a presidential proclamation declaring the holiday. Then, in 1949, it became official. President Harry Truman signed an Act of Congress designating June 14th of each year as National Flag Day.


Each weekday, Scott Rasmussen’s Number of the Day explores interesting and newsworthy topics at the intersection of culture, politics, and technology.


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Columns published on Ballotpedia reflect the views of the author.

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