What Flag Day is all about, and how to celebrate the holiday in the Charlotte area
Tuesday is Flag Day, a holiday that appears on everyone’s calendar each June but that many don’t know the story behind.
While the holiday doesn’t typically get a lot of attention or shut down banks and other businesses, it does honor an important milestone in American history. And there are traditional events in the Charlotte area to celebrate the occasion.
Here’s what to know about Flag Day and how to mark the holiday in the Charlotte area:
What is Flag Day?
Flag Day commemorates the anniversary of the occasion on which the Second Continental Congress declared that the American flag would have “13 stripes, alternate red and white,” and “13 stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation” in 1777.
It was officially declared a holiday by President Woodrow Wilson in 1916.
When is Flag Day?
Flag Day falls on June 14 each year, in recognition of the fact that the Continental Congress decree about what the American flag would look like was issued on June 14, 1777.
Is Flag Day a national holiday?
Although Wilson declared Flag Day a holiday during his presidency, Flag Day is not a “legal public holiday” under federal law.
That means public offices, such as the Post Office, are open on Flag Day. Generally, privately owned businesses and banks are also open on Flag Day.
How to celebrate Flag Day in Charlotte
Flag Day is often celebrated by communities, schools and veterans groups through events such as parades, picnics and ceremonies.
In the greater Charlotte area, you can mark the occasion this year at the Rock Hill Elk Lodge’s Flag Day Ceremony.
The event kicks off at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at Elk Lodge #1318, 535 Hollis Lakes Road, and is family friendly.
This story was originally published June 14, 2022 at 6:00 AM.
