May 29, 2005
By: Carissa Nakata
Website: http://www.1st-in-flags.com
US National Flag Day Observes June 14 As Flag Birthday
The Fourth of July is traditionally celebrated as
America’s birthday and as a result has become synonymous with the
American Flag. However, National Flag Day observes June 14 as Flag
Birthday, commemorating the anniversary of the official adoption of
the 'Stars and Stripes' on June 14, 1777.
The Hawaii lodges of the Benevolent Protection Order of The Elks
invites the public to a ceremony commemorating National Flag Day on
Sunday, June 13, at the Battleship Missouri
Memorial in Pearl Harbor. Memorial admission fees apply.
Boy Scout Troop #180, sponsored by the Pearl City Lodge, will
participate in the ceremonies, which will include the presentation of
the various United States flags throughout history and their
descriptions, as well as patriotic music. Following the ceremonies, the
Kailua Lodge will host a reception at the YWCA Camp Kokokahi in
Kaneohe.
For Windward Oahu residents, the Kailua Elks will provide round-trip
bus transportation from the YWCA Camp Kokokahi to the memorial.
On June 14, 1777, the Continental Congress approved the design of a
national flag, declaring that the 'Flag of the thirteen United States'
shall be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; and that the Union
shall be represented by 13 stars, white on a blue field, reminiscent of
a new constellation.
In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson issued a
presidential proclamation declaring June 14 Flag Day, but it was not
until 1949 that President Truman, who was a member of The Elks,
signed an Act of Congress designating June 14 National Flag Day.
Since 1907, all Elks Lodges have observed Flag Day throughout the
order.
The USS Missouri Memorial Association is a private Hawaii-based
501 non-profit organization designated by the Navy as caretaker
of the Battleship Missouri Memorial.
Former President George Bush is
the memorial’s honorary Chairman of the Board. The Battleship
Missouri is supported by admissions, retail and concession sales,
donations, grants, and the work of volunteers.
The association was
formed in 1994 and includes a cross-section of leaders from Hawaii’s
business, civic, political, and retired military communities.
Also see:
Yemen Flag
About
The Author:
Carissa Nakata is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.1st-in-flags.com.
The flags of the world are symbols of recognition full of beauty and color for each country.
