The stars and stripes design of the American flag was adopted by the Continental Congress on June 14, 1777. The anniversary of this date was first celebrated in the late nineteenth century.

In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed that June 14 should be observed as Flag Day. In a 1917 speech, President Wilson said, “We celebrate the day of the flag’s birth, and from its birth until now it has witnessed great history, has floated on high, the symbol of great events, of a great plan of life, worked out by a great people.”

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