National Flag Day

By Joann M. Ringelstetter

Today, June 14, is National Flag Day, and it is the final day of National Flag Week. It commemorates the day in 1777 when the United States approved the design of our first national flag.

U.S. Flag on Lamp Post, Columbia County, Wisconsin

Flag Day has its roots in Wisconsin’s history. In 1885, 19-year-old Bernard J. Cigrand was a teacher in a one-room schoolhouse named Stony Hill School, in Waubeka, Wisconsin.

Stony Hill School, Ozaukee County, Wisconsin

Mr. Cigrand asked his students to observe June 14 as our flag’s birthday. He then placed the U. S. flag in an inkwell and asked the students to write essays on what the flag meant to them.

U.S. Flag Mural, VFW Post 1655, Newton, Iowa

Later, Mr. Cigrand’s own essay was published in a Chicago newspaper. It urged Americans to celebrate our flag on June 14th.

U.S. Flags, Filmore County, Minnesota

Mr. Cigrand continued his efforts and dedication to the U.S. flag for another three decades. Finally, in 1916, his efforts were rewarded when President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed June 14 as Flag Day.

Happy Flag Day and Happy Shunpiking!
Joann