Each June, as summer begins to bloom, a unique celebration takes place, largely under the radar for many across the United States: Flag Day. While it might not command the widespread attention of holidays like Independence Day or Memorial Day, Flag Day holds a special place in the hearts of some, particularly in Waubeka, Wisconsin. This unassuming town, nestled about 35 miles north of Milwaukee, proudly proclaims itself the birthplace of Flag Day, thanks to the dedication of a determined teacher in a humble one-room schoolhouse.
But What Is Flag Day truly about? Why does it exist, and why does a small Wisconsin town champion its recognition? Let’s delve into the story behind this often-overlooked patriotic observance.
Defining Flag Day: Commemorating the Stars and Stripes
Flag Day is a holiday that specifically honors the adoption of the flag of the United States, a symbol instantly recognizable around the globe. The date, June 14th, marks the anniversary of a pivotal moment in American history: June 14, 1777. On this day, the Continental Congress officially established the design of the nascent nation’s flag. The resolution declared: “Resolved, That the flag of the thirteen United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation.” This simple declaration laid the foundation for the iconic banner that would represent a burgeoning nation.
While the initial resolution came in the 18th century, it wasn’t until the 20th century that Flag Day gained formal recognition. In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation designating June 14th as Flag Day, lending presidential weight to the observance. Later, in 1949, President Harry S. Truman solidified its place in American law by signing Flag Day into formal observance. Adding to the week’s patriotic significance, Congress further decreed in 1966 that the week encompassing June 14th would be known as Flag Week, encouraging a week-long appreciation for the Stars and Stripes.
Flag Day vs. July 4th: Understanding the Distinction
Many might wonder, with Independence Day already heavily steeped in patriotic symbolism and flag displays, what is Flag Day’s unique purpose? David Janik, a Waubeka native and second-generation president of the National Flag Day Foundation, clarifies the distinction.
“July 4th, we’re celebrating our independence,” Janik explains. “But on Flag Day, we’re celebrating the birth of our flag, which is the symbol of our country, the symbol that is seen all around the world as the helper, the people who won’t leave you out in the cold.”
While July 4th commemorates the nation’s freedom and declaration of independence, Flag Day focuses specifically on the emblem that represents that nation. It’s a day to celebrate the flag itself as a symbol of unity, liberty, and American ideals.
Waubeka, Wisconsin: The Birthplace Claim
So, how did Waubeka, Wisconsin, become so intrinsically linked to Flag Day? The story centers around Bernard J. Cigrand, an 18-year-old teacher in 1885 at Stony Hill School, a typical one-room schoolhouse of the era. On June 14, 1885, Cigrand’s patriotic spirit led him to place a small American flag in his inkwell. He then tasked his students with a meaningful assignment: to write an essay reflecting on what the flag represented to them.
This simple act of patriotic education is considered the spark that ignited the Flag Day movement. Although Cigrand left Waubeka the following year to pursue dental school in Chicago, his passion for honoring the flag never waned. He tirelessly advocated for a national day dedicated to the American flag.
Cigrand’s dedication bore fruit in 1916 when President Wilson issued his Flag Day proclamation, realizing Cigrand’s dream of national recognition. Even after Cigrand’s death in 1932, Waubeka remained steadfast in honoring his legacy. In 1946, community leaders established Waubeka’s official Flag Day celebration, an event that has been held annually ever since, solidifying the town’s claim as the holiday’s birthplace.
Contested Origins: Other Flag Day Claims
While Waubeka’s claim is strong, history reveals other early attempts to establish Flag Day observances. One notable instance dates back to June 14, 1861, in Hartford, Connecticut. George Morris organized a patriotic commemoration on this day, featuring patriotic programs and prayers for the Union Army during the early days of the Civil War. However, this Hartford event appears to have been a one-time occurrence, without continued annual celebrations.
Pennsylvania also presents a compelling figure in the Flag Day narrative: William T. Kerr of Pittsburgh. Kerr began his advocacy for Flag Day in 1888, a few years after Cigrand’s initial schoolhouse observance. By 1889, Kerr became the national chairman of the American Flag Day Foundation, a position he held for an impressive half-century, dedicating his life to promoting the holiday. Kerr was even present alongside President Truman when the Flag Day law was signed in 1949.
Despite these other historical figures and locations, Waubeka’s claim to being the “birthplace of Flag Day” gained official recognition. David Janik recounts how his father, the late Jack Janik, actively lobbied Congress to formally acknowledge Waubeka’s role. These efforts culminated in 2004 when Congress adopted a resolution officially naming Waubeka, Wisconsin, “the birthplace of Flag Day,” acknowledging the town’s enduring dedication to the holiday.
Celebrating Flag Day: Essays and Patriotism
Waubeka’s annual Flag Day celebration is a testament to their deep-rooted patriotism. The festivities are rich with traditional American holiday elements: a parade, musical performances by bands, awards recognizing patriotism, military honor guards, and even a Flag Day-loving dog named Harlow, who, at eight years old, proudly sports a red, white, and blue boater hat during the celebrations.
Continuing Cigrand’s educational legacy, the Waubeka Flag Day celebration includes an annual essay contest, echoing the original assignment given to his students in 1885. This contest draws entries from students across the nation, from New York to Nevada and Wisconsin to Texas, reflecting a nationwide engagement with the meaning of the flag.
The essays reveal the flag’s enduring symbolism for young Americans. Neel Sood, a 4th grader from Bridgewater, New Jersey, wrote that the Stars and Stripes “represent a nation where immigrants like my grandparents are welcomed, where diversity is celebrated and where justice is present for all.” Ryan Spang, a 7th grader from Adell, Wisconsin, expressed a similar sentiment, writing that “the American flag represents unity. We are one nation, united by our similarities and differences. We support people in our communities in times of need and we cheer them on in times of achievement.” These young voices demonstrate the flag’s continued relevance and powerful meaning across generations.
Why Isn’t Flag Day a National Holiday?
Despite its official recognition and rich history, what is Flag Day in terms of national observance? It’s not a federal holiday in the same vein as Thanksgiving or Memorial Day, which typically grant Americans a day off from work and school. While Flag Day is officially recognized nationwide, government services remain open, and mail is still delivered. Pennsylvania stands as the exception, marking Flag Day as a state holiday, allowing residents to have a day off.
However, the lack of a day off doesn’t diminish the importance of Flag Day, especially in places like Waubeka. “Our passion for the flag here is very deep,” Janik emphasizes. “The flag is the symbol of our country — it symbolizes individualism, success, loss, daring, chivalry. People need a compass to guide them, and the flag is a great compass.”
Flag Day, therefore, serves as a vital reminder of the symbolism and values embodied by the American flag. It’s an opportunity to reflect on what the flag represents – a compass guiding the nation through history, embodying ideals of freedom, unity, and resilience. While it might not be a day off for most, Flag Day offers a moment to appreciate the enduring symbol of the United States and its significance in the American story.
