United States - People across the United States will celebrate Flag Day on June 14 to honor the United States flag and to commemorate the flag’s adoption.

Old Gory has changed designs over the year.  It consists of 13 equal horizontal stripes of red alternating with white, with a blue rectangle in the canton bearing 50 white five pointed stars.  Each of the 50 stars represents on of the 50 states and the 13 stripes represent the original 13 colonies that became the first states in the Union.

Flag Day falls within National Flag Week, a time when Americans reflect on the foundations of the nation’s freedom. The flag of the United States represents freedom and has been an enduring symbol of the country’s ideals since its early days.

Americans will also remember their loyalty to the nation, reaffirm their belief in liberty and justice, and observe the nation’s unity.

Many people in the United States honor this day by displaying the American flag at homes and public buildings. Other popular ways of observing this holiday include: flag-raising ceremonies; Flag Day services; school quizzes and essay competitions about the American flag; musical salutes; street parades; and awards for special recognition.

Organizations such as The National Flag Day Foundation are actively involved in coordinating activities centered on the event and keeping the flag’s traditions alive. Following Flag Day is Honor America Days, a 21-day period through to Independence Day (July 4) to honor America. During this period, people hold public gatherings and activities to celebrate and honor the nation.